Southwest Credit Card FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Card Basics

Southwest credit cards are issued by Chase and are linked to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Each card earns Rapid Rewards points on purchases, which can be redeemed for flights and other rewards. The three main consumer cards—Plus, Premier, and Priority—have different earning rates and benefit structures.

When you use your card for purchases, points are credited to your Rapid Rewards account after your statement cycle closes. This timing affects when you see points appear in your account.

• Southwest credit cards are issued by Chase.
• Points earned on purchases post to your Rapid Rewards account within 30 days after the statement cycle date.
• Only the primary cardholder can transfer points to a Rapid Rewards account.

Sources: Chase

Rewards and Points

Each Southwest credit card has its own earning structure, so the number of points you earn per dollar varies by card and category. For example, the Priority card earns more on Southwest purchases than the Plus or Premier, while all cards earn bonus points in select categories and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Points from your credit card purchases are added to your Rapid Rewards account after the statement cycle closes, generally within 30 days. Once in your Rapid Rewards account, these points can be used for flights with no blackout dates.

To understand the full terms of point expiration and program rules, consult the official Rapid Rewards program terms on Southwest.com.

• Priority Card: Earn 4 points per $1 on Southwest purchases, 2 points per $1 on gas stations and restaurants, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Premier Card: Earn 3 points per $1 on Southwest purchases, 2 points per $1 on grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases each year, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Plus Card: Earn 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases, 2 points per $1 on gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases each year, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Sources: Chase

Benefits and Perks

Southwest credit cards offer benefits beyond everyday point earning, including the ability to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List status and access to an annual Companion Pass qualifying points boost.

For example, Priority and Premier cardholders earn TQPs based on their annual spending, which can help them reach elite status faster. Additionally, eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers can earn a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year.

Remember that purchases must post to your account by the December statement closing date to count toward Companion Pass qualification for that calendar year.

• Priority Card: Earn 2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 in purchases each year, with no limit.
• Premier Card: Earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 in purchases each year, with no limit.
• Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers can earn 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points as an annual boost.
• The December statement closing date is the cutoff for purchases to count toward Companion Pass for that calendar year.

Sources: Chase

Fees and Payments

Understanding the fees and payment terms associated with your Southwest credit card can help you avoid unexpected charges. Cash advances, for example, typically incur fees and interest that begin accruing immediately.

When you make a cash advance, the interest starts on the day you withdraw the money, and the cash advance may have a separate credit limit that is lower than your overall limit. Be aware of these terms before using your card for cash.

For payment questions, you can manage your account online through Chase. Log in to view your statement, make a payment, and see your payment due date. If you have questions about a specific fee or payment, contact Chase customer service for assistance.

• Interest on cash advances starts as soon as the money is withdrawn.
• Cash advances may have a separate, lower credit limit than the overall credit limit.
• Log in to your Chase account to manage payments and view your statement.

Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Chase

Account Management

Managing your Southwest credit card account involves tasks like viewing statements, making payments, and disputing charges. You can do all of this online through your Chase account.

If you need assistance, Chase provides multiple contact options. For urgent issues, calling is fastest; for non-urgent questions, you can use secure email through your online account, and Chase typically responds within 4 hours.

• To reach Chase customer service: 1-800-792-0001 (U.S.) or 1-302-594-8200 (outside the U.S.).
• Mail correspondence to Chase Card Services, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850.
• Chase responds to secure email messages within 4 hours.
• Cardholders can dispute a charge online by logging into their Chase account.

Sources: Chase

Troubleshooting and Customer Service

If you encounter issues with your card, such as a lost or stolen card or unauthorized charges, it's important to act quickly. For lost or stolen cards, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report it before the card is used.

For other problems like missing points or billing errors, you can log in to your Chase account to send a secure message or call the customer service number. The representative can assist with disputes, point inquiries, and general account questions.

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately to avoid liability for unauthorized charges.
• Log in to your Chase account to send a secure message or initiate a dispute.
• Call 1-800-792-0001 for account issues or questions.

Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Chase