Southwest just launched a limited-time credit card promotion that hands you a Companion Pass immediately after meeting the spending requirement. This is a rare opportunity to skip the traditional 135,000-point grind and get one of travel's most valuable perks upfront.
Here's what makes this offer exceptional: you'll receive a Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027, plus bonus points, just for meeting the minimum spending requirement on a new Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. That's potentially 14 months of bringing someone along for nearly free on unlimited Southwest flights.
The Deal Details
Three Southwest credit cards are offering this promotion through March 18, 2026:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: Earn Companion Pass plus 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. $99 annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card: Earn Companion Pass plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. $99 annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card: Earn Companion Pass plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. $149 annual fee.
The Companion Pass itself works the same across all three cards. Your companion flies with you for just taxes and fees (starting from $5.60 one-way) on every Southwest flight you book through February 28, 2027.
How to Take Advantage
Apply for one of the three Southwest credit cards before March 18, 2026. Meet the minimum spending requirement within your first three months. Southwest will add the Companion Pass to your account shortly after you hit the spending threshold.
Once you receive the pass, designate your companion through your Rapid Rewards account. You can change your designated companion up to three times during the promotion period, which is helpful if your travel plans change.
Book your flights first, then add your companion to existing reservations through the "My Trips" section on Southwest's website or app. Your companion's ticket doesn't count as a revenue flight for earning another Companion Pass.
Why This Deal Matters
Normally, earning a Companion Pass requires flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. That's significant spending or flying. This promotion completely bypasses that requirement.
The timing is particularly valuable. If you apply soon and meet the spending requirement quickly, you'll have the pass for nearly 14 months. Compare that to earning a traditional Companion Pass in late 2026, which would still expire February 28, 2027.
The bonus points sweetens the deal further. The 20,000-40,000 bonus points (depending on which card you choose) can cover several one-way flights or contribute toward your next Companion Pass qualification if you decide to earn it the traditional way.
For couples or anyone who travels regularly with the same person, this promotion delivers exceptional value. Two people flying roundtrip from Austin to San Diego would normally cost around $600. With this pass, you'd pay roughly $311 for your ticket plus $11.20 in taxes and fees for your companion.
The Bottom Line
This Southwest credit card promotion offers immediate access to one of the best airline perks available. Apply before March 18, 2026, meet the spending requirement, and you'll have 14 months of nearly-free companion travel on Southwest Airlines.
If you're already planning to apply for a Southwest credit card or you fly Southwest even occasionally, this promotion is worth jumping on. Just remember that Chase's 5/24 rule applies to these cards, so make sure you're under five new credit cards in the past 24 months before applying.
This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.
