Southwest Rapid Rewards Program Guide:
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Program in 2025 offers travelers a flexible way to earn and redeem points on flights, with no blackout dates and a straightforward earning structure. It remains popular for frequent flyers who value ease of use and rewards tied directly to flight costs.
Earning points through Southwest’s program depends largely on how much is spent, with tiered bonuses for elite members, making it simple to track and maximize rewards. The program also includes partnerships that allow points earning on everyday purchases beyond flights.
Understanding how to navigate the Rapid Rewards tiers and redemption options can help travelers stretch their points further. This guide breaks down the 2025 features, benefits, and tips to use the program efficiently.
What Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program?
Southwest Rapid Rewards allows travelers to earn points for flights and other purchases. It offers tiered membership levels, point redemption flexibility, and partnerships with select credit cards that enhance rewards.
Program History and Evolution
The Southwest Rapid Rewards program launched in 1987 to reward frequent flyers. It evolved from a simple mileage accrual program to a points-based system that increases flexibility. The switch to points instead of miles allows members to redeem rewards based on cash prices rather than fixed mileage.
Since then, Southwest has added tiered membership levels like A-List and A-List Preferred to incentivize loyalty. The program also expanded partnerships with credit card issuers such as Chase, whose cards remain among the best credit cards of May 2025 for earning Rapid Rewards points through everyday spending.
How the Rewards Program Works
Members earn Rapid Rewards points by booking Southwest flights and spending with partner credit cards. Points correlate to the cash price of tickets rather than distance traveled, offering straightforward value. Additional points can be earned on hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related purchases through Southwest’s partners.
Points never expire as long as members have flight activity or credit card transactions within 24 months. Members redeem points primarily for Wanna Get Away fares, with points required fluctuating based on demand and ticket price. The program also allows points to be used for gift cards, hotel stays, and other travel expenses.
Types of Rapid Rewards Members
Rapid Rewards has tiered membership levels: Member, A-List, and A-List Preferred. All members earn points per flight, but A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding and bonus points. A-List requires 35 one-way flights or 25,000 points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred demands 70 one-way flights or 50,000 points.
Elite tiers get priority boarding, standby benefits, and a 25%-100% bonus on point earnings. The program also features companion pass status, earned by accumulating 135,000 points or 100 qualifying flights, which allows a designated companion to fly free with each flight booked.
Key Benefits of Joining Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards offers practical advantages through straightforward ways to earn points, versatile redemption choices, and reliable policies that maximize travel flexibility. These features help members get more value regardless of travel frequency.
Earning Points on Flights
Members earn Rapid Rewards points based on the fare type and the price of the ticket. Business Select fares earn 12 points per dollar spent, Anytime fares 10 points per dollar, and Wanna Get Away fares 6 points per dollar. Points accumulate quickly on paid flights, which is key for frequent travelers.
Bonus points can also come from promotions and partner activities outside flights. This includes hotel stays, car rentals, and credit card spending. Using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card offers additional points on everyday purchases, a practical way to boost point totals.
Flexible Redemption Options
Points can be redeemed for any available seat on Southwest flights, with no fixed award chart. The number of points needed depends on the cash price of the ticket at booking time, making it easier to estimate value compared to traditional programs.
Members can also use points for gift cards, hotel stays, and car rentals. This flexibility benefits those who want to diversify their rewards. Points don’t expire as long as the account is active, encouraging ongoing membership engagement without pressure.
No Blackout Dates Policy
Southwest guarantees that points can be used on any available seats with no blackout dates. This policy removes uncertainty about availability and lets travelers book flights whenever they want.
This contrasts with many frequent flyer programs that limit award seats during peak times. Southwest’s approach ensures members can use points on popular routes and travel dates, which is especially useful for flexible and last-minute travel planning.
2025 Program Updates and Changes
Southwest Rapid Rewards has adjusted its policies and reward structures to address ongoing economic factors like inflation, balancing customer value with operational costs. These changes affect how points are earned and redeemed, aiming to keep the program competitive among the 10 best investments in 2025 for frequent travelers.
Latest Policy Adjustments
Southwest introduced a new tier system for earning status credits, increasing the minimum spend required to reach A-List and A-List Preferred levels. This reflects a response to inflation, where the cost of airline operations has risen despite slower inflation growth overall.
The airline also updated its cancellation policy for Rapid Rewards tickets, reducing the window for no-fee cancellations from 24 hours to 12 hours before departure. This change aims to improve flight availability and reduce last-minute no-shows.
Additionally, Rapid Rewards members now earn a bonus of 5% more points on qualifying partner purchases, encouraging use of affiliated services over direct flight bookings.
