The situation has significantly improved, with reward packages growing from mediocre to substantial. Your commitment to flying with Southwest Airlines directly influences the magnitude of the benefits. Your Southwest credit cards will significantly provide greater value the more you fly with the airline, albeit at higher annual fees. The benefits received, however, provide frequent flyers with ample opportunities to offset these costs. It is essential to comprehend the variety of available options, the associated fees, and the perks each Southwest credit card companion passes before applying.

Southwest Card

Individual consumers can obtain one of three unique Southwest co-branded credit cards. Annual fees and benefits are distinct for each card. For example, foreign transactions incur costs, and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Cards offer minimal perks for cardholders. Despite having the lowest annual fee of $69, these cards impose such charges. In contrast, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priorit0y of Southwest Airlines credit card provides a more extensive array of perks in exchange for a yearly fee of $149, rendering it a more appealing choice for individuals who travel frequently.

An annual EarlyBird check-in and an increased reward of 6,000-anniversary points are granted, augmenting the overall travel experience. The opportunity to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $10,000 spent is a notable feature for frequent travelers; this threshold will be reduced to $5,000 in 2024. Annually, $99 is assessed for the card.

Limitations with Southwest Credit Cards

Several restrictions must be met to maintain multiple personal Southwest credit cards. Notably, the number of cards opened within the previous 24 months is evaluated by Chase, the issuer, as part of your recent credit history. Additionally, one's eligibility may be impacted by prior possession of a particular card. The possibility exists of obtaining multiple Southwest cards; nevertheless, doing so could result in losing the welcome bonus, a substantial incentive for certain individuals. Practical advice is to apply for a Southwest credit card and evaluate your eligibility based on the response, given that the eligibility requirements are individualized.

The criteria for concurrently possessing a small-business card branded by Southwest have been relaxed, improving business owners' confidence. The qualification process can be clarified by comprehending Chase's 5/24 rule. Certain Southwest cards allow cardholders to accumulate bonus points of up to 80,000. By comparing the available options, it is prudent to distinguish the Southwest Airlines business credit card that best meets your requirements.

Earning Structure of Rapid Rewards

Due to the possibility of accumulating points on Southwest Airlines credit card purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards program captivates many. There is comparable earning potential for all three variations of the card. To be more precise, cardholders are eligible to receive double points on expenditures associated with partner hotels and car rental agencies, local transportation (including ride-hailing services), and select digital services (including internet, cable, mobile phone, and specific streaming platforms).

Each dollar spent on all other types of purchases is worth one point. Spending on Southwest Airlines, however, reveals the true distinction. Upgrades to the Premier and Priority tiers of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card result in a threefold increase to the point value awarded for such purchases. This tiered structure, especially for frequent Southwest customers, means that selecting the appropriate Southwest Airlines credit card can substantially affect the rewards accumulated. To maximize the benefits associated with each card, it is vital to comprehend these subtleties.

Evaluating the Worth of Southwest Points

It is crucial to comprehend the actual value of Rapid Rewards points before considering building up a balance with a new Southwest credit card. Southwest Rapid Rewards deviates from its competitors by not utilizing a fixed award chart. In contrast, the point value required to book a flight is proportional to its dollar fare, which is subject to variation due to considerations such as travel time, destination, and overall demand—the requirement for redemption of points increases in tandem with the cash cost of a flight.

Securing the Southwest Companion Pass

Numerous frequent flyers regard the Southwest Companion Pass as an exceptionally desirable perk. Whether you have paid in cash or points, it grants you the privilege of bringing a companion on any flight; you are solely responsible for the taxes associated with the companion's ticket. Acquiring a Companion Pass entitles one to use it for the entire year and the following year, not just a few single trips.

But to obtain this pass, one must satisfy substantial requirements. Achieving 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points or completing 100 qualifying flight segments is required within a calendar year. The fact that points accumulated via Southwest's co-branded credit cards, encompassing sign-up bonuses, are applied towards this threshold is a relief for numerous individuals. The Companion Pass is occasionally given away as a welcome bonus with these credit cards.

Extra Advantages Worth Considering

Verifying additional perks, particularly those associated with purchases and travel, is essential before selecting a credit card. Consider, for example, the Southwest Airlines credit card issued by Southwest Airlines. Rental car insurance, if available? Undoubtedly so. Automobile collision damage is waived for each of the three Southwest credit cards. This entails theft and collision damage coverage, but only after your primary auto insurance has been fully paid.

Along with that, Southwest credit cardholders get many benefits. Delayed or lost baggage insurance, extended warranty protection, and purchase protection are included. Purchase protection was valued by 59% of American Southwest Airlines business credit card users in 2022. Southwest's 2021 baggage handling report showed 75% customer satisfaction, demonstrating its customer-centricity. Credit card benefits are valuable based on these numbers.

Understanding the Approval Waiting Period

Are you concerned about the approval process for a Southwest credit card companion pass? Before you apply, the timeline remains uncertain. Certain candidates are granted immediate approval, whereas others may be required to endure a period of delay. Your application is currently being reviewed if you receive an email expressing appreciation for your interest but not confirming approval. Typically, seven to ten days of waiting occurs in such circumstances. You may contact Chase directly at 1-800-935-9935 to know your status beforehand. A bank may occasionally require further time to authenticate your furnished information.