The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
New Southwest credit card offers: Earn up to 90,000 points
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
also contributed to this story
October 27, 2026 • 11 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Southwest Airlines is offering strong welcome bonuses on its personal and business cobranded cards, providing a significant opportunity to boost Rapid Rewards balances.
Applicants approved by Dec. 2 can count their welcome bonus points toward Companion Pass qualification, even if those points post in 2027.
The right card depends on travel frequency and desired perks, with options ranging from basic benefits for occasional flyers to enhanced perks for frequent travelers.
Upcoming changes in 2027 will affect how points from these cards count toward elite status and Companion Pass qualification.
What to consider
To qualify for the Companion Pass using welcome bonus points, approval must occur by Dec. 2 and spending requirements must be met, even if points post in 2027.
Annual fees and benefits vary, so travelers should assess which perks align with their travel habits before applying.
Starting in 2027, all Southwest cobranded cards will earn 1 tier-qualifying point per dollar spent, impacting status and Companion Pass strategies.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of each card's perks, bonus values and which option best matches your Southwest travel patterns.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Those approved by Dec. 2 can still count their welcome bonus points toward Companion Pass qualification after meeting the spending requirements — even if those points post in 2027. Once they qualify, they'll enjoy a Companion Pass through the end of 2027.
Let’s take a look at the current welcome bonuses on Southwest’s personal and business credit cards.
Comparison of the Southwest card welcome offers
Here's a look at the Southwest welcome offers at first glance:
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
$750
$149
*Welcome offer value is based on TPG's October 2026 valuations.
Southwest personal cards
Whether you fly Southwest just a couple of times each year or it’s your exclusive airline, consider one of the carrier's cobranded credit cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Best for: Southwest loyalists who can take advantage of day-of-travel perks
Annual fee: $229
Welcome bonus: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The points offered in this bonus are worth $1,125, according to TPG's valuations. While not the strongest offer we've seen in the card's history, it does meet our threshold for when to apply.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Dec. 31, 2027)
4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants, with no annual cap
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
Preferred seat selection at booking (when available)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually (through 2026)
Earn 2,500 tier-qualifying points for each $5,000 spent annually toward status (through 2026), then earn 1 TQP per dollar spent (from 2027)
Unlimited upgrades to extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of departure at no charge (when available)
Welcome bonus: Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
According to TPG's valuations, the points are worth $1,063. This is one of the strongest offers we've seen on the card, so now is a great time to apply.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
3 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027)
2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and restaurants each anniversary year (on the first $8,000 in combined spending)
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
One promotional 15% flight discount each anniversary year (excludes Basic fares)
Preferred seat selection 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually (through 2026)
Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent annually toward status (through 2026), then earn 1 TQP per dollar spent (from 2027)
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
According to TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $1,000. While we've seen higher bonuses on this card, this offer meets our threshold for when to apply.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year (on the first $5,000 in combined spending) and on Southwest purchases
2 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027)
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
One promotional 10% flight discount each anniversary year (excludes Basic fares)
Standard seat selection 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually (through 2026)
If you qualify for a business credit card and fly Southwest frequently, consider one of the carrier's cobranded business cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Best for: Business owners who are loyal Southwest flyers
Annual fee: $299
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
This offer is worth $1,000, based on TPG's valuations. This is the standard welcome offer we see on this card, so if you can, we'd recommend waiting in order to get a larger stash of points.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Dec. 31, 2027)
4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
2 points per dollar spent on commuting and local transit, at gas stations and restaurants (no annual cap) and on hotel stays booked directly
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
Preferred seat selection at booking (when available)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually (through 2026)
Earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent annually (through 2026), then earn 1 TQP per dollar spent (from 2027)
Unlimited upgrades to an extra-legroom seat 48 hours prior to departure at no charge (when available)
Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus credit (every 4 years)
Best for: Business owners who fly Southwest regularly
Annual fee: $149
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
This offer is worth $750, according to TPG's valuations. This is the card's standard welcome offer, so we'd recommend waiting for a stronger offer if you can.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
3 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027)
2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year (on the first $8,000 in combined spending)
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
Preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure (when available)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually (through 2026)
Earn 2,000 TQPs for each $5,000 spent annually (through 2026), then earn 1 TQP per dollar spent (from 2027)
15% flight discount promo code each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares)
If you fly Southwest a few times a year, a cobranded card could earn its place in your wallet through checked bag savings alone. Cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive their first checked bag free, saving $45 per person each way. For a couple checking one bag each, that's $180 in savings on a round trip.
The right card depends on how often you fly and which perks you'll use. The Southwest Plus has the lowest annual fee, making it a reasonable choice for occasional travelers. More frequent flyers may find the Priority's preferred seat selection at booking, extra-legroom upgrades within 48 hours of departure (when available) and higher earning rate on Southwest purchases worth the additional cost.
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Starting in 2027, all Southwest credit cards will also earn 1 TQP per dollar spent on purchases. That makes everyday spending more useful for travelers working toward elite status and Companion Pass benefits.
If earning a Companion Pass through welcome bonuses is your goal, the timing matters. Applicants approved by Dec. 2 can still have their welcome bonus points count toward qualification, even if they meet the spending requirement in early 2027. You'll still need to reach the required 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points, and a pass earned through this transition opportunity will be valid through Dec. 31, 2027.
Before applying, weigh the annual fee against the benefits you'll actually use and make sure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement without carrying a balance.
Bottom line
Southwest's current credit card offers provide a valuable opportunity to boost your Rapid Rewards balance, with strong welcome bonuses available on all three personal cards.
