Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
– Verify you’re under Chase’s 5/24 rule (opened fewer than 5 credit cards in the past 24 months)
– Haven’t received a Southwest card bonus in the past 24 months
– Have a good to excellent credit score (recommended 700+)
Step 2: Time Your Application
– Apply in December-January to maximize Companion Pass duration
– Points earned in January will count for the entire year plus the following year
– If you can, wait for elevated bonus offers (typically Q4 and Q1)
Step 3: Choose Your Card Combination
Best Strategy: Get both a business and personal card (at least 30 days between applications)
Option A (Recommended):
1. Southwest Performance Business Card ($199 annual fee)
– Typically 80,000 point bonus
– Must have a business (sole proprietorship counts)
– With this card, you get 4 upgraded boardings per year, Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credit up to $120, inflight internet
– Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
2. Any Southwest Personal Card
– Typically 50,000 point bonus
– Plus ($69 annual fee)
– Premier ($99 annual fee)
– Priority ($149 annual fee – recommended for frequent travelers)
Option B (No Business):
Apply for a personal card when bonus is high (50,000-75,000 points) and earn remaining points through:
– Referrals (15,000 points each)
– Flying Southwest
– Card spending
Step 4: Meet Minimum Spending Requirements
– Track your spending carefully
– Complete within first 3 months
– Eligible spending typically excludes annual fees, balance transfers, cash advances, returns.
Step 5: Monitor Your Progress
– Create a Southwest Rapid Rewards account
– Track qualifying points in your account
– Points usually post after statement closes
Step 6: After Earning Companion Pass
1. Choose your companion on Southwest website
2. Book flights as normal
3. Add companion for only taxes/fees ($5.60 each way domestic)
4. Can change companion up to 3 times per year
Annual Schedule Example
December/January:
– Apply for business card
– Meet minimum spend ($5,000 in 3 months)
– Earn 80,000 bonus points plus 5,000 points for spending $5,000
February/March:
– Apply for personal card
– Meet minimum spend ($1,000 in 3 months)
– Earn 50,000 bonus points plus 1,000 points for spending $1,000
Result: Companion Pass earned by April, valid through December of the following year
Remember: The key is timing your applications and spending to earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. The earlier you earn it, the longer you’ll have to use it!
You’ve been referred! You can choose any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card. Earn 50,000 bonus points with any Southwest Rapid Rewards Personal Credit Card. Business Owners can earn up to 80,000 points with the Premier or Performance Business Credit Cards. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card:
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226j/ISSLKNOH7
Important Tips
– Don’t transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points (won’t qualify)
– Keep track of statement closing dates
– Consider using shopping portal for everyday purchases
– Save major purchases for minimum spending requirements
– Book refundable flights to earn points quickly
– Wait for higher welcome bonuses before applying (if you can)
– You can only hold one personal card but can have both business cards