Southwest is currently offering one of its most generous welcome bonuses to date: earn 100,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening. This limited-time offer ends tomorrow, September 17th at 7 am, and it can be a strategic way to earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass.

Why the Companion Pass Is So Valuable

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees (usually $5.60 each way). There are no blackout dates, and as long as a seat is available for purchase, your companion can fly with you.

With the 100,000-point bonus from this card offer, you can make significant progress toward the 135,000 points needed to earn the Companion Pass. By opening the card now and strategically completing the required $5,000 spend over the next five months, you can wait to meet the spending requirement until after January 1, 2026. This allows you to enjoy nearly two full years of Companion Pass benefits, as it is valid for the year you earn the pass and the following year. This means you’ll be able to fly one companion for FREE until December 31, 2027.

For families, couples, or frequent travelers with a trusted friend, the Companion Pass can save thousands of dollars annually. I’ve personally held the pass before and saved over $6K alone in one year, and even though I no longer chase it, the savings and flexibility are unmatched for those who fly Southwest regularly.

Why I Stopped Pursuing It

While the Companion Pass is extremely valuable for some, it no longer aligns with my travel style. Here’s why:

• Dynamic award pricing often makes Southwest flights twice as expensive compared to alternatives.
• Lack of premium options — no business class, extra-legroom “main cabin extra” style seating, or airport lounges.
• Better alternatives with other airlines — for example, I can redeem as few as 4,500 miles for domestic flights thanks to the Alaska/Hawaiian (now Atmos) partnership, while also enjoying my elite perks as an Executive Platinum member.
• Bag benefits elsewhere — my American Airlines status covers up to 70 pounds per bag, which is more generous than Southwest.

So while I once loved the Companion Pass, I let it lapse in 2025. That said, for many travelers, it still represents one of the best deals in domestic travel.

Which Southwest Card Provides the Best Value After the Refresh?

This is where things get more complicated. With the recent refresh of the Southwest credit card lineup, the value proposition has shifted.

Previously, the Southwest Priority Card was the clear winner. The $75 annual travel credit and four upgraded boardings essentially paid for the card’s annual fee on their own.

Now, both of those benefits have been removed, while the annual fee has increased. This makes the Priority Card much harder to justify for most people. Personally, I plan to downgrade my card when the next annual fee posts.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the refreshed cards:

• Southwest Plus Card ($99 annual fee): Entry-level option with 3,000 anniversary points and limited bonus categories. Best for very occasional Southwest flyers.
• Southwest Premier Card ($149 annual fee): Middle-tier option with 6,000 anniversary points and stronger earning on Southwest flights. Likely the new “sweet spot” for most travelers.
• Southwest Priority Card ($229 annual fee): Top-tier card with 7,500 anniversary points, extra legroom upgrades, and preferred seat selection at booking. Works best only if you fly Southwest very frequently and value those perks enough to offset the higher annual fee.

Should You Go for the Bonus Now?

If your primary goal is earning the Companion Pass, this 100,000-point bonus is an excellent head start. With two personal cards or a personal plus a business card, you could easily hit the threshold for the pass and enjoy nearly two full years of buy-one-get-one flights.

However, if you’re not planning to fully leverage the Companion Pass, the value becomes more nuanced. For many, a flexible travel rewards card (such as a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Membership Rewards cards) could deliver better long-term value across multiple airlines and travel partners.

Final Thoughts

Southwest’s limited-time 100,000-point bonus is a rare opportunity for those who want to earn the Companion Pass and maximize domestic travel with a partner or family member. While I personally don’t find the Priority Card as compelling after the recent refresh, the Premier Card now offers the best overall balance of cost and benefits.

If you are considering this card, earning a Companion Pass, or need to boost your Rapid Rewards account, this is a great offer and one of the best we’ve seen on the personal card. Now is the time to apply, as the offer ends tomorrow. You can apply here before the offer ends!