Southwest Cards Get Huge Signup Bonus Increase

Earlier this month, Chase announced an impressive signup bonus increase for the . New cardholders can now earn 60,000 points if they spend $2,000 within the first three months. That’s a 20,000 point increase, and it’s a great upgrade to a card we’ve already called our top airline card, with a great signup bonus!

Be sure to act quickly: Even though Southwest hasn’t set an end date yet, this is a limited-time offer. And if you’re looking to put those extra points towards something really special, it’s better to start saving sooner, rather than later.

Card highlights

There’s a lot of similarities between Chase’s Southwest cards: Each has a base rate of 2X points per dollar on Southwest and Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental Partner purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other purchases. Additionally:

• Points don’t expire as long as your card is open.
• No blackout dates or seat restrictions when you redeem points for flights.
• First and second checked bags fly free.
• No change fees. (Fare differences may apply.)

But when it comes to points and fees, there are some differences. Here’s a quick guide:

Southwest card comparison
Card	Signup bonus	Signup bonus requirements	Anniversary points	Annual fee	Foreign transaction fees?
	60,000 points	$2,000 in first three months	3,000 points	$69	Yes: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card	60,000 points	$2,000 in first three months	6,000 points	$99	No
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card	60,000 points	$3,000 in first 3 months	6,000 points	$99	No

Already applied?

If you’ve already applied for a Rapid Rewards® Credit Card within 90 days of the offer, and you’ve missed out on the signup bonus, don’t worry: Chase will match the higher offer on both personal and business cards. (To be eligible for matching, the offer must be a public, as opposed to an offer targeting a specific individual.)

Bonus benefit: Southwest Companion Pass

The Companion Pass is a major incentive for making Southwest your airline of choice. This members-only perk lets you designate one person to fly with you for 100% free for the following full calendar year, plus the remainder of the year in which you earned it. Earn a companion pass early enough in the year, and that’s two years’ worth of free flights for your chosen companion.

Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:

• 110,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
• 100 qualifying one-way flights.

(Note: you don’t have to own a Southwest credit card to earn a Companion Pass; any Rapid Rewards member who meets the criteria above can earn one.)

If you’re ready to earn free travel, apply now with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card to earn your 60,000-point signup bonus — and start earning points on every purchase.

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