Southwest's personal credit cards now carry welcome offers of up to 80,000 or 90,000 bonus points, per NerdWallet. The timing matters: starting in 2027, card signup bonus points will no longer count toward the Companion Pass (Doctor of Credit has the details), and View from the Wing reports you need to apply by December 2 for the bonus to count under the transition rules.
| What are the new Southwest card bonuses and Companion Pass rules? | |
Two new Southwest credit card offers provide an 80,000- or 90,000-point head start toward the Companion Pass
You must apply by December 2 and be approved for the initial bonus to count under the transition rules
Neither bonus earns the Companion Pass on its own
A pass earned this way expires at the end of 2027
| How much is a Southwest Companion Pass head start worth? | |
The Companion Pass lets a designated companion fly with you for just taxes and fees on every flight you take. If you fly Southwest a few times a year with the same person, that can be worth hundreds of dollars. The bonus points also have their own value for regular Southwest bookings.
Plug in your own trips with our Points & Miles Value Calculator to see what the bonus is worth to you.
| Who should apply for the Southwest cards before December 2? | |
This is for Southwest regulars who travel with a partner or family member and can earn the rest of the points they need before the year ends. Here is the short checklist:
Decide whether the Companion Pass would realistically save you money on your 2027 travel
Submit your application by December 2 so the initial bonus counts under the transition rules
Make sure you are approved, since approval is required for the bonus to count
Plan how you will earn the remaining points needed, since the bonus alone does not earn the pass
Remember your pass will expire at the end of 2027 when you pick your travel dates
Want another route to the pass? Read our guide to earning Southwest Companion Pass with Amex points.
| What are the catches with the Southwest Companion Pass bonus? | |
Neither the 80,000- nor the 90,000-point bonus earns the Companion Pass by itself
You must be approved for the card, not just apply, for the initial bonus to count
The December 2 application deadline is firm if you want the transition rules to apply
A pass earned this way expires at the end of 2027, so the benefit has a limited window
If you rarely fly Southwest or have no regular travel companion, the pass may not be worth chasing
| Frequently asked questions | |
Do the Southwest card bonuses automatically earn the Companion Pass?
No. Neither the 80,000- nor the 90,000-point bonus earns the pass on its own, so you will need additional qualifying activity to reach the total.
What is the deadline to apply for the Southwest cards?
You need to apply by December 2 and be approved for the initial bonus to count under the transition rules.
When does a Companion Pass earned this way expire?
A pass earned this way expires at the end of 2027.
What does a Southwest Companion Pass actually do?
It lets a designated companion fly with you for just taxes and fees, even when you book your own ticket with points.
| The bottom line | |
An 80,000- or 90,000-point bonus gets you most of the way to the Companion Pass, but not all of it. If you can close the gap and you fly Southwest with a companion, apply before December 2. After that, card bonuses stop counting toward the pass.
| 💳 Best Card Signup Offers Right Now | |
These are the top credit card welcome bonuses we're tracking. Offers change frequently - see all cards.
1. Business Platinum Card: 300,000 points after spending $20,000 in 3 months ($895/yr)
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3. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward after you spend ... ($195/yr)
