Southwest Companion Pass

To unlock the Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll need to earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. The pass will then be valid for the rest of that year + all of the following year.

Optimal Strategy

Earn the companion pass in January so you will have it for two years. Points from welcome bonuses count toward the 135,000 points required to earn the Companion Pass. Points earned in January 2026 count toward earning the pass for all of 2026 and 2027. Since these bonuses normally require a minimum spend within 90 days, it’s best to start in October (or later in the year). when Southwest usually has elevated or lower minimum spend offers on personal cards.

Personal + Business Card Strategy

Southwest has 3 personal and 2 business credit cards issued by Chase.

Most Efficient Combo (2024 example):

  1. Apply for one personal card (e.g., Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus).

    • Welcome bonus: ~75,000 points after $3,000 spend.

  2. Apply for one business card (e.g., Southwest® Premier Business).

    • Welcome bonus: ~80,000 points after $5,000 spend.

Total Potential: 155,000 points
Total Minimum Spend: $8,000

That’s 20,000 points over the 135,000-point requirement, giving you a cushion for delays or reduced offers.

Alternative Single Personal Card Option

  • If you can only open one card, look for targeted or limited-time offers of 100k+ on a single Southwest card.

  • Example: 100,000-point offer after $5,000 spend.

  • Then earn the remaining 35,000 points through:

    • Referral bonuses

    • Southwest shopping portal

    • Paid flights

    • Hotel and rental car partners

This method takes more time and effort than the dual-card method.

Important Rules to Watch Out For

  • Chase 5/24 Rule: You likely won’t be approved if you’ve opened 5+ credit cards in the past 24 months.

  • Card Approval Spacing: Leave a 30-day gap between personal and business card applications, or apply for both on the same day to increase approval odds.

  • Business Card Eligibility: You may qualify with a side hustle or freelance income — no registered LLC required.

Other Tips

  • Avoid earning the bonus in late in the year — points reset Jan 1, and won’t count toward next year.

  • Don’t transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or other flexible points to Southwest — they do not count toward the Companion Pass.

  • Keep an eye out for targeted 80k–100k offers on just one card — you may get lucky!