How to Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

How to Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

You earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points by booking Southwest flights, using a Southwest co-branded credit card, shopping through the rewards portal, and dining with select partners. Points convert to award flights, and status earned through flying unlocks priority boarding and upgrades.

Earning Points on Southwest Flights

The core way to earn is by flying Southwest. You receive points based on the fare type purchased and the distance flown. Business Select and Anytime fares earn the most points per dollar, while Wanna Get Away and Basic Economy fares earn fewer. The Rapid Rewards Qualifying Points (RQP) system means the points you earn for a flight are not simply the ticket price multiplied by a rate; it is a calculation that also considers the fare class. Every flight you take on Southwest, regardless of fare, also counts toward your qualifying segments and dollars, which determine your Rapid Rewards status tier for the year.

Credit Card and Shopping Earnings

A Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or Premier, provides points for everyday purchases. You typically earn points on all eligible purchases, with bonus categories for Southwest flights, dining, and groceries. These cards also offer a large sign-up bonus after meeting the minimum spend requirement. Beyond the card, you can earn points by shopping online through the Southwest Rewards portal at select retailers and by using your card at participating merchants.

Dining and Partner Programs

You can link a qualifying Rewards credit card to Southwest Dining to earn points when you dine at participating restaurants. The points earned are based on your eligible dining spend. Southwest also has partnerships with various hotels, car rental companies, and other travel providers. While flying Southwest is the primary path to earning qualifying points for status, these partner programs allow you to accumulate Rapid Rewards points that can be used for award tickets.

Maximizing Your Point Balance

To maximize points, focus on the fare class that earns the most points per dollar and ensure you are using your linked credit card for all eligible spending. Status earned through flying means your future flights earn even more points through bonus multipliers. You can check your points balance and transaction history on the Southwest website or mobile app to track your progress toward your next free flight.