Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
The Ultimate Southwest Travel Hack: Convert One Credit Card Sign-Up into Unlimited BOGO Flights
December 12, 2024
Southwest Airlines has just launched a limited-time credit card offer that could dramatically reduce your travel costs in 2025. New cardholders can earn both the coveted Companion Pass and 30,000 Rapid Rewards points with a relatively modest spending requirement. Here’s everything you need to know about this opportunity.
What’s the Offer?
From now through March 31, 2025, when you open any of Southwest’s personal credit cards and spend $4,000 within the first three months, you’ll receive:
- Southwest Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2026
- 30,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points
This offer is available on all three Southwest personal credit cards:
Why This Offer Is Exceptional
The Southwest Companion Pass is often considered one of the most valuable perks in travel rewards. Here’s why:
- Your designated companion can fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 one-way for domestic flights)
- Works on both cash and award bookings
- No blackout dates or route restrictions
- Valid on unlimited flights during the benefit period
- You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year
Normally, earning the Companion Pass requires either:
- Flying 100 qualifying one-way flights, or
- Earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year
This limited-time offer lets you bypass these requirements entirely.
What Can You Do With 30,000 Rapid Rewards Points?
The bonus points add significant value to this offer. Here are some example trips you could book:
- A weekend getaway between New York and Chicago for around 26,500 points
- A roundtrip flight between San Diego and Denver for approximately 27,600 points
- An international trip to Cancun from Houston for about 31,500 points
Remember: Your companion flies for just taxes and fees on any of these bookings!
Choosing the Right Southwest Card
All three cards offer the same welcome bonus, but differ in annual fees and benefits:
Southwest Priority Card ($149 annual fee)
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit
- 7,500-anniversary bonus points
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
Southwest Premier Card ($99 annual fee)
- 6,000-anniversary bonus points
- 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins annually
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
Southwest Plus Card ($69 annual fee)
- 3,000 anniversary bonus points
- 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins annually
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
Important Timing Considerations
The key to maximizing this offer is proper timing. Here’s what you need to know:
- Your statement closing date is crucial - it determines when your points post
- Points earned post after your monthly statement closes
- You can determine your statement closing date by looking at your payment due date:
- If payment is due on the 26th, the statement closes on the 1st
- If payment is due on the 27th, the statement closes on the 2nd
- If payment is due on the 28th, the statement closes on the 3rd
Additional Considerations
Before applying, also keep in mind:
- You must apply by March 31, 2025
- You’re not eligible if you currently have a Southwest personal credit card
- You can’t have received a new cardmember bonus in the past 24 months
- The $4,000 spending requirement must be met within 3 months of account opening
Additional Ways to Earn Companion Pass Points
These types of points DO count toward Companion Pass qualification:
- Credit card welcome bonuses
- Regular credit card spending
- Points from flying Southwest
- Points from partner hotel stays and car rentals
- Credit card referral bonuses
These types of points do NOT count:
- Purchased points
- Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Points transferred from hotel programs
- Points transferred from another person
Is This Offer Right for You?
This offer provides exceptional value if you:
- Frequently travel with a companion
- Plan to take multiple Southwest flights in 2025
- Can comfortably meet the minimum spending requirement
- Don’t currently have a Southwest personal credit card
Even if you only plan to take a few trips, the combination of the Companion Pass and 30,000 points could save you hundreds or even thousands on airfare through February 2026.
How to Get Started
To take advantage of this offer:
- Choose your preferred Southwest card based on the annual fee and benefits
- Apply before March 31, 2025
- Meet the $4,000 minimum spend requirement within 3 months
- Select your companion once you receive the pass
- Start booking your travels!
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
