How Are Rewards Calculated for The Southwest Rapid Rewards Card

Understanding how Southwest Rapid Rewards points are calculated is essential for maximizing your travel benefits. This guide explains the different ways you can earn points, their values, and how to redeem them for flights and other rewards.

How Points Are Awarded

Southwest Rapid Rewards offers several ways to earn points:

Flight Purchases: Earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights.
Partner Purchases: Earn points for purchases made with Southwest credit cards or through partner programs.
Hotel Stays: Earn points for stays at participating hotels.
Car Rentals: Earn points for car rentals through participating providers.
Dining and Shopping: Earn points for purchases at participating merchants.

Points earned through partner purchases may have different earning rates than flight purchases. Always check the current earning rates for each category.

Point Values

The value of points depends on the type of redemption:

Flight Redemptions: Points are typically worth 1 cent each when redeemed for flights.
Hotel Stays: Points may have different values depending on the hotel and length of stay.
Car Rentals: Points may have different values depending on the rental duration and vehicle type.
Dining and Shopping: Points may have different values depending on the merchant and purchase amount.

Flight Redemption Formula:

Total Points Needed = (Flight Cost × 100) / 1

Example: A $500 flight would require 50,000 points.

Earning Rates

Earning rates vary by category and may change over time. Here are some common earning rates:

Category	Earning Rate
Flight Purchases	1 point per dollar
Partner Purchases	1.5 points per dollar
Hotel Stays	3 points per dollar
Car Rentals	2 points per dollar
Dining and Shopping	1.2 points per dollar

Always check the current earning rates on the Southwest Rapid Rewards website, as they may change without notice.

Redemption Options

Points can be redeemed for various travel-related rewards:

Flights: Redeem points for flights on Southwest and partner airlines.
Hotel Stays: Redeem points for stays at participating hotels.
Car Rentals: Redeem points for car rentals through participating providers.
Gift Cards: Redeem points for gift cards to participating merchants.
Statement Credits: Redeem points for statement credits on Southwest purchases.

Redemption Formula:

Total Value = (Points × Point Value) / 100

Example: 50,000 points at 1 cent per point would be worth $500.

Example Calculations

Let's look at some examples to illustrate how points are calculated:

Example 1: Flight Purchase

You purchase a $500 flight on Southwest. How many points do you earn?

Points Earned = $500 × 1 point per dollar = 500 points

Example 2: Partner Purchase

You make a $200 purchase with a Southwest credit card. How many points do you earn?

Points Earned = $200 × 1.5 points per dollar = 300 points

Example 3: Flight Redemption

You have 50,000 points. How much can you redeem for a flight?

Flight Value = 50,000 points × $0.01 per point = $500

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my current earning rates?: You can check your current earning rates on the Southwest Rapid Rewards website or by contacting customer service.
Are there any expiration dates for points?: Points typically expire after 3 years of inactivity. Check your account for specific expiration dates.
Can I transfer points to another account?: Yes, you can transfer points to another Southwest Rapid Rewards account, but there may be fees involved.
Are there any blackout dates for flight redemptions?: Yes, there are blackout dates when flights cannot be redeemed. Check the Southwest website for current blackout dates.
How do I find participating merchants for dining and shopping?: You can find a list of participating merchants on the Southwest Rapid Rewards website or through the mobile app.