How Are Southwest Points Calculated From Credit Card

Southwest Airlines offers a points program that rewards credit card users with points for every dollar spent. Understanding how these points are calculated can help you maximize your rewards and get the most value from your credit card purchases.

How Points Are Calculated

Southwest's points program works by awarding points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases. The number of points you earn depends on the type of credit card you have and the category of purchase you make.

Basic Point Calculation

Points = (Purchase Amount × Point Multiplier) / 100

Where the point multiplier varies by card and purchase category.

For example, if you spend $100 on a purchase that earns 2 points per dollar, you would earn 200 points. However, the actual calculation can be more complex depending on the specific card and promotion terms.

Point Earning Rates

The number of points you earn per dollar spent varies depending on the type of credit card and the category of purchase. Here are some common point earning rates:

Card Type	Purchase Category	Points per Dollar
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card	All Purchases	1.5
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card	All Purchases	2
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card	All Purchases	2.5
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Business Credit Card	All Purchases	1.5

Some cards may offer bonus categories where you earn more points for specific types of purchases, such as gas or groceries. Always check the terms and conditions of your specific card for the most accurate information.

How to Maximize Points

To maximize your points, consider the following strategies:

Choose the right card: Select a card with the highest point earning rate that matches your spending habits.
Take advantage of bonus categories: If your card offers bonus points for specific purchases, make sure to use it for those categories.
Use your card for all eligible purchases: The more you spend, the more points you'll earn.
Check for promotions: Southwest often offers special promotions that can increase your point earnings.
Pay your balance in full: Some cards offer higher point earning rates when you pay your balance in full each month.

Remember that points earned through credit card purchases can expire if not used within a certain period. Make sure to use your points before they expire to avoid losing them.

Example Calculation

Let's say you have the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, which earns 2 points per dollar on all purchases. If you spend $200 on eligible purchases, here's how your points would be calculated:

Example Calculation

Points = ($200 × 2) / 100 = 400 points

So, you would earn 400 points for your $200 purchase. If you had the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, which earns 2.5 points per dollar, you would earn 500 points for the same purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know how many points I'll earn on a purchase?

The number of points you earn depends on the type of credit card you have and the category of purchase. You can find this information in the card's terms and conditions or by using our calculator.

Can I earn points on purchases made with other credit cards?

No, points are only earned on purchases made with Southwest Airlines credit cards. You cannot earn points on purchases made with other credit cards.

Do points expire?

Yes, points earned through credit card purchases can expire if not used within a certain period. Make sure to use your points before they expire to avoid losing them.

How do I redeem my points for flights?

You can redeem your points for flights by logging into your Southwest Airlines account and selecting the flights you want to book. Points can be used for both one-way and round-trip flights.