UPDATE: This offer has expired. You can see the current credit card offers here.
I’ve posted about the Southwest Airlines credit card before (many times before actually) as they often have an enhanced sign on bonus, and luckily that 50,000 point offer after meeting the minimum spend requirements (of $2,000 within the first 3 months) is back for all four of their credit cards (2 personal and 2 business). As a reference, when this card does not have a “Limited Time Offer” it is typically 25,000 points after meeting the minimum spend requirements (which changes each time). With this offer, you are also able to be one step closer to earning the Southwest companion pass (keep on reading if you have no idea what I am talking about).
If you’ve been following this blog you know that I am a huge fan of Southwest! One of the main reasons is due to the Companion Pass where a companion can fly with you for free (plus $2.50 taxes per segment). This is not a one time companion pass, but unlimited usage! It lasts for the entire calendar year it is earned plus the following calendar year. You can read more about getting the Southwest Companion pass by applying for the credit cards here. Keep in mind though, if you are already a card holder, Chase will only allow you to have two Southwest credit cards. Additionally, in the terms they state you are only eligible for the new bonus two years after closing your card. But your experience might differ!
There are a total of four Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards – currently ALL of them have the same 50,000 points offer when you spend $2,000 spend within 3 month. You can apply for the Southwest card here and navigate through the page to apply for the specific offer you are interested in. Just remember, the cards have different annual fees and bonus points after each year.
What is 50,000 Points Worth?
For those who are new to Southwest, 50,000 points is a cut and dry $833.33 towards future “Wanna Getaway” travel fares. Southwest is a fixed earning and redemption program. Now, if you apply for two Southwest cards that will give you $1,666.66 towards travel. The reason I mention applying for two Southwest credit cards with this offer is that the 50,000 points per card qualifies towards reaching companion pass status.
How to get the Southwest Companion Pass
You need a total of 110,000 Qualifying points and then the companion pass is yours. As mentioned, you get 50,000 points per credit card offer after meeting the minimum spend requirements. You can earn the remaining Qualifying Points with credit card spend, Rapid Reward partners (i.e, Marriott, Avis, Hyatt), and flying Southwest.
Here are some prior posts to learn more about the perks of the companion pass and these credit card offers:
Feel free to comment below if you have any more questions about the credit card or the program. I personally LOVE my Southwest companion pass and have had it for 4-5 years now. I’ve used it plenty for my husband, sister, and mom to fly with me for free. This has saved me thousands of dollars. While I know many people are anti-Southwest, I personally find Southwest one of the most flexible programs for domestic travel. Yes, if international travel is your thing than this program is definitely not up your ally, but for domestic travel I give it two thumbs up!
Southwest Credit Card to Help Earn the Companion Pass: You can apply for the Southwest card here and navigate through the page to apply for the specific offer you are interested in. Just remember, the cards have different annual fees and bonus points after each year. ALL of them have the same bonus offer after meeting the minimum spend requirements.
Disclosure: These post contains affiliate links – this is a card I personally have and advocate as it is a great offer and I LOVE the companion pass!
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
When you mentioned Chase allows two southwest cards per person, do you mean applying to two cards, one premier and one plus, on the same day, or one personal and one business on the same day? I was hoping this offer would come a little later because the last time I applied for two credit cards was on August 1. Thanks for sharing!
I’m curious where you learned of the bonus eligibility being for card holders who have closed their old cards over 2 years ago. In the T&C it says the info below:
This one-time bonus offer is valid only for first-time Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Credit Card cardmembers with new accounts. Previous and existing Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card cardmembers/accounts are not eligible for this bonus offer. Note: the bonus may be earned on one first-time personal and one first-time business Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card new account.
Seems to me people can only get the bonus once in their life, is this true?
@Carey – While I can’t speak from personal experience, with Chase cards you can typically earn the same bonus two years after you’ve closed the card.
Just curious – we currently have 38,020 points available towards the companion pass. If we apply for this card – we will get another 50,000 which would bring us to a total of 88,020 points. That leaves us about 21,908 points short of the needed 110,000. Any suggestions on how to get the remaining points needed?
@karen – 1) You can spend $21,908 on your credit card (probably not ideal!), 2) Transfer points from partner programs, 3) Use the Southwest online shopping portal