If you've been waiting for the easiest way to earn Southwest's Companion Pass without the usual 135,000-point grind, this is it. Through March 18, 2026, all three Southwest personal cards are offering the Companion Pass straight from the welcome bonus—plus bonus points to get your travels started immediately.
The Offers (Ending March 18, 2026)
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($99 annual fee):Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027 + 20,000 bonus points after $3,000 spend in 3 months
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card ($149 annual fee):Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027 + 30,000 bonus points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card ($229 annual fee):Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027 + 40,000 bonus points after $5,000 spend in 3 months
Why This Matters
The Companion Pass typically requires earning 135,000 qualifying points or flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. These offers bypass that entirely, handing you the pass after meeting minimum spend requirements that most people hit naturally in 3 months.
With the Companion Pass, your designated companion flies with you for just $5.60 in taxes on domestic flights. This works on both paid and award tickets, which means you can use your points for one ticket and bring someone along for pocket change.
Real-world value: If you take even 3 round trips together (6 flights total) averaging $200 each, you've just saved $1,200. The pass is valid for nearly a year, giving you plenty of time to maximize it.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Choose the Southwest Plus if you want the lowest barrier to entry and don't fly Southwest more than a few times per year. The $99 fee is the cheapest way to unlock the Companion Pass benefit.
Choose the Southwest Premier if you fly Southwest regularly and want better earning rates (3x on Southwest purchases vs. 2x) plus 6,000 anniversary points instead of 3,000. The extra $50 annual fee pays for itself quickly.
Choose the Southwest Priority if Southwest Airlines is your primary airline. You'll get 4x points on Southwest purchases, 7,500 anniversary points, unlimited upgrades to extra legroom seats, and a $75 Southwest travel credit each year. For frequent flyers, the benefits easily justify the $229 fee.
The Fine Print
You'll need to meet Chase's credit requirements (good to excellent credit typically required). The Companion Pass earned through these offers is valid through February 28, 2027—not through the end of the calendar year like passes earned the traditional way.
You can only hold one Southwest personal card at a time, and Chase's 5/24 rule applies (if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, you'll likely be denied).
Bottom Line
This is the most straightforward path to the Companion Pass we've seen. No point tracking, no strategic timing, just meet the minimum spend and you're in. If you've been considering Southwest cards or planning trips for two, apply before March 18.
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