How To Get A Southwest Companion Pass Fast

Southwest is back with another fast track to a Companion Pass 🎉

This time, you only need one Southwest personal credit card. Meet the minimum spend, and you’ll earn a Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027 — plus a stash of Rapid Rewards points.

The exact bonus and spending requirement depend on which card you choose (details below). But first, a quick refresher.

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the strongest perks in domestic travel. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one benefit: when you book a paid or award ticket with Southwest Airlines, your companion flies for just the taxes and fees. There are no blackout dates, and you can use it as often as you want. You’re also allowed to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year.

Normally, you’d need to earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year to qualify. This offer shortcuts that requirement.

I’ve used the Companion Pass to offset the cost of college visits, family trips, and quick weekend getaways — it adds up quickly. ✈️

Here’s how the current card options compare:

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

• Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027

• 20,000 bonus points

• $3,000 minimum spend

• $99 annual fee

Key perks:

• First checked bag free

• Complimentary standard seat within 48 hours of departure

• 10% promo code

• 3,000 anniversary points

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027

• 30,000 bonus points

• $4,000 minimum spend

• $149 annual fee

Key perks:

• First checked bag free

• Complimentary preferred seat within 48 hours of departure

• 15% promo code

• 6,000 anniversary points

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

• Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027

• 40,000 bonus points

• $5,000 minimum spend

•  $229 annual fee

Key perks:

• First checked bag free

• Complimentary preferred seat at booking

• Extra legroom seat within 48 hours of departure

• 7,500 anniversary points

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A few important notes before you apply:

• You’re only eligible for a personal card welcome bonus once every 24 months, so double-check your timeline.

• Make sure a Companion Pass valid through early 2027 fits your travel plans. In some cases, it may make more sense to pursue the traditional Companion Pass strategy, which can stretch benefits close to two full years depending on timing.

If you already have trips in mind for 2026 and early 2027, this is a straightforward way to lock in significant savings. 💙

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? I can plan your entire trip using your points and miles or offer a 30 minute consult to answer questions or you can  download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities.