Unique Welcome Offer on the Southwest Plus Card: 80K Bonus Points, Companion Pass Credit

Southwest travelers looking to earn some Rapid Rewards points are in luck. Beginning today, October 21, 2026, there’s an elevated welcome offer of up to 80,000 points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card.

The offer also provides an important opportunity for Southwest travelers hoping to earn Southwest’s Companion Pass this year.

Here’s a closer look at the Southwest Plus card, its ongoing benefits, and the elevated welcome bonus offer.

Elevated Southwest Plus Card Welcome Offer

Southwest Airlines has been in the news a lot lately. Over the last few weeks, the carrier has announced major changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, including a major shakeup to its elite status tiers.

The airline has also been expanding what it has traditionally been known for, including potentially launching long-haul international flights and planning for multiple airport lounges.

Now, for a limited time, Chase and Southwest are providing a higher-than-usual welcome offer of 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening on the Southwest Plus card.

However, the elevated welcome offer is only available to Rapid Rewards members who have opted in to receive Southwest emails. Those interested in the higher offer on the Southwest Plus card must apply by December 2, 2027.

However, it gets even better. Eligible cardholders who meet the spending requirements will have the opportunity to count their bonus points toward Companion Pass qualification for 2026 — even if the spending threshold is reached in early 2027.

Travelers who qualify under the 2026 rules can enjoy Companion Pass benefits through December 31, 2027. Southwest is changing how the Companion Pass is earned beginning January 1, 2027, making this an excellent opportunity to earn a valuable perk before it becomes more difficult.

Southwest Plus Card Benefits

The Southwest Plus card is a solid option for those who frequently fly Southwest. The card provides solid bonus earning rates and plenty of excellent benefits, including:

• 3,000 anniversary points each year
• 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases
• 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
• First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation
• Standard seat selection at no charge within 48 hours of departure, when available
• No foreign transaction fees

The Southwest Plus card comes with a $99 annual fee.

Is the Elevated Offer Worth It?

For those who frequently travel with Southwest and are looking to earn a Southwest Companion Pass, the Southwest Plus card is a solid option.

With the Companion Pass qualifications changing in 2027, this welcome offer provides the perfect opportunity to earn it before a more difficult (and more expensive) path to the Companion Pass kicks in. Additionally, the elevated offer on the card itself arguably makes now the best time to apply.

We value Southwest Rapid Rewards points at 1.3 cents a piece, making 80,000 points worth $1,040. That is a terrific value from a single welcome bonus offer on a card with a $99 annual fee.

Final Thoughts

For a limited time, the Southwest Plus card is offering an elevated welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after meeting the spending requirements. Unlike many other welcome offers, this one is only available to Rapid Rewards members who have opted in to receive Southwest emails.

Those interested in this new offer must apply for the card by December 2, 2026.