Southwest Companion Pass Offers End March 19: What You Need to Know

If you've been eyeing a Southwest Companion Pass, there's a new opportunity on the table—but it won't last long. Three personal Southwest credit cards are offering a Companion Pass along with bonus Rapid Rewards points. The catch? These offers are set to expire at 7 AM EST on March 19, 2026. So if you're interested, you'll need to act fast. Here's what you need to know about each card, how the Companion Pass works, and whether this deal makes sense for your travel plans.

Three Cards, Three Different Companion Pass Offers

Southwest and Chase have rolled out welcome offers on the three personal Southwest cards that each include a Companion Pass plus a chunk of bonus Rapid Rewards points. The exact number of points and the spending requirement vary by card, so you'll want to pick the one that aligns with your budget and travel habits.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card comes with a Companion Pass and 20,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. It has a $99 annual fee.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers a Companion Pass and 30,000 bonus points after $4,000 in spending within the first three months. Its annual fee is $149.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card gives you a Companion Pass and 40,000 bonus points after $5,000 in spending in the first three months. The annual fee is $229.

All three cards are issued by Chase and are subject to the 5/24 rule, so if you've opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, you'll likely be denied.

How This Companion Pass Differs from the Usual One

Normally, you earn a Companion Pass by accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. That pass is valid for the remainder of the year you earn it and all of the following year—so it can last up to 23 months.

The Companion Pass from these welcome offers works differently. It expires on February 28, 2027, no matter when you earn it. That means if you meet the spending requirement in, say, June 2026, you'll only get about eight months of use. The earlier you complete the spend, the more value you'll get.

Also, the Companion Pass and the bonus points are awarded only after you've met the minimum spend requirement. Depending on how quickly you hit that threshold, it could be several weeks or even months before the pass appears in your Southwest account. So don't expect to book companion travel immediately after approval.

Is This Offer Worth It?

Whether this makes sense for you depends on how much you'll actually use the Companion Pass before it expires. If you have a lot of Southwest travel planned in 2026 and early 2027, the pass could save you a significant amount on a companion's ticket.

But if your travel is limited or you'd struggle to meet the spending requirement, the shorter validity period might not justify the effort. Remember, the standard Companion Pass lasts longer, so if you're close to earning one the traditional way, that might be a better route.

Also consider the annual fees and ongoing benefits. The Priority card, for example, comes with a higher fee but offers perks like 7,500 bonus points each year upon renewal and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually. If you plan to keep the card long-term, those benefits can offset the cost.

What to Watch Out For

First, the deadline: these offers end at 7 AM EST on March 19, 2026. If you're interested, don't procrastinate.

Second, the 5/24 rule. Chase is strict about this, so check your recent credit card openings before applying.

Third, the spending requirement. Make sure you can comfortably meet the minimum spend without overspending or carrying a balance. The last thing you want is to pay interest while chasing a Companion Pass.

Finally, the expiration date of the pass itself. February 28, 2027, might seem far off, but if you earn the pass late in 2026, your window to use it will be short.

Bottom Line

• These Southwest Companion Pass offers end March 19, 2026, at 7 AM EST.
• Each card offers a different number of bonus points and spending requirement.
• The Companion Pass earned through these offers expires February 28, 2027.
• You must meet the minimum spend to receive the Companion Pass and bonus points.
• All three cards are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.

Common Questions