How to Stack Southwest Credit Cards to Earn a Companion Pass for 2025-2027

Most Lucrative Travel Hacks Available

Author

Build Wealth Yourself
December 09, 2024

In partnership with

Dear Wealth Builders,

One of the most lucrative travel hacks available today is the Southwest Companion Pass. If you love to travel and want to maximize your savings, this pass is a game changer. By stacking Southwest personal and business credit cards, you can unlock a Companion Pass that allows a friend or family member to fly with you for free (just pay taxes and fees) for up to two years. In this guide, we’ll break down the strategy step-by-step, offer pro tips, and provide examples to help you secure the Companion Pass for 2025-2027.

What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass lets you bring a designated companion along on any Southwest flight you take, for free, whether you book with points or cash. You just pay taxes and fees, typically $5.60 each way for domestic flights.

How Long Does the Pass Last?

Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which you earned it plus the entire following year. If you earn the pass early in 2025, it will be valid through December 31, 2026. Timing your strategy to hit the qualifying requirements in early January 2025 can potentially extend the validity to almost two full years.

How to Earn the Companion Pass

To earn a Companion Pass, you need to either:

  1. Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year; or

  2. Accumulate 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.

For most people, the second option—earning 135,000 points—is far more practical. This is where Southwest credit cards come into play.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stacking Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest offers several credit cards through Chase—both personal and business versions. By strategically applying for one personal and one business card and hitting their welcome bonuses, you can accumulate the 135,000 points needed for the Companion Pass quickly.

Step 1: Choose the Right Credit Cards

Personal Cards

  1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

  2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

  3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

These cards typically offer welcome bonuses ranging from 40,000 to 75,000 points when you meet the spending requirement, usually within the first three months.

Business Cards

  1. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

  2. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Business cards often have even higher bonuses, ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 points after meeting spending requirements.

Pro Tip: Time Your Applications Strategically

Apply for both cards toward the end of 2024 but ensure that you hit the minimum spending requirements in January 2025. This way, the points post in early 2025, allowing you to qualify for the Companion Pass early in the year and enjoy it until December 31, 2026.

Step 2: Meet the Minimum Spend Requirements

Each card requires you to spend a certain amount within the first three months to earn the welcome bonus. For example:

  • Personal Card: Spend $3,000 to earn 50,000 points.

  • Business Card: Spend $5,000 to earn 80,000 points.

Example Calculation

  1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Personal Card: 50,000 points after $3,000 spend.

  2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card: 80,000 points after $5,000 spend.

This adds up to 130,000 points. To reach the required 135,000 points, you only need an additional 5,000 points through regular spending.

Pro Tip: Use the Cards for Everyday Expenses

Put your everyday expenses on your Southwest cards to hit the spending thresholds. Pay bills, buy groceries, pay insurance premiums, and cover any business expenses using these cards.

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Step 3: Maximize Points with Additional Spending

If you need to bridge the gap to reach 135,000 points, here are some ways to do so:

  1. Dining Programs: Enroll in the Rapid Rewards Dining Program to earn extra points when eating out.

  2. Shopping Portals: Use the Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal for online purchases to earn bonus points.

  3. Southwest Travel: Book flights, hotels, and car rentals through Southwest to earn additional points.

  4. Referrals: Some cards offer points for referring friends or family members who get approved.

Pro Tip: Plan Big Purchases

If you know you have large upcoming expenses (e.g., holiday shopping, home repairs, business purchases), time these purchases to help meet your minimum spending requirements.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Companion Pass

Once you’ve accumulated 135,000 qualifying points, you’ll receive your Companion Pass! You can now designate one person to fly with you for free on any Southwest flight.

How to Book with the Companion Pass

  1. Book Your Flight: Use cash or points to book your flight.

  2. Add Your Companion: After booking, go to your reservation and add your companion. They only need to pay taxes and fees (typically $5.60 one-way for domestic flights).

Benefits of the Companion Pass

1. Incredible Value

The Companion Pass effectively doubles the value of your Southwest points or cash bookings. If you fly frequently, this can save you thousands of dollars.

Example:
If you book $2,000 worth of flights in a year, your companion flies free on all of them, saving you an additional $2,000.

2. Flexible Travel

There are no blackout dates with the Companion Pass. As long as there’s a seat available, your companion can join you.

3. Easy to Earn

Compared to other airline programs, Southwest’s Companion Pass is relatively achievable, especially with credit card stacking.

Pro Tips for Maximizing the Companion Pass

  1. Book Early: Southwest flights are cheapest when booked in advance.

  2. Use Points Wisely: Save points for high-cost routes to maximize value.

  3. Change Companions: You can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Plan ahead if you want to bring different people on your trips.

  4. Fly Often: Make the most of your Companion Pass by planning multiple trips throughout the year.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  1. Missing Spending Deadlines: If you miss the spending requirement deadline, you won’t receive the bonus points. Track your spending closely.

  2. Overspending: Don’t buy things you don’t need just to hit the bonus. Stick to planned expenses.

  3. Credit Score Impact: Applying for multiple cards can impact your credit score. Ensure your score is in good standing before applying.

Conclusion: Travel Smart and Save Big

By strategically stacking Southwest personal and business credit cards, you can earn a Companion Pass and enjoy nearly two years of free flights for your travel buddy. This travel hack is one of the best ways to maximize your credit card rewards and make your travel dreams a reality.

Recap of the Steps:

  1. Choose a personal and a business Southwest card.

  2. Apply in late 2024 and hit the spending bonus in January 2025.

  3. Accumulate 135,000 points through bonuses and regular spending.

  4. Enjoy your Companion Pass through 2026!

Whether you're a frequent flyer or just someone who loves to explore new places, the Companion Pass is a powerful tool to stretch your travel budget further.

So, start planning your trips and get ready to soar into 2025 and beyond with a companion by your side—because nothing beats making memories while saving money.

Pro Tip: As you earn your Companion Pass, remember that travel experiences are priceless, but saving thousands on flights makes them even sweeter!

Fly Safe,

Build Wealth Yourself Team