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Southwest California Millions Sweepstakes is Back - for Non-CA Residents Too
Katherine Fan
Contributor
Katherine Fan is a former senior travel features reporter at The Points Guy who covered everything from personal finance to travel and aviation.
March 12, 2018
•
7 min read
Southwest California Millions Sweepstakes is Back - for Non-CA Residents Too
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Once again, Southwest Airlines is giving away 50 million Rapid Rewards points to a handful of lucky California residents... and a little bit of LUV to the rest of us outside the Golden State.
The California Millions Sweepstakes begins today, March 12, and continues for the next 30 days until April 10 at 11:58pm PT. Interested eligible contestants can participate in several ways:
Register — To get started, submit your name, valid email address, Rapid Rewards account number and zip code at www.SWACaliforniaMillions.com
Daily Sweepstakes — Registered participants will automatically be entered into a daily drawing for points prizes. There are 2 "million-dollar days": March 12 and April 10, marking the beginning and end dates for the sweepstakes, respectively. The second-prize amount is 750,000 points on March 26, followed by two 500,000-point days on March 19 and April 2. One lucky winner will win 85,000 points on March 28, while 24 other recipients will each win 20,000 points for every remaining day of the contest.
| March 12, 2018 | 1,000,000 | 1 | $13,500.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
March 13, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 14, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 15, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 16, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 17, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 18, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 19, 2018 | 500,000 | 1 | $6,750.00 |
March 20, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 21, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 22, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 23, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 24, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 25, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 26, 2018 | 750,000 | 1 | $10,125.00 |
March 27, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 28, 2018 | 85,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 29, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 30, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
March 31, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 1, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 2, 2018 | 500,000 | 1 | $6,750.00 |
April 3, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 4, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 5, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 6, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 7, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 8, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 9, 2018 | 20,000 | 1 | $270.00 |
April 10, 2018 | 1,000,000 | 1 | $13,500.00 |
Instant Win Game Functionality/Prizes — Another way to win points during the next 30 days is through Instant Win Game prizes. These are randomly time-seeded prizes throughout the promotion period, which will be awarded to the person who plays on or after the time the prize is randomly seeded. See the chart below for a reference point on how many points you could win:
| 1,000 | 7,650 | $13.50 |
|---|---|---|
2,500 | 2,700 | $33.75 |
5,000 | 1,350 | $67.50 |
7,500 | 600 | $101.25 |
10,000 | 300 | $135.00 |
In-Person Prizes – In addition to these two options for winning Southwest points, you can enter to win points or branded Southwest by spinning a prize wheel at seven in-person events scattered across California:
| 22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Old Sacramento 1002 2nd Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | March 17 at 10am | March 17 at 5pm |
|---|---|---|---|
San Pedro Square | 87 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110 | March 24 at 12pm | March 24 at 7pm |
San Pedro Square | 87 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110 | March 25 at 12pm | March 25 at 7pm |
East Village Opening Day Block Party | East Village Sixth Ave & J St San Diego, CA 92101 | March 30 at 2pm | March 30 at 8pm |
East Village Opening Day Block Party | East Village Sixth Ave & J St San Diego, CA 92101 | March 31 at 12pm | March 31 at 7pm |
First Friday Street Festival | 2414 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612 | April 6 at 5pm | April 6 at 9pm |
Smorgasburg LA | 785 Bay St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 | April 8 at 10am | April 8 at 5pm |
Additional information for in-person contest rules can be found here.
Instagram Contest — Finally, Southwest is offering a social media promotion where five lucky travelers will win 20,000 points by posting a photo "consistent with the theme" and using the hashtags #californiamillions and #contestentry.
The Contest begins on March 15, 2018 at 12 am Pacific time, and ends on April 5, 2018 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT. There will be five entry periods:
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| 1 | March 15 | March 15 | March 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
2 | March 18 | March 18 | March 19 |
3 | March 22 | March 22 | March 26 |
4 | March 29 | March 29 | April 2 |
5 | April 5 | April 5 | April 9 |
Instagram contest submissions will be judged on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality (20%);
- Entertaining (25%);
- Southwest Appeal - reflects fun Culture and Fun-LUVing Attitude (35%); and
- Fit to Contest Theme (20%).
Once an Instagram winner has been selected for an entry period, that same contestant is no longer eligible to enter and/or win a prize for any subsequent entry period.
For this giveaway, Southwest is valuing its Rapid Rewards points at 1.35 cents apiece, slightly below TPG's valuation of 1.5 cents.
As for where 1 million miles can get you, it depends on the cost of paid airfare since Southwest has a revenue-based award pricing system. However, based on sample award rates for round-trip travel from New York to Las Vegas, you could book 38 round-trips with this haul of points.
If you don't live in CA, no worries — the airline has some LUV for you too. US residents who do not live in Alaska; California; Hawaii; or Puerto Rico can apply to win 100,000 points through this form. The airline will select one random winner from amongst all eligible entries on or around April 23, who will be notified by email or phone within 72 hours.
This isn't Southwest's first special benefit for CA residents. Last November, Southwest offered its coveted Companion Pass for California-based travelers, available after just one single purchase.
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Best for dining at restaurants
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Rewards
1 - 4X points
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Annual Fee
$325
Recommended Credit
Excellent to Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.