Do Southwest Credit Card Points Expire? A Guide To Rapid Rewards Rules And Earning [Updated On: September 2025]

Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire if your account is open and in good standing. Closing your account means you lose your points. Basic fare points expire in six months, while other fare points expire in twelve months. Join Rapid Rewards to earn points and enjoy their benefits.

The good news is that Southwest Credit Card points do not expire as long as your account remains active. An active account is defined as earning or redeeming points at least every 24 months. If you do not engage with your account in this time frame, your points may expire. Members can prevent this by taking actions such as booking flights or using the credit card for purchases.

Earning points is straightforward. You accumulate points by flying with Southwest Airlines, making purchases on the Southwest Credit Card, and participating in promotional offers. Additionally, points can also be earned through partnerships with hotels and rental car companies.

In the next section, we will explore effective strategies for maximizing Southwest Credit Card points. We will discuss how to leverage promotional offers, strategically use your credit card, and optimize flight bookings to boost your rewards.

Table of Contents

Do Southwest Credit Card Points Expire After a Period of Inactivity?

No, Southwest Credit Card points do not expire as long as there is account activity at least every 24 months.

Points are considered active when you earn or redeem them. This activity ensures that your points will remain in your account. If no activity occurs within the 24-month period, all accumulated points may expire. This policy encourages ongoing engagement with the credit card and the Southwest Airlines loyalty program. Keeping your points active can be achieved through flights, purchases, or utilizing other eligible transactions linked to your account.

What Happens If I Don’t Use My Southwest Credit Card Points?

If you don’t use your Southwest Credit Card points, they will expire. Points typically remain valid as long as there is qualifying activity on your account every 24 months.

Here are the main points related to this topic:
1. Expiration of points after 24 months of inactivity
2. Redemptions options available for points
3. Strategies to keep points active
4. Opinions on the value of unused points
5. Conflicts between frequent flyers and infrequent travelers

The following sections provide detailed explanations for each point.

Expiration of points after 24 months of inactivity: Points from a Southwest Credit Card will expire if there is no account activity for 24 consecutive months. Activity can include earning new points through purchases or redeeming existing points. This means that keeping an account active is essential for long-term point retention.
Redemption options available for points: Southwest offers various redemption options for points, including booking flights, rental cars, and hotel stays. Users can also use points for gift cards and experiences. This variety allows travelers to utilize their points in a manner that best suits their personal preferences or needs.
Strategies to keep points active: To prevent point expiration, users can make small purchases using their Southwest Credit Card. Additionally, they should consider redeeming points occasionally. Options like transferring points to one of Southwest’s partners can also keep an account active.
Opinions on the value of unused points: Some travelers see unused points as potential waste. They argue it is important to have a plan for redemption. Others believe that the mere existence of points adds value to the credit card’s offerings, providing a sense of financial flexibility or future travel opportunities.
Conflicts between frequent flyers and infrequent travelers: Frequent flyers may prioritize using their points promptly, fearing loss. In contrast, infrequent travelers might not see the urgency in redeeming points, which can lead to risk of expiration. This difference of perspective can create a divide in how users approach managing their points.

Managing your Southwest Credit Card points requires awareness of expiration policies and active decision-making regarding redemptions. Users should stay informed to optimize the benefits of their rewards program.

How Can I Prevent My Southwest Credit Card Points from Expiring?

You can prevent your Southwest credit card points from expiring by keeping your account active through eligible activity.

To keep your Rapid Rewards points from expiring, consider the following strategies:

Earn Points Through Transactions: Make purchases with your Southwest credit card. Every transaction earns points, and this activity will refresh the expiration timeline for your existing points. For instance, your points will remain valid for 24 months from your last earning activity.
Redeem Points for Flights or Other Rewards: Use your points to book flights, hotel stays, or car rentals. Redeeming points is a significant activity that also resets the expiration clock on your points.
Use Rapid Rewards Partners: Engage with Southwest’s partners, such as hotels or restaurants. Completing eligible transactions with these partners also earns points and keeps your existing points active.
Sign-Up Bonus: If you have not yet, consider taking advantage of any sign-up bonuses when opening a credit card account. Earning a substantial number of points during the promotional period can greatly enhance your account’s activity and point longevity.
Keep Your Account Open: Maintain an active account to avoid point expiration. An open account with recent transactions signifies activity, which is necessary to keep points valid.

By following these strategies, you can effectively manage your Southwest credit card points and ensure they do not expire.

Are There Specific Activities That Keep Points Active?

Yes, specific activities can keep points active within many reward programs. Engaging in these activities prevents points from expiring and ensures a member maintains their earning potential.

