Southwest Credit Cards Raise Welcome Offers to as Much as 90,000 Points for a Limited Time
New Southwest cardholders can earn larger bonuses this holiday season, and this may be one of the last chances for those points to help toward a Companion Pass. Here is what to und
Quick answer: Southwest's co-branded credit cards are offering higher-than-usual welcome bonuses for new cardholders, reaching up to 90,000 points depending on the card. The offers are temporary. NerdWallet reports that this round may be a final opportunity for card bonus points to count toward the Companion Pass. Confirm the exact amounts, spending requirements, annual fees, and deadlines on the issuer's offer page before you apply.
What's changed
Southwest has increased the sign-up bonuses on its credit card lineup in time for the holiday season. The top offer reaches 90,000 points. Bonuses on other cards in the family may be lower. These boosted offers are limited-time promotions, so they can end or change without much notice.
The timing is significant. According to the report, points earned from these welcome offers may be among the last card bonuses that count toward Southwest's Companion Pass. Frequent Southwest flyers have long used card bonuses as a shortcut to that perk.
How welcome offers and the Companion Pass fit together
A welcome offer usually works like this. You open a new card and spend a set amount within a set window, often the first few months. You then receive a lump sum of points. Southwest points can be redeemed for flights.
The Companion Pass lets a designated companion fly with you for just taxes and fees on flights you book, for a defined period. You qualify by earning a set number of qualifying points or flying a set number of qualifying flights within a calendar year. Historically, card welcome bonuses have counted toward the points threshold. That is why a large bonus can cover much of the requirement.
- Check the current threshold. Southwest sets and can change the Companion Pass requirements, so look up the current figure.
- Check when points post. When the bonus lands can affect which calendar year it counts toward, and how long the pass could last.
- Check eligibility rules. Issuers often limit bonuses if you currently hold a Southwest card or received a bonus on one recently.
Example scenario
The numbers below are hypothetical and only illustrate the math. They are not the actual offer terms.
- A traveler opens a card with a 90,000-point bonus and meets the spending requirement. Assume that spending earns about 5,000 base points.
- That puts the traveler at about 95,000 qualifying points.
- If the Companion Pass threshold were 135,000 points, the traveler would still need about 40,000 more from flights, other card spending, or eligible partners within the same calendar year.
Even if the traveler never reaches the pass, 95,000 points could cover several domestic flights. Value per point varies with fares and routes. Subtract the card's annual fee from whatever value you expect to get.
Alternatives and next steps
- Compare the Southwest cards side by side. Look at the bonus amount, minimum spend, annual fee, and ongoing perks for each card.
- Be realistic about the spending requirement. Only pursue a bonus if you can meet it with purchases you were already going to make and can pay off in full. Interest charges can quickly cancel out the rewards.
- Consider flexible travel cards. If you don't fly Southwest often, a general travel rewards card may suit you better. Some of these cards let you transfer points to several airlines.
- Think about your credit. A new application usually triggers a hard inquiry and adds a new account. Both can affect your credit profile, which matters if you plan to apply for a large loan soon.
Bottom line
The boosted Southwest offers are among the larger bonuses this airline's cards have offered. The possible link to the Companion Pass makes them especially relevant for frequent Southwest flyers. The offers are temporary and the terms matter, so read the fine print before deciding whether one fits your travel habits and budget.
FAQ
How long will the higher offers last?
They are described as limited-time offers. Check the issuer's application page for the current end date, since promotions can change.
Do these bonus points still count toward the Companion Pass?
According to the NerdWallet report, this may be a final chance for card bonus points to count. Confirm the current qualifying rules with Southwest before you rely on that.
Can I get the bonus if I already have a Southwest card?
Possibly not. Eligibility restrictions are common. Review the offer terms for rules about current cardholders and recent bonus recipients.
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