Southwest credit card – which one gives Companion Pass boost?

If you’re researching “Southwest credit card – which one gives Companion Pass boost?”, you’re likely trying to fast-track one of the most valuable perks in domestic travel: the Southwest Companion Pass.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

• Which Southwest credit cards offer a Companion Pass boost

• How the boost works

• How to strategically qualify for the Companion Pass

• Real-world earning examples

• Key terms and fine print

• Expert-backed financial considerations

• A comparison table of all Southwest credit cards

• Step-by-step strategies

• An in-depth FAQ section

All information is based on publicly available data from Southwest Airlines (southwest.com) and Chase (chase.com), the issuer of Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit cards.

What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees, typically starting at $5.60 one-way on domestic U.S. flights) every time you purchase or redeem points for a Southwest flight.

Why It’s Valuable

• No limit to how many times you can use it

• Valid on paid or award tickets

• Usable across Southwest’s entire route network

• Valid for the remainder of the year earned + the entire following year

For frequent flyers or families, this benefit can be worth thousands of dollars annually.

How Do You Qualify for the Companion Pass?

According to Southwest Airlines’ official Rapid Rewards program rules:

You qualify by earning either:

• 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year, OR

• 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year

Most people earn it via points.

What Counts Toward Companion Pass Points?

Qualifying points typically include:

• Credit card sign-up bonus points

• Points earned from Southwest credit card spending

• Points from Southwest flights

• Points from Rapid Rewards partners

Non-qualifying points generally include:

• Purchased points

• Transferred points between members

• Some promotional bonuses

Always verify eligibility in Southwest’s official terms, as qualification criteria may change.

Which Southwest Credit Card Gives Companion Pass Boost?

Let’s answer the core question directly.

Southwest Credit Cards That Offer a Companion Pass Boost

As of publicly available information from Chase and Southwest, select Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit cards offer a Companion Pass qualifying points boost each calendar year.

Eligible Cards Typically Include:

Personal Cards

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Business Cards

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

 Important: The exact Companion Pass boost amount and availability may vary by card and promotion. Always check Chase’s official product page for current terms.

What Is the Companion Pass Boost?

A Companion Pass boost is an automatic deposit of Companion Pass qualifying points into your Rapid Rewards account each year simply for being a cardholder.

For example (illustrative structure based on public data):

These boosts:

• Post automatically

• Count toward the 135,000-point requirement

• Do not require spending

If Southwest changes this structure, refer to the official Chase product page for confirmation.

Southwest Credit Card Comparison Table

Below is a simplified comparison of major features (based on publicly available product descriptions):

Exact benefits vary; confirm via Chase.

How to Strategically Use the Companion Pass Boost

The Companion Pass boost alone does not qualify you — but it makes qualification easier.

Example Scenario

Let’s say:

• You receive a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost

• You earn a 75,000-point welcome bonus

• You spend enough to earn 15,000 additional points

• You earn 40,000 points from flights

Total: 140,000 qualifying points

You would qualify.

Step-by-Step: How to Earn the Companion Pass Using a Southwest Credit Card

Step 1: Choose the Right Card

Consider:

• Your spending level

• Whether you own a business

• Annual fee tolerance

• Bonus structure

Frequent travelers often benefit from tzhe Priority or Performance Business cards due to aed perks.

Step 2: Time Your Application Strategically

Because qualification is based on calendar year earnings:

• Apply late in the year

• Earn the bonus early in the next calendar year

This maximizes validity (nearly two full years).

Step 3: Hit the Welcome Bonus Spending Requirement

Welcome bonuses often provide a large portion of qualifying points.

Example structure (hypothetical):

• Spend $3,000 in 3 months → Earn 75,000 points

Step 4: Leverage Everyday Spending

Southwest cards earn points in categories like:

• Southwest purchases

• Rapid Rewards partners

• Everyday purchases

Step 5: Monitor Progress in Your Rapid Rewards Dashboard

Southwest displays Companion Pass progress online.

Real-World Value Example

Assume:

• You fly 8 round trips per year

• Average fare: $250

• Companion flies free

Savings:
$250 x 8 = $2,000 annually

If Companion Pass lasts nearly 2 years → $4,000 potential savings.

This is why many travel analysts consider it one of the most valuable domestic airline perks.

Is It Worth Getting a Southwest Credit Card for the Companion Pass?

According to consumer finance analysis published by institutions such as Harvard Business Review (on behavioral spending patterns) and Consumer Reports (on credit card comparison best practices), rewards cards are valuable only if:

• You pay your balance in full

• The annual fee is justified by benefits

• You use the rewards

If you carry a balance, interest charges can outweigh rewards.

Who Should Consider Each Card?

Occasional Southwest Flyer

Best Fit: Plus Card

Lower annual fee and Companion Pass boost.

Frequent Domestic Traveler

Best Fit: Priority Card

Higher anniversary points and travel credits.

Business Owner

Best Fit: Performance Business Card

Higher earning categories and business tools.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all points qualify

• Applying at the wrong time of year

• Missing the minimum spend deadline

• Forgetting annual fee value calculation

• Not tracking calendar-year resets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which Southwest credit card gives the biggest Companion Pass boost?

Based on publicly available information, most eligible Southwest cards provide a similar annual Companion Pass qualifying points boost (often around 10,000 points). Always verify with Chase for current offers.

2. Do sign-up bonuses count toward Companion Pass?

Yes — in most cases, Southwest credit card welcome bonuses count as Companion Pass qualifying points. Confirm offer terms before applying.

3. Do anniversary bonus points count toward Companion Pass?

Typically, yes — if categorized as qualifying points. Check the specific card’s terms.

4. Can I combine a personal and business card?

Yes. Many travelers combine one personal and one business Southwest card to reach the 135,000-point requirement faster.

5. How long does Companion Pass last?

For the remainder of the year you qualify and the entire following year.

6. Can I change my Companion?

Yes. Southwest allows Companion changes (limited per calendar year).

7. Do purchased points count?

Generally, no.

8. Is there a limit to Companion flights?

No — unlimited usage as long as you fly.

9. Does the Companion need their own Rapid Rewards account?

No separate earning is required; they fly under your reservation.

10. What taxes does the Companion pay?

Typically $5.60 one-way for domestic U.S. flights; international taxes vary.

Final Verdict: Which Southwest Credit Card Is Best for Companion Pass Boost?

If your primary goal is qualifying for the Companion Pass:

• All eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit cards offering the annual Companion Pass boost can help.

• The best choice depends on your travel frequency and spending level.

• For maximum value: consider pairing a personal and business card strategically.

The Companion Pass remains one of the most powerful airline benefits available in the U.S. domestic market. With proper timing and spending discipline, a Southwest credit card can significantly accelerate your path to earning it.