How to set up a Southwest account and start earning valuable rewards

October 6, 2019 by Jasmin Baron Jasmin Baron

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Southwest is a favorite of miles-and-points enthusiasts for its reasonable airfares, incredibly generous baggage policy, absence of change or cancellation fees and fun service. Now that they’ve expanded their route network (flights to Hawaii!), more and more people are considering flying Southwest.

To get the most out of your Southwest flights you’ll need to set up a Southwest account. It’s free and couldn’t be easier. Once you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account, you can add to your points balance by opening a Southwest credit card that comes with valuable welcome bonuses and earns you points for spending:

The best part about these sign-up bonuses is that they all count toward earning a Southwest Companion Pass. The Companion Pass allows you to bring a friend or family member with you on any Southwest flight for nearly free. You just pay taxes and fees on your companion’s ticket. The pass is valid on paid and award tickets, but the best part is you can use it an unlimited number of times.

I’ll show you how to open a Southwest account to start earning Southwest points.

How to set up a Southwest account

Opening a Southwest account is free and super-simple. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Go to the Southwest website

Visit Southwest.com and click “Enroll” in the upper right-hand corner.

Step 2. Enter your details

You’ll be prompted to enter your personal details, the usual stuff:

Name (be sure to use exactly what’s on your government-issued ID, such as your passport)
Date of birth
Phone number
Email address

You’ll also be asked to set up a username, password, and security questions (of the “What is your mother’s maiden name?” variety).

Once you’ve finished entering your info (be sure everything is correct, because you won’t have a chance to review once you submit), click “Create Account.”

Step 3. Receive confirmation of your new Southwest account

Next, you’ll be brought to a screen confirming your new Southwest account. Take note of your account number, username, and password you created, so you can sign into your account later.

Don’t forget to create Southwest accounts for your kids or partner if they don’t have one. You won’t be able to earn Southwest points or Southwest status for flights they fly — they’ll need their own frequent-flyer memberships to do that.

Check out our guides for using Southwest Airlines points:

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Earn points on employee spending
Employee cards at no additional cost
No blackout dates when you redeem points, no seat restrictions, bags fly free®, and no change fees
No foreign transaction fees