Redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for the best value

With no blackout dates on flight redemptions, redeeming your Rapid Rewards points on Southwest travel is one of the most valuable ways to use your reward earnings. And if you earn a Southwest Companion Certificate, you can effectively double the value of your points when you travel with a partner. Here are a few examples of where these points can take you, along with a few other useful ways to use those points.

Awards chart

Here are a few samples illustrating the points needed to book flights through the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. These fares fluctuate throughout the year based on travel trends and when you book your flight. Especially notable are the “Wanna Get Away Fare” class tickets, which are a big value opportunity if you don’t mind their nonrefundable nature.

Data obtained December 2020. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.

How much are Southwest points worth?

Southwest points are worth between 0.5 and 1.7 cents per point, according to our valuation at the time of writing. The exact value depends on what you redeem them for.

Do Southwest points expire?

No, provided you maintain an active account by earning or redeeming points at least once every two years.

How to redeem points for maximum value

There are many ways you can redeem Rapid Rewards, but flights are the best choice for maximizing your points’ value. We did the math to break down how much a single point is worth depending on which fare you redeem it on.

Data obtained December 2020. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.

The value of the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most coveted companion certificates on the market and for good reason: once you’ve earned it, you can use it for the remainder of the year and the entire following calendar year. By comparison, other airlines’ companion certificates typically last for just one flight.

This pass allows you to bring another passenger on your booked flights for just the cost of tax and fees. When we look at this through the lens of redeeming points, a companion pass essentially doubles the value of your Southwest points, which is a thunderous value play. And you can use this pass for an entire year at the least! The requirements to earn a Companion Pass are steep but well worth the effort if you and a partner travel often with Southwest.

Best ways to redeem points with Southwest partners

If you’re a Southwest credit cardholder, you can redeem your Rapid Rewards points on more than just travel through a program called “More Rewards.” This program includes standard redemption options such as merchandise and gift cards through partnered retailers, as well as hotel bookings or international flights. However, Southwest has paused the More Rewards program as of December 2020, citing COVID-19-related challenges.

It’s a bummer to lose out on redemption options, but it’s not a huge loss: most of the redemption options through this program were worth far lower on average than the value gained on redemption for a flight.

Data obtained December 2020. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.

Airline transfer partners

Unfortunately, Southwest Airlines isn’t part of an airline alliance. This means you can only redeem your Southwest points on flights with Southwest Airlines, unlike some other airline loyalty programs.

How to earn Rapid Rewards points

Rapid Rewards program members can earn Southwest points by booking flights through Southwest or making purchases with an eligible credit card or through the Southwest shopping portal. Credit cards are your best bet for quickly earning points and can play a big part in helping you earn a Companion Pass. You can check out our full earning guide for more earning tips and information.

Compare cards that earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points

Southwest Airlines cobranded cards earn Rapid Rewards points directly on your purchases, while also offering unique card perks such as Companion Pass access and annual bonus points on your cardmember anniversary.

If you want to build your Rapid Rewards points without committing to a Southwest Airlines card, Chase allows you to transfer its Ultimate Rewards points from premium cards to Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. In fact, depending on your spending and travel habits, you might find it easier to build Rapid Rewards points using a Chase card.

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Name	Product	Welcome Offer	Rewards	Annual fee	Filter values
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card		60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months and 6,000 points after your card anniversary	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$99		Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months and 6,000 points after your card anniversary.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card		100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months	3x points on the first $150,000 on travel and select business categories annually, then 1x after and on all other purchases	$95		100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Freedom Unlimited®		$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months, plus 5% cash back at grocery stores (not including Target® or Walmart®) on up to $12,000 in the first year	5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases	$0		Now earning 5% on Chase Travel Portal purchases, this card has become a worthy travel card pick. Also get up to 5% on other everyday purchases.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Bottom line

If you often fly Southwest Airlines, the Rapid Rewards program is a straightforward way to earn points toward airfare, hotels and more, especially if you’re an A-List member or in a higher tier.

With a cobranded card or a premium Chase card, you stand to earn even more rewards on your purchases. Review your options to find the Rapid Rewards card that best fits your spending and travel needs.

Pictures: Getty Images