New Earning and Redemption Structures
The points earning rate changed to a revenue-based model with specific multipliers tied to ticket price categories. For example, the purchasing of Business Select fares now grants 12 points per dollar spent instead of the previous fixed rate.
Redemption rates have been adjusted upward by 3% on popular domestic routes, reflecting fuel price increases and economic pressures. However, Southwest has preserved flat redemption rates on short-haul flights under 500 miles for flexibility and value.
A new “Inflation Shield” feature allows members to cap the points required for certain routes yearly, protecting frequent travelers from sharp price spikes during volatile periods.
| Fare Type | Points Earned per $ | Redemption Rate Change 2025 |
| Business Select | 12 points | +3% on domestic routes |
| Anytime | 10 points | No change |
| Wanna Get Away | 6 points | +3% on domestic routes |
| Short-Haul (under 500 mi) | 8 points | Flat rate maintained |
How to Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be accumulated through a combination of daily spending, partnerships, and special offers. Understanding how to maximize points from various sources helps travelers get more value from the program.
Everyday Spending and Shopping Partners
Points can be earned through Southwest’s affiliated credit cards, which remain one of the most efficient methods. Cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offer bonus points on purchases with no complicated categories.
Additionally, everyday purchases through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal earn points with hundreds of retailers. Members receive 1 to 10 points per dollar depending on the partner store. This includes electronics, apparel, and home goods categories.
For those seeking accessible financing options, some of May 2025’s easiest credit cards to get also offer connections to Rapid Rewards when linked. Using these cards for groceries, gas, and other regular purchases steadily builds points.
Travel, Dining, and Hotel Partners
Southwest partners with several airlines beyond its own network, as well as select hotel chains. Booking through partners like Marriott Bonvoy or Wyndham Rewards can earn points. Similarly, frequent dining at restaurants registered with Rapid Rewards Dining adds points for every dollar spent.
Travelers flying with Southwest earn Rapid Rewards points on paid tickets, with bonus points available on Business Select fares. Rental car bookings and cruises with approved partners also contribute points.
Using travel-specific credit cards tied to Southwest can increase point earnings on flight and hotel expenses, aligning well with frequent travelers’ spending.
Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
One of the fastest ways to build points is through welcome bonuses on new Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards. Many cards launched through May 2025 offer bonuses ranging from 40,000 to 75,000 points after meeting a minimum spend within the first few months.
Southwest frequently runs promotions that add bonus points on specific activities, like booking hotel stays or flights during certain periods. Members should monitor the Rapid Rewards website and email alerts for time-limited deals.
Combining welcome bonuses from the best credit cards of May 2025 with ongoing promotions can quickly boost a points balance, making these offers a key strategy for point accumulation.
Redeeming and Maximizing Rapid Rewards Points
Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be used in multiple ways that offer different levels of value. Redeeming for award flights typically provides the best point value. Members can also enhance travel through upgrades or use points on non-flight rewards.
Award Flight Bookings
Rapid Rewards points are primarily redeemed for Southwest flights with a variable “points fare” system. The number of points needed depends on the cash price of the ticket, meaning cheaper flights cost fewer points. There are no blackout dates, and awards cover all published fares.
Points can be used to book both domestic and international flights. Members should book early for the best availability. Southwest also allows canceled award flights to be redeposited without fees, preserving points for future use.
Upgrades and Companion Pass
Rapid Rewards points can be applied toward Upgraded Boardings—early access to first-class seats available on a limited basis for a fixed number of points plus a co-pay. This option is useful for those seeking added comfort without full first-class fares.
The Companion Pass, earned by flying 135 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 points annually, allows a designated companion to fly free (plus taxes and fees) on Southwest flights. Points help reach this threshold faster by combining earned and purchased points.
Non-Flight Redemption Options
Points may be redeemed for gift cards, car rentals, hotel stays, or Southwest vacation packages via the Rapid Rewards portal. These options generally provide lower value per point compared to flights.
For currency exchange needs while traveling, it is better to use local banks or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees rather than exchanging points. This avoids high conversion fees and poor exchange rates common at airports or currency kiosks.
Southwest Credit Cards: Features and Rewards
Southwest offers co-branded credit cards with distinct rewards tailored for frequent flyers and occasional travelers. These cards provide points on everyday spending, travel benefits, and opportunities to earn tier qualifying points toward A-List status.