Typically, the activities that keep points active may include earning points through purchases, redeeming points, or even making account updates. For example, with credit card rewards, making a purchase using the card can often trigger a point-refresh cycle. In contrast, simply holding a card without activity may lead to point expiration if the card issuer has a specific inactivity period.

The benefits of keeping points active are substantial. Active participation can lead to greater accumulating rewards. For instance, studies show that members who regularly engage with their rewards programs can see a 15-20% increase in total rewards earned over time. Additionally, maintaining an active points balance may grant access to promotional offers and exclusive deals, enhancing the overall value of the rewards program.

On the downside, some programs impose strict inactivity policies. For instance, a few credit card issuers may cancel points after a year of no activity. This rule might negatively impact users who unintentionally forget to engage with their rewards program. According to a 2021 report by Rewards Canada, 32% of points go unredeemed because members lose track of their expiration policies.

To maximize point longevity, members should regularly review their rewards program status. Schedule reminders to make small purchases or redeem points strategically. Furthermore, subscribing to newsletters or alerts from the rewards program can keep members informed of changes and opportunities to earn points. Regular engagement, even in small amounts, can help maintain an active points balance and ensure that rewards do not expire.

What Are the Rules Regarding Expiration Exceptions for Southwest Rapid Rewards Points?

Rapid Rewards Points for Southwest Airlines do not expire as long as the member engages in qualifying activities at least once every 24 months.

Key points regarding expiration exceptions for Southwest Rapid Rewards Points include:
1. Activity Requirement
2. Earning through Travel
3. Earning through Points Redemption
4. Bonus Points from Promotions
5. Impact of Account Inactivity

The following details explain each of these points related to expiration exceptions for Southwest Rapid Rewards Points.

Activity Requirement: The activity requirement indicates that members must earn or redeem points to keep their points active. Engaging in qualifying activities every 24 months resets the expiration clock on the points, ensuring they do not expire.
Earning through Travel: Earning points through travel is a fundamental way to keep points active. When a member books and completes a flight with Southwest, the points earned contribute to maintaining account activity. According to Southwest, any flight taken will earn points that count towards preventing expiration.
Earning through Points Redemption: Members can also keep their points from expiring by redeeming them for flights, upgrades, or merchandise. Redeeming points counts as an activity that refreshes the expiration timeline. It is important for members to frequently use their points to retain their value.
Bonus Points from Promotions: Participating in promotions can generate bonus points. These bonuses also qualify as activities that extend the expiration of Rapid Rewards Points. Promotions may include credit card sign-up bonuses, promotional offers, or referral programs.
Impact of Account Inactivity: Account inactivity may lead to point expiration. If no activity occurs within the 24-month period, points will expire. Members are encouraged to monitor their account activity to avoid the loss of points. Regularly checking their account status can help ensure they remain engaged with their rewards program.

How Do I Earn Points through My Southwest Credit Card Spending?

You can earn points through your Southwest credit card spending by making purchases, utilizing special bonus categories, and achieving specific spending thresholds.

Standard purchases: Every dollar you spend on eligible purchases earns you points. For example, with certain Southwest credit cards, you might earn 2 points per dollar spent on gas and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Category bonuses: Southwest often offers bonus points for specific categories. For instance, when you book travel through Southwest Airlines, you may earn additional points per dollar spent. These promotions can significantly increase your point accumulation.
Sign-up bonuses: Many Southwest credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses. These bonuses typically require you to spend a specific amount within the first few months of card ownership. For example, if you spend $3,000 in the first three months, you might earn 50,000 bonus points.
Anniversary bonuses: Some Southwest credit cards provide annual bonuses, meaning you receive extra points each year on your account anniversary. This can add value to your card over time.
Promotions and partnerships: Southwest frequently partners with other businesses to provide promotional offers. Participating in these promotions can yield additional points. Offers may vary by summer or holiday seasons.

By using your card wisely and taking advantage of these earning opportunities, you can maximize your Southwest Rapid Rewards points and work towards free flights or travel perks.

What Purchases Qualify for Earning Rapid Rewards Points?

The purchases that qualify for earning Rapid Rewards Points primarily include travel-related expenses along with various everyday transactions made through Southwest’s partners.

Airfare purchased on Southwest Airlines
Hotel stays with partner hotels
Car rentals with partner rental companies
In-flight purchases like food and beverages
Special promotions or bonuses offered by Southwest and partners
Everyday spending on Southwest Airlines credit cards
Shopping with partnering retail companies
Dining through the Rapid Rewards Dining program

These categories highlight the diverse range of purchases eligible for points accumulation. Understanding these areas will help maximize point earnings in different situations.

