Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.
The clock is ticking for the limited-time Southwest credit card offers. Until February 11, 2019, you can earn the Southwest Companion Pass AND 30,000 Southwest points by applying for just ONE of the below Chase Southwest personal credit cards and spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card – My wife applied and was instantly approved! She met the minimum spending the first day she got the card and we’re patiently waiting for the Companion Pass!
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card – This is a better option for folks traveling overseas because you won’t pay foreign transaction fees
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – Team member Jasmin applied for this premium Southwest card. You’ll earn 7,500 bonus Southwest points every card anniversary and $75 in annual statement credits for eligible Southwest purchases
For all 3 card offers, the Companion Pass is promotional and will be valid through December 31, 2019. I know a lot of folks have already taken advantage of these offers, including my wife, as well as team member Jasmin.
Why You Should Meet the Minimum Spending on Your New Southwest Credit Card As Quickly As You Can
Read our review of the Limited-Time Southwest Companion Pass Credit Card Offers
This year will be the 5th consecutive year my wife and I utilize the Companion Pass. This amazing travel deal has saved us more than $10,000 in out-of-pocket airfare costs. That’s why my wife applied for the limited-time Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offer and met the minimum spending the first day she received the card. Because we want to maximize our time with the Companion Pass for the remainder of 2019.
One thing to keep in mind with the current limited-time offers is the Companion Pass won’t show up in your account until after the statement period end date in which you meet the minimum spending requirements. In my experience, you’ll typically see the sign-up bonus points and Companion Pass within a day or two after your billing cycle ends (assuming you met the minimum spending).
Even though you have 3 months from account opening to make $4,000 in purchases, it’s a better idea to meet it sooner, if you can. Because if you wait until month 3, you might only have ~6 months to use your Companion Pass.
Keep in mind, I only recommend spending as much as you can afford to pay off in one billing period. It’s NOT worth spending $4,000 in one statement if you will carry a balance. Because any interest and fees you accrue will offset the value of the card’s sign-up bonus.
We have a complete guide to meeting minimum spending requirements. But these are a few strategies my wife and I use to meet minimum spending:
- We switch all automatic monthly payments (cell phone, utilities, car insurance, etc.) to the new card
- We prepay bills for the year (renter’s insurance and annual subscriptions)
- We pay for medical expenses with the new credit card and request reimbursement through our employer’s Flexible Spending Account plans
- I use the new card for my eBay reselling business
- My wife and I pay for meals out with groups and ask others to Venmo us for their portion
- I offer to pay bills for my mom with a new card and she reimburses me
- We make estimated tax payments using a new credit card
Do you have any tips for meeting minimum spending requirements quickly? Let me know in the comments below!