How to earn Southwest points with the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal
Editor's Note
One of the biggest misconceptions for people new to the loyalty world is that the only way to earn points and miles is by flying an airline regularly or carrying an airline credit card. But did you know you can earn points or miles for future travel from the comfort of your living room by adding one simple step to your online shopping routine?
This simple step is to visit an online shopping portal and click through to your merchant instead of going directly to your merchant's website. Most major airlines offer a shopping portal. But in this guide, I'll discuss how you can earn points on online purchases with the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Shopping portal.
What is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal?
You can earn points at hundreds of merchants through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal.
If you already have a Southwest Rapids Rewards account, you only need to sign in to the portal with the same username and password you use when booking flights. Then, you can use the search box to find your favorite stores or products. You can also compare prices and earning rates. Remember to look for stores offering higher-than-usual earning rates, featured deals or special offers.
After you've selected your merchant, click on the store, product or offer, and the portal will redirect you to the store's website. The store will alert the portal when you've made a purchase, and it will add points to your Southwest account. You'll receive an email to confirm when your points have been posted, which can take up to 15 days.
Related: How to redeem your points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program
Earning rates through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal
You'll find hundreds of stores in the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal. Earning rates for each merchant change frequently, but you'll usually see earning rates that range from 1 point per dollar to 20 points per dollar. Some merchants offer fixed points per eligible purchase, such as this 1,200-point offer for your first month of a paid TrustedHousesitters subscription.
Consider clicking the heart next to some of your favorite merchants. Once you do so, Southwest will email you when your favorite merchants offer higher-than-usual earning rates.
You can also search for a specific item or brand by clicking "Find a store or product" at the top of the page and typing in your request. Results should load as you type, so click on the most appealing result. For example, if I were in the market for a new Keurig, I could enter "Keurig."
I could shop through keurig.com, which currently offers 2 points per dollar. But, if Black Rifle Coffee Company offered the type of Keurig I wanted, I could earn 3 points per dollar on my purchase.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal calculates earnings based on the net amount of your eligible purchases. As such, you won't earn points on taxes, special handling charges, returns, freight costs, shipping costs or unshipped products.
Related: How to snag the best seats on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal promotions
In addition to the standard earning rates, shopping portals like Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping frequently run promotions to incentivize you to shop. Sometimes, these promotions are for specific merchants.
However, sometimes, the promotions are site-wide and apply to purchases you make with various merchants. Bookmark our permanent page for airline shopping portal promotions to learn about these offers as they occur throughout the year. Many of the best shopping portal promotions occur around the back-to-school season and Black Friday.
Related: I was anti-Southwest until I got one of its credit cards — now I'm a convert
Earn Southwest Companion Pass-qualifying points
If you're working toward earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal is an easy way to earn more qualifying points.
You must earn 135,000 qualifying points or take 100 flights in a calendar year to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. But once you have the pass, you can bring a friend or family member on paid and award tickets for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, count as Companion Pass-qualifying points. However, if a Rapid Rewards Shopping portal offer says it earns "bonus points," these points won't be Companion Pass-qualifying points.
Related: 15 lessons from 15 years of having the Southwest Companion Pass
Best credit cards to use with Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping
You'll usually want to use one of the best cards for online shopping for purchases once you click through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal. But using a Southwest credit card can make sense if you're trying to earn the Southwest Companion Pass or earn Southwest points for an upcoming redemption.
Whatever card you choose, check which credit card merchant offers you are eligible for if you want to maximize your purchases even further. These programs give cardholders discounts or rewards when they make purchases with specific merchants, and you can potentially stack multiple offers.
Related: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards
Tips for using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal
Using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal is relatively straightforward. But here are a few essential things to keep in mind:
- Click through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal website link and then purchase from the page that loads. Don't navigate away and return later, as then you may not earn Southwest points on your purchase.
- Ensure your web browser allows cookies. These cookies allow the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal to "track" your purchase and award points accordingly.
- Only use promotions or discount codes found on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping portal. If you use other promotions or discounts, your purchase may become ineligible to earn points through Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping.
- Read the restrictions in the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal for your specific merchant. Many merchants won't count gift cards as eligible purchases, and some exclude certain products.
You can download the Rapid Rewards Shopping browser extension to remind you anytime you're shopping on a website where you can earn Southwest points or get a discount. But if you prefer to compare your earning options, you should consider using a shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor. Shopping portal aggregators let you quickly compare earning rates for a specific merchant across various online shopping portals.
Related: The beginners guide to airline shopping portals: How to earn bonus points and miles
Bottom line
The Rapid Rewards Shopping portal is a quick and easy way to earn Southwest Airlines points when you make online purchases with your favorite merchants. You can rack up points on your everyday spending, from clothes to shoes to electronics. Even if you only earn an extra point or 2 for every dollar you spend, these earnings can quickly add up and put you closer to your next Southwest award flight.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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.