Overview of Southwest Co-Branded Cards
Southwest currently has three main credit cards issued by Chase: the Southwest Plus, Southwest Premier, and Southwest Priority. Each card offers different perks such as sign-up bonuses ranging from 40,000 to 65,000 points, depending on the offer at the time. The Priority card comes with added benefits like annual travel credits and upgraded boarding positions.
Earning Rapid Rewards points on purchases is common across all cards, with bonus categories like Southwest purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Annual fees range from $69 to $149, reflecting the level of perks provided. These cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them useful for international trips.
How to Qualify and Apply
Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, usually a FICO score above 700, to qualify for the best Southwest credit cards. Chase considers factors such as income, credit history, and existing debt when evaluating applications. Those with lower credit scores may find it challenging to qualify for the Premier and Priority cards but could find easier approval with secured or entry-level cards elsewhere.
Applications can be submitted online through Chase or Southwest’s website. It’s advisable to check the “Best credit cards of May 2025” rankings and average approval rates before applying. Chase may also perform a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily affect credit scores. Applicants should ensure their credit profile matches the card’s requirements to increase approval chances.
Credit Card Benefits for Travelers
Southwest co-branded cards offer benefits like 2x points on Southwest purchases and 1x on all other purchases. The Priority card includes up to $75 in annual Southwest travel credits and four upgraded boardings per year, improving boarding position without extra fees.
Other travel perks include:
- Free checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to three companions
- No foreign transaction fees
- 20% back on in-flight purchases with the card
These features help frequent travelers save money and enhance their flying experience. Earning points through spending accelerates rewards accumulation, supporting free flights and other travel redemptions more quickly.
Elite Status Tiers and How to Qualify
Southwest’s elite status is divided into two main tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. These tiers offer a range of benefits that reward frequent flyers, with qualification based on either earned points or flight segments.
A-List and A-List Preferred Benefits
The A-List status grants priority boarding, 25% bonus points on flights, and dedicated security lanes where available. Members also enjoy free same-day standby and check-in priority.
A-List Preferred enhances these perks with a 100% points bonus on Southwest flights, priority on waitlists, and two free checked bags, among other advantages. It is the higher elite tier and designed for the most frequent travelers.
Both tiers provide advantages that streamline travel and increase point earnings. These benefits are valuable for customers considering credit cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card to accelerate earnings toward status.
Earning Tier Qualifying Points
Qualification requires earning either 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or flying 30 eligible flight segments for A-List status. For A-List Preferred, members must earn 70,000 TQPs or complete 60 eligible flight segments within a calendar year.
Points accumulate through paid flights and select partner activities but exclude Rapid Rewards points earned from credit card spending. Tier Qualifying Points track loyalty and spending on Southwest flights specifically, making travel frequency the core qualifier.
Tracking TQPs is essential for travelers aiming to reach or maintain elite status. The airline’s official site and select credit cards help members monitor progress and boost their earning capacity.
Companion Pass: Rules and Strategies
The Southwest Companion Pass lets one person fly free with a designated companion on paid or reward flights. Earning it requires reaching a set credit or points threshold, with strategies to optimize usage especially for couples or families.
Earning Companion Pass Quickly
To earn the Companion Pass, a traveler must accumulate 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way Southwest flights in a calendar year. Most points come from Rapid Rewards credit card sign-up bonuses, qualifying flight purchases, and partner earnings.
Using Southwest’s credit cards actively can boost points fast, especially if they offer large welcome bonuses. Booking business travel or using partner services like car rentals and hotels also helps reach the threshold sooner. Tracking points and remaining flights is essential.
Simple ways to make $100 fast, such as selling unused items or freelancing, can fund Southwest flights, indirectly accelerating pass qualification. Planning spend and travel early in the year avoids last-minute rushes.
Maximizing Value for Couples and Families
The Companion Pass covers one companion on every Southwest flight the passholder takes, including paid and most award flights. This saves significant costs for couples or families who travel frequently together.
Assigning the pass to a primary travel partner maximizes consistent savings. Since the companion’s flight is free except taxes and fees, booking early ensures availability. Families with more than one person traveling should consider how many will pay separate fares and if additional passes are worthwhile.
Using points for the passholder’s flight and paying cash for companions can optimize flexible travel budgets. Combining Rapid Rewards promotions and credit card bonuses over time increases overall travel purchasing power while maintaining pass status.
Southwest Rapid Rewards for Business Travelers
Southwest Airlines offers targeted features for business travelers aiming to earn rewards efficiently while managing travel expenses. These offerings include specialized credit cards designed for business spending and corporate programs that deliver added value through partnerships and discounts.
