Earn 85,000 Points with Southwest’s New Welcome Offers

For frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card has always been an excellent way to rack up points toward travel rewards. Now, with welcome bonuses offering up to 85,000 points, it may be the perfect time to add one of these cards to your wallet.

But, as with any significant credit card decision, timing is everything. Should you apply now, or wait for the right moment to maximize your benefits?

Let’s dive into Southwest’s latest credit card offerings, including both personal and business options, and explore whether now is the best time to apply.

Southwest’s Current 85,000 Point Welcome Offers

Southwest’s personal credit cards are offering 85,000 bonus points for new cardholders who meet the spending requirements within the first three months of opening an account. These offers are some of the best we’ve seen, and with a reasonable spending threshold of $3,000, it’s an enticing opportunity for both frequent and occasional travelers.

Key Personal Credit Cards with 85,000 Point Bonuses:

1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: $69
   • Best For: Beginners and infrequent travelers
   • Bonus: Earn 85,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
   • Earning Rates:
     • 2 points per dollar on local transit (including Uber, Lyft)
     • 2 points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
     • 2 points on Southwest purchases
     • 1 point per dollar on everything else
   • Perks: Two EarlyBird check-ins annually and a 3,000-point anniversary bonus
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: $99
   • Best For: Regular Southwest flyers
   • Bonus: 85,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
   • Earning Rates:
     • 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases
     • 2 points on local transit, phone services, streaming
     • 1 point per dollar on everything else
   • Perks: Two EarlyBird check-ins, 6,000-point anniversary bonus, no foreign transaction fees, unlimited Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) earning of 1,500 for each $5,000 spent annually
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: $149
   • Best For: Southwest loyalists who want travel perks
   • Bonus: 85,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
   • Earning Rates:
     • 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases
     • 2 points on transit, streaming, internet, and cable
     • 1 point per dollar on everything else
   • Perks: $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 7,500-point anniversary bonus, 4 upgraded boardings per year, and unlimited TQP earning

Maximizing Points for the Companion Pass

Southwest’s Companion Pass is one of the most coveted perks in the airline industry, allowing cardholders to bring a designated companion on every Southwest flight—both paid and award tickets—for just the cost of taxes and fees.

While it typically requires 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year or 100 qualifying one-way flights, the welcome bonus points from Southwest credit cards count toward this total.

Timing is Key:
If you’re aiming for a Companion Pass valid through 2025 and 2026, you may want to wait until early October to apply. By strategically completing the spending requirements after your December statement date, your bonus points can land in January—giving you two full years of Companion Pass access.

Southwest Business Cards: Perfect for Entrepreneurs

In addition to personal cards, Southwest also offers compelling bonuses on its business credit cards, making them an excellent option for business owners who travel frequently.

Key Southwest Business Credit Cards:

1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: $99
   • Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
   • Earning Rates:
     • 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases
     • 2 points on local transit, commuting, and Rapid Rewards partners
     • 1 point per dollar on everything else
   • Perks: 6,000-point anniversary bonus, no foreign transaction fees, Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List elite status
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: $199
   • Bonus: 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
   • Earning Rates:
     • 4 points per dollar on Southwest purchases
     • 3 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
     • 2 points per dollar on advertising, internet, and cable
     • 1 point per dollar on everything else
   • Perks: 9,000-point anniversary bonus, 4 upgraded boardings annually, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits per year

Is Now the Best Time to Apply?

The current 85,000 point bonuses offer a compelling reason to apply, especially for those already loyal to Southwest or looking to travel more frequently. However, if your primary goal is to secure a Companion Pass for two years, you may want to time your application so that the bonus points land in January 2024, extending the duration of this perk.

By combining a personal card with a business card, you can quickly earn enough points to qualify for the Companion Pass, which allows you to bring along a travel buddy for nearly two years at no additional fare cost.

Final Thoughts: A Great Opportunity for Southwest Travelers

With up to 85,000 bonus points on the table, these limited-time Southwest credit card offers are some of the best we’ve seen. Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking to boost your Rapid Rewards balance or planning to snag a Companion Pass, the current bonuses provide a golden opportunity to make the most of your Southwest travel experience.