New Southwest cardholders can earn Companion Pass for a limited time

Written by

Aja McClanahan

and

Claire Dickey,

Edited by

Kendall Little

Published on February 07, 2023 | 2 min read

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Some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards can fast-track your rewards earnings toward Southwest flights and even help you score the coveted Southwest Companion Pass.

For a limited time, Southwest is making it even easier for cardholders to get the pass.

Through March 13, 2023, eligible new cardmembers can earn a Companion Pass (valid through Feb. 28, 2024) and 30,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Typically, to earn the Companion Pass, you need to accrue 135,000 Rapid Rewards points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.

Which Southwest cards qualify?

Those who apply and are approved for the following Southwest consumer credit cards now through March 13, 2023, will qualify for the welcome bonus opportunity:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card* ($69 annual fee)
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card* ($99 annual fee)
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card* ($149 annual fee)

Southwest co-branded business cards aren’t eligible, and you also won’t have access to the bonus if you already have a Southwest Rapid Rewards card or have received a bonus on a Southwest card in the past 24 months.

How long does a Companion Pass last?

When you earn a Companion Pass through Southwest’s new offer, the pass is valid through Feb. 28, 2024. That means you’ll have around one year of flying with a travel buddy for just the cost of taxes and fees (whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight).

In standard cases, though, a Companion Pass is valid through the calendar year you’re currently in, plus the entirety of the next year. That would mean a traditionally-earned Companion Pass earned this February would expire December 2024.

Past Southwest Companion Pass promotions

This recent welcome offer isn’t unheard of for Southwest cards. In fact, now-expired offers from 2021 and 2022 allowed new cardmembers to earn 30,000 points and a Companion Pass after spending $5,000 within the first three months.

With this 2023 offer, though, you’ll qualify after spending $1,000 less than in previous years, but receive the same perks.

To reach the qualifying $4,000 within three months of account opening, you’ll need to spend an average of $1,333 per month. Make sure to keep an eye on your budget and upcoming spending so you can plan your purchases to qualify for the bonus without taking on debt.

The bottom line

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most coveted travel credit card perks out there.

But if you’re not a frequent flyer, the regular requirements of 100 flights or a total of 135,000 qualifying points may not be feasible. So, when there’s a Companion Pass promotion that makes it much easier to score, it’s wise to act quickly and jump on the deal.

If you’re planning a few trips this year, and Southwest is your airline of choice, this offer could be a great opportunity.

*The information about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.