All the Ways to Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

Earning Points by Flying Southwest

The most direct way to earn Rapid Rewards points is by flying Southwest. When you book a paid Southwest flight, you'll earn points based on the fare type you purchase. The higher the fare class, the more points you earn per dollar spent.

As of 2026, the earning rates are as follows: Basic earns 2 points per dollar, Choice earns 6 points per dollar, Choice Preferred earns 10 points per dollar, and Choice Extra earns 14 points per dollar. These rates apply to the base fare and may also apply to taxes and fees, but it's best to check the official terms for specifics.

If you have elite status, you'll earn a bonus on top of the base points. A-List members earn a 25% bonus, and A-List Preferred members earn a 100% bonus on points earned from flying. This can significantly accelerate your point accumulation.

Sources: Southwest Airlines, NerdWallet, Daily Drop, The Points Guy

Earning Points with Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest credit cards are a powerful way to earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday spending. The earning rates vary by card, but all of them allow you to earn points on Southwest purchases and common spending categories.

The table below summarizes the current earning rates for the most popular Southwest credit cards. Each card also offers sign-up bonuses and other benefits, but the rates shown are for ongoing spending.

When using a Southwest credit card, you also earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) based on your spending, which count toward elite status and the Companion Pass. For consumer cards, you earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent.

Sources: Chase, NerdWallet, Southwest Airlines, The Points Guy

Earning Points Through Partner Programs

Beyond flights and credit cards, you can earn Rapid Rewards points by using partner programs for everyday activities like dining, shopping, car rentals, and hotel stays.

The Rapid Rewards Dining program lets you earn up to 3 points per dollar at participating restaurants when you link your card and dine at eligible eateries. Similarly, the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal offers up to 5 points per dollar at various online retailers, but the rate varies by store.

You can also earn points through travel partners such as Marriott Bonvoy, Alamo, and Hertz. When you book eligible stays or rentals with these partners, you can accumulate Rapid Rewards points. The exact earning structure depends on the partner and the specific offer.

Additionally, you can transfer points from certain bank rewards programs at a 1:1 ratio. Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards points can be transferred to Rapid Rewards, giving you another way to boost your balance if you have those cards.

Sources: Bankrate, NerdWallet, The Points Guy

Earning Points from Other Sources

Southwest offers a few other ways to earn Rapid Rewards points that aren't tied to flying or traditional partners. For example, you can purchase points directly from Southwest. Points can be purchased in blocks of 500 or 1,000, with a minimum purchase of 2,000 points and a daily maximum of 60,000 points. This can be useful if you're close to an award.

You can also earn points with the Rapid Rewards Debit Card, which is a separate product from the credit cards. It earns 1 point per dollar on eligible Southwest purchases and qualifying dining and subscription services, such as cable, internet, phone, streaming, utilities, and insurance. For all other qualifying purchases, you earn 1 point per $2 spent. The debit card also offers an annual spend bonus of up to 7,500 points based on your annual card spend.

It's important to note that Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains active. This means you can accumulate points over time without worrying about losing them, as long as you keep your account in good standing.

Sources: Southwest Airlines, NerdWallet

Strategies to Maximize Point Earning

To earn points faster, consider combining multiple earning methods. For example, use a Southwest credit card for all Southwest purchases to earn points on the fare itself, and then also earn points on the flight. This way, you're earning at both the fare rate and the card rate.

Another strategy is to take advantage of bonus categories. If you have the Rapid Rewards Premier card, you can earn 2 points per dollar on gas and restaurant purchases up to $8,000 per year. Using that card for those purchases can quickly add up.

Don't forget to link your dining and shopping accounts before making purchases. Many people miss out on points because they don't activate the offers before shopping online or dining out.

If you have status, your bonus can accelerate earning further. For example, an A-List Preferred member flying on a Choice fare would earn 10 points per dollar plus a 100% bonus, for a total of 20 points per dollar.

Finally, watch for limited-time bonus opportunities. Southwest occasionally offers promotions for extra points on certain activities. Sign up for email notifications to stay informed.

Sources: Southwest Airlines, NerdWallet, The Points Guy