Business Credit Card Options
Southwest provides two main business credit cards: the Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card and the Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Card. Both cards let cardholders earn points on everyday purchases, with accelerated earning rates on Southwest purchases.
The Performance Business Card offers 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X points on social media and search engine advertising. It also includes an annual companion pass after earning 125,000 points in a cardmembership year.
The Premier Business Card earns 2X points on Southwest purchases. Both cards come with no foreign transaction fees, which benefits international business travel.
Cardholders can use points to offset net income spent on flights, creating cost savings by reducing out-of-pocket travel costs tied directly to business revenue.
Corporate Partnerships and Discounts
Southwest Airlines provides corporate partnerships suited for small to mid-sized businesses seeking travel cost control. These partnerships offer access to negotiated discounts on base fares, which reduce net travel expenses.
Businesses earn points on all travel spending, which can be pooled and redeemed for future flights or upgrades. Additionally, partner businesses gain tools to track travel spending, enabling better financial oversight.
Southwest’s corporate program includes flexible booking options, no change fees, and priority boarding. This helps companies maintain business efficiency while controlling travel budgets tied closely to their net income goals.
Travel Flexibility and Booking Policies
Southwest Rapid Rewards offers straightforward options for changing, canceling, and rebooking flights without incurring unnecessary fees. These policies provide flexibility while maintaining clear rules around refunds and no change fees. Understanding these details helps travelers make informed decisions.
Change and Cancellation Rules
Southwest allows changes or cancellations to Rapid Rewards bookings up to 10 minutes before departure. Changes can be made online or via customer service. When changing a flight, travelers must pay any difference in fare if the new flight costs more.
For cancellations, the points used for the original booking return to the traveler’s account as travel funds if canceled before departure. These funds must be used within one year of the original booking date. Cash fares are refunded according to the fare rules; often, Southwest refunds them fully if the cancellation is timely.
No Change Fees Explained
Southwest Rapid Rewards does not charge change fees on any fare type, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Travelers can adjust dates or times without extra costs, which is rare among U.S. carriers.
While there is no fee, any fare differences due to flight options must still be paid. This policy applies equally to both award tickets booked with points and paid tickets. This approach offers significant value for those seeking flexible travel.
Rebooking and Refunds
Rebooking canceled Rapid Rewards flights involves applying canceled points or travel funds to new bookings. These funds expire 12 months after the original purchase date. Travelers must rebook before this expiration to avoid losing value.
Refunds on Rapid Rewards awards are never given in cash but restored as points or travel funds. Paid tickets with refundable fares will be returned according to fare terms. For international travel, using currency exchange services connected to Southwest’s partners can help avoid high fees when dealing with refunds or credits abroad.
Earning Points Beyond Flying
Rapid Rewards members can accumulate points through activities unrelated to air travel. These options expand earning opportunities, helping members reach rewards faster using everyday spending habits.
Dining and Shopping Portals
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Dining program partners with hundreds of restaurants nationwide. Members earn points by linking a credit or debit card to the program and dining at participating locations. Points per dollar vary, typically ranging from 2 to 8 points.
The Rapid Rewards Shopping portal offers points for purchases at major online retailers. Members earn between 1 and 10 points per dollar spent, depending on the store and promotional offers. Popular participating merchants include Amazon, Walmart, and Apple.
Using these portals can be a simple way to boost point balances without flying. Engaging regularly can add up to 1,000+ points monthly for typical spending. This makes it a practical method alongside other money-making strategies.
Hotel and Rental Car Partners
Booking hotels and rental cars through Southwest’s partners also earns points. Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG allow members to earn Rapid Rewards points per stay or booking.
Car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Budget provide points for qualifying rentals. Points earned typically vary from 500 to 2,000 per rental, depending on duration and location.
Combining travel necessities with point-earning can generate significant rewards. This complements passive income ideas by turning essential expenses into point-earning events, helping accelerate Redemptions toward free flights or upgrades.
Tax Implications and Reporting Rapid Rewards Earnings
Earnings from Southwest Rapid Rewards may have tax consequences depending on their nature. Understanding how these points and bonuses affect federal income tax liability is key for proper financial reporting.
Federal Income Tax Considerations
Southwest Rapid Rewards points earned from flights or credit card spending generally are not considered taxable income. The IRS views these as rebates or discounts, so they do not need to be reported on federal income tax returns.
However, if points are earned through business activities or awarded as part of a promotional payment, their fair market value might be taxable. Travelers should report any cash equivalents received from redeeming points, such as gift cards.
Taxpayers in higher tax brackets (up to 37% in 2025) should carefully track the value of any taxable rewards to accurately calculate their federal tax liability. Reporting must follow IRS guidelines to avoid audits or penalties.