Airfare Purchased on Southwest Airlines: Airfare purchased directly from Southwest Airlines qualifies for earning Rapid Rewards Points. Passengers earn points based on the fare amount spent. For example, purchasing a ticket for $200 would typically yield a certain number of points depending on the fare class and loyalty tier of the traveler.
Hotel Stays with Partner Hotels: Staying at hotels that partner with Southwest also earns points. Members earn points for every dollar spent on their hotel stay. For instance, booking a night at a partner hotel for $150 may earn a percentage of points towards Rapid Rewards.
Car Rentals with Partner Rental Companies: Renting cars through Southwest’s partner companies qualifies for point earnings. Travelers earn points equivalent to the amount spent on the rental. Renting a car for a week can accumulate significant points when booked through a partner.
In-flight Purchases Like Food and Beverages: Making in-flight purchases contributes to points earned in Rapid Rewards. This includes food, drinks, and even Wi-Fi during the flight. For instance, spending $15 on snacks and beverages adds to your overall points tally.
Special Promotions or Bonuses Offered by Southwest and Partners: Southwest often run promotions that allow for additional points earning opportunities. For example, a limited-time offer might grant extra points when booking a flight or completing a hotel stay during a promotional period.
Everyday Spending on Southwest Airlines Credit Cards: Utilizing Southwest Airlines-branded credit cards for everyday purchases earns points. Users earn points for every dollar spent on the card, translating into rapid point accumulation over time.
Shopping with Partnering Retail Companies: Earning points is possible when shopping through Southwest’s portal with retail partners. Online purchases from these retailers contribute towards Rapid Rewards Points depending on the cashback arrangement.
Dining Through the Rapid Rewards Dining Program: Participating in the Rapid Rewards Dining program qualifies members to earn points when eating at participating restaurants. A registered membership allows members to earn points for every dollar spent on their meals.

These categories and definitions illustrate how various purchases contribute to earning Rapid Rewards Points, offering members multiple avenues to enhance their benefits.

What Benefits Does a Southwest Credit Card Provide for Travelers?

The Southwest Credit Card provides numerous benefits for travelers, making it an attractive option for regular flyers and those who enjoy accessing travel perks.

Key benefits include:
1. Earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases.
2. No foreign transaction fees.
3. Free checked bags for cardholders and companions.
4. Access to special travel deals and promotions.
5. Travel insurance and purchase protection benefits.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore each of them in detail for a better understanding.

Earn Rapid Rewards Points:
The Southwest Credit Card allows travelers to earn Rapid Rewards points for every dollar spent. Cardholders receive a specific number of points per purchase category, such as higher points for flights and hotel bookings. For example, a cardholder might earn 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest flights and 2 points on gas and dining. This rewards program is particularly beneficial for frequent Southwest flyers as it can significantly reduce the cost of future travel.
No Foreign Transaction Fees:
The Southwest Credit Card waives foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States. This provision enables travelers to use their credit card abroad without incurring additional charges, usually around 3% of the transaction amount with other cards. This benefit is essential for international travelers who will be able to save money while spending overseas.
Free Checked Bags:
Cardholders enjoy the advantage of free checked bags for themselves and up to two companions on the same reservation. Typically, Southwest does not charge for the first two checked bags, enhancing the overall value of a ticket purchased with the card. This benefit helps travelers save costs and reduce travel hassle, especially when flying with family or friends.
Access to Special Travel Deals:
The Southwest Credit Card provides access to exclusive offers and discounts that may not be available to the general public. These deals can include special promotional fares or discounts on certain routes. By tapping into these offers, travelers can maximize their travel budget and enjoy additional savings.
Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection:
The card offers various travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation coverage and lost luggage reimbursement. Purchase protection can cover theft or damage of new purchases. These benefits provide peace of mind, protecting travelers from unforeseen circumstances during their trips.

In summary, the Southwest Credit Card offers various advantages that cater to frequent travelers, providing them with opportunities for savings and added convenience.

Can I Use My Rapid Rewards Points for More Than Just Flights?

Yes, you can use your Rapid Rewards points for more than just flights. Rapid Rewards offers various options for redeeming points beyond air travel.

Members can utilize their points for hotel stays, car rentals, and vacation packages. They can also choose to redeem points for merchandise and gift cards from various retailers. This flexibility enhances the value of Rapid Rewards points, making them useful for various travel-related expenses and lifestyle purchases. Therefore, members have multiple opportunities to maximize their points effectively.

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