New season, new opportunities, Companion Pass earning season is officially here! With 100K offers on all three Southwest personal cards, this is the perfect time to get a major head start on one of the best travel perks out there.
The Southwest Companion Pass is a game-changer. Once you earn it, you can bring a travel buddy (spouse, bestie, or child) on every Southwest flight you take for almost free. They only pay taxes & fees as low as $5.60 each way. Essentially, it’s like turning your points into buy-one-get-one flights, stretching your travel budget twice as far.
Here’s what you need to know to lock it in for you and your favorite travel buddy.
Southwest’s 100K Personal Card Offers Are Here
All three Southwest personal credit cards (Plus, Premier, and Priority) are offering 100,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months.
-
- Offer Deadline: September 17, 2025
- Bonus Includes:
- 100K sign-up points
- 10K bonus points toward Companion Pass annually (automatic boost for cardholders)
Yes, annual fees are higher, and a few benefits have shifted, but the 100K bonus more than makes up for it, giving you a straightforward path to earning the Companion Pass.
How to Earn the Companion Pass
The Companion Pass requires 135,000 qualifying points in the same calendar year. Here’s the strategy to maximize your points:
- Timing Your Spend:
- Avoid finishing the full $4,000 minimum spend too early if you want the pass to cover two full years.
- Apply closer to the offer end, and let part of your spend fall into early 2026. That way, your points count toward 2026–2027.
- Automatic Boost:
- Every Southwest cardholder gets 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each January, combine this with the 100K sign-up bonus, and you’re already at 110,000 points.
- Earning the Remaining Points:
Earn the final 25K through referrals, extra spend, or Southwest’s shopping portal.
Tip: Finish the remaining points in early 2026 for two full years of Companion Pass benefits.
Maximize the Deal (Advanced Strategies)
Business + Personal Card Combo
If you pass on the 100K single card offer, you can combine a Southwest Business + Personal card to hit the Companion Pass threshold:
- Apply for a Southwest Business card (Performance or Premier).
- Pair it with a personal card.
- Earn both bonuses in the same calendar year to reach 135K points.
Two Companion Passes in One Household
Couples and families can stack points for multiple passes:
- Player 1: Personal card + referrals = 135K points
- Player 2: Business + personal cards = 140K points
Result: Two Companion Passes in one household perfect for family trips or group travel.
Free Guides & Consultations
Still unsure how to make the math work? I’ve put together step-by-step walkthroughs:
Southwest Companion Pass – FREE GUIDE
Need help picking your next card or mapping out your points strategy? I offer complimentary card consults, just fill out the form and I’ll get back to you in 3–5 business days.
Support the page: When you apply through my referral link, it comes at no extra cost to you and helps keep this guide running.
Bottom Line:
The 100K Southwest personal card offer ends September 17, 2025, and the Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks in travel. Whether it’s family vacations, romantic trips, or weekend adventures with friends, now is the time to plan your strategy and start stacking points.
