UPDATE: The 60,000 point offers for the plus and premier cards have ended. Currently, Southwest is offering 40,000 points for these cards. Or, you can get 50,000 points on the plus and premier cards by using special referral links, see this post for info and links.
It’s finally here: The absolute best time to get the Southwest Companion pass and keep it for a full two years! By applying for two Southwest credit cards you can quickly get 120,000 Southwest points and earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
Previously, I’ve posted about why the Southwest Companion Pass is the best tool for free travel.
In addition, I laid out why the next 4 days are the prime time to score the pass.
The extremely generous offers of 60,000 Southwest Points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier and Business Premier cards end on October 4th 2017 so this strategy to get the Companion Pass won’t last long.
Steps to get the Southwest Companion Pass
As I’ve already written about this process before, this will be an abbreviated list of steps.
Step 1:
Make sure you read BOTH of the following posts to fully understand the process of getting the companion pass as well as several pitfalls/mistakes to avoid.
Why you need the Southwest Companion Pass and how to get it fast
The absolute best time to get the southwest companion pass is coming, but its only 4 days long.
Step 2:
Open a Southwest Rapid Rewards accout if you don’t already have one. Have your Southwest Rapid Rewards number ready to go before starting the application process for the Southwest Companion Pass.
Step 3:
Apply for 2 of the three Southwest credit cards. Personally, I applied for the two personal cards. You can also apply for one business card and one personal card.
PLUS APPLICATION LINK: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card
PREMIER APPLICATION LINK: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card
BUSINESS APPLICATION LINK: Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Premier Card
Pro tip: If you are applying for both personal cards, apply for them in two different internet browsers (I.e. Safari and Chrome, or Firefox and Chrome etc). If you try to apply for both in the same browser it may not let you apply for the second card.
If you are instantly approved, great! Move on to the next step.
Sometimes, you will get a notice that Chase needs more time/information to process your application. If this happens, don’t freak out! Simply call the reconsideration line and let them know you recently applied for some cards and were told more information was needed.
Reconsideration line number: 1-888-270-2127
If you call the reconsideration line, make sure you know the information given on your applications. They will ask you to confirm your annual income (they have no way to check they just need you to give verbal conformation that matches what was written on your application) as well as confirm other information given on your application.
Sometimes, they will need to move around credit on different cards in order to approve you. For example, if you have reached your maximum credit amount that Chase will grant you across 3 cards, they wont approve you for a 4th unless you move some of the credit line from the other cards to the new one. If they ever tell you they cant approve your application, very politely ask why and also ask if there is anything that can be done to get you to an approval. Many times, they will be able to approve you!
Step 4:
Once you recieve the cards, spend up to but not over $1,999 on each card before January 1st. In reality, I would recommend spending only up to $1,800 on each card to give yourself a cushion and make sure you don’t go over $2,000 before Jan 1st. Also, remember the annual fees on each card do not count towards the required spending. To be safe, I would still recommend not pushing it. While Southwest may say the annual fee does not count towards the required spending, they may count it anyway. If you’re close to the $2,000 threshold, you don’t want to go over and have the bonus points deposit early.
Once Jan 1st rolls around, complete the minimum spending requirements on both cards before the window to meet the spending closes. Once the minimum spending is met on both cards, 120,000 points will deposit into your account, putting you over the 110,000 point level needed to earn the companion pass!
Added bonus:
While the Southwest offers state that you have 3 months to complete the minimum spending, in reality they are giving people 114 days! Therefore I would recommend applying ASAP! You should have until late January to complete the minimum spending. The closer you finish the minimum spending to Jan 1st, the longer you will have the companion pass for 2018. Whenever you complete spending in 2018, you will have it for the rest of the year and the entire following year. To confirm your required spending window, once you’re approved for the cards I would recommend sending a message to Chase and asking them what the final day to meet spending requirements would be. That way you have the date in writing!
Thats it! Go get the Southwest Companion Pass and 120,000 points to use on travel free travel!
Looking for some other cards that let you travel for free? See our list of the best travel cards!
Southwest isn’t just for domestic travel, If you want ideas for places to go check out our recent trip to Cuba and Caye Caulker, Belize.