How Bonuses Are Taxed in 2025
Bonus points or cash rewards tied to the Rapid Rewards program, when given directly as cash or gift cards, are considered supplemental income. These are typically taxed at the bonus tax rate, which aligns with the individual’s federal income tax bracket.
For 2025, bonus income is subject to withholding rates ranging from 22% to 37%, depending on the taxpayer’s total income. Rapid Rewards bonuses are not subject to capital gains tax since they are ordinary income.
If points are sold or redeemed for cash, any profit may generate short-term capital gains. These gains are taxed at ordinary income rates if held less than one year. Long-term capital gains tax rates, ranging from 0% to 20%, do not apply to Rapid Rewards earnings since these points are not investments.
Tips for New Southwest Rapid Rewards Members
New members should focus on efficiently earning points and understanding how to redeem them for maximum value. Avoiding common mistakes will help maintain points and optimize benefits. Simple strategies can help earn rewards faster without extra spending.
Best Practices for Getting Started
New members should begin by completing their Rapid Rewards profile and linking their Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, if they have one. Booking flights early and choosing Wanna Get Away fares offer the best point redemption rates.
To earn points quickly, members can take advantage of Rapid Rewards partners, such as hotels and car rentals, alongside Southwest flights. Using these partners strategically can be a simple way to make $100 fast in points value.
Tracking point expiration and monitoring promotions through the Southwest app helps maximize earnings. Signing up for Southwest emails notifies members of targeted offers and bonus point opportunities.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Many new members mistakenly believe points never expire without activity. Points expire after 24 months of inactivity, so regular engagement is key.
Booking flights through third-party sites often results in ineligibility for points earning. Always book directly on Southwest.com to ensure points are credited.
Another common error is not redeeming points promptly. Low-value point redemptions reduce program worth, so members should aim for Wanna Get Away fares to optimize returns.
Members should avoid over-reliance on credit card spending solely for points, as interest fees may outweigh rewards earned.
Comparing Southwest Rapid Rewards With Other Travel Programs
Southwest Rapid Rewards offers a points-based system that operates differently from many other frequent flyer programs. The program emphasizes flexibility and simplicity, while most competitors focus more on elite status tiers and award seat availability.
Major Airline Rewards Comparisons
Unlike traditional airline programs such as Delta SkyMiles or American Airlines AAdvantage, Southwest’s Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based model that ties points needed for flights directly to ticket prices. This means no blackout dates and straightforward redemptions.
Most other programs include multiple elite status levels offering benefits like upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access. Southwest has two elite tiers with fewer perks but allows two free checked bags on all fares, which major carriers often exclude.
Southwest points do not expire as long as the account is active, a feature not guaranteed in other programs. For May 2025, some of the best credit cards for travelers offer bonus points transferable to major airlines but Southwest-specific cards provide better rewards toward Southwest flights.
Unique Advantages of Southwest
Southwest stands out with its simple earn-and-redeem structure. Points are earned based on the fare class and price of tickets rather than miles flown, allowing for predictable rewards.
The airline’s free checked bag policy saves frequent travelers significant costs, and no change fees add flexibility. For credit card holders, Southwest co-branded cards include anniversary bonus points and tier qualifying points, which help move customers toward elite status faster.
Their Companion Pass, earned by accumulating 135,000 points in a calendar year, allows a designated companion to fly free with the cardholder for the rest of the year and the following year. This pass offers unmatched value compared to similar perks in other programs.
Frequently Overlooked Details and Pro Tips
Understanding key rules about points expiration and how to combine points with others can maximize the value of Southwest Rapid Rewards. These strategies can also help members make the most of their points quickly and efficiently.
Rapid Rewards Expiration Policies
Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as there is qualifying account activity every 24 months. Qualifying activities include earning or redeeming points through flights, partner transactions, or points transfers.
Simply having an active card linked to the account or making a small purchase with a Southwest credit card resets the expiration clock.
Members should track their activity dates closely to avoid unexpected losses. For those seeking simple ways to make $100 fast, using the Southwest credit card for everyday spend can help keep points active without extra effort.
Combining Points With Family
Southwest allows points transfers between Rapid Rewards accounts at a cost of $8 per 1,000 points, up to 60,000 points per year. This option helps families consolidate points but can become expensive if used frequently.
An alternative is to book flights directly for family members using points from one account. This avoids transfer fees and ensures points are fully utilized.
Pooling points effectively requires planning, especially for large families or group travel. Members should weigh transfer costs against the convenience of consolidated points to decide the best strategy.
