Note: though this offer has expired, these Southwest cards are still fantastic for Southwest aficionados.

The Southwest Companion Pass is the ultimate treasure for Southwest enthusiasts and flight fanatics alike, a real gem in the sky. Picture this: you get a two-for-one deal on every flight with Southwest Airlines. Whether you're buying a ticket or using points, you can bring a friend along almost for free (you can only choose one friend or loved one for the year, so pick wisely!). You're only on the hook for taxes and fees on their ticket, which are as low as $5.60 one-way—that's about what you'd pay for an oat milk latte!

Right now, there's an exclusive offer for newcomers to the Southwest card lineup. Sign up by March 11, 2024, and you'll snag the Southwest Companion Pass as a welcome bonus, valid on flights through 2/28/25. Plus, pocket an extra 30,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months after your account opens. Traditionally, earning this sought-after pass is a Herculean task, requiring either flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards points within a year. These points can come from flights booked directly with Southwest, spending on Southwest credit cards, or accumulating base points through Rapid Rewards partners.

In essence, earning the Companion Pass the old-fashioned way is not easy.

But here's the silver lining: secure the Companion Pass by applying and getting approved for one of the Southwest cards now.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

If you're a dedicated Southwest enthusiast, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card outshines the other three Southwest personal cards, despite its annual fee of $149.

• Limited-time offer: earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 7,500-anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

The middle option of the personal Southwest cards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card carries a $99 annual fee and also comes with the coveted Companion Pass. 

• Limited-time offer: earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 6,000-anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Kudos. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a great option for Southwest loyalists who don't care about additional benefits. We call it the “no frills” card for the no-frills airline. You’ll still earn the Companion Pass, plus the annual fee is only $69 a year! 

• Limited-time offer: earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 3,000-anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Bottom Line

With this limited-time offer in play until March 11, 2024, there's truly never been a better time to apply for one of these Southwest credit cards. Take advantage while you can and enjoy nearly a full year of companionship in the skies. Just $5 can brighten someone's day, but with the Companion Pass, you have the power to make your year - and theirs - extraordinary.