Do You Get Anniversary Points with Southwest?

How many points do you get for Southwest anniversary? The Southwest anniversary bonus is a fantastic advantage that ensures you’re getting value from the card over time.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines gives you two free checked bags per passenger on their flights, regardless of if you pay with cash or points.

As we continue, we’ll explore how many points you need to earn the Southwest anniversary bonus and, most importantly, how valuable that bonus is.

How Many Points Do You Get for Southwest Anniversary?

When you have the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card, you get a bonus of 3,000 points every year after your card anniversary as a way of saying thanks for sticking with the card and paying the $69 annual fee.

With this card, you also earn points for every dollar you spend, even if it’s on flights or everyday items.

You also get cool bonuses like two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 25% back on in-flight purchases, and that yearly bonus as long as you keep renewing your card.

Getting that bonus every year is a nice way to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth from the card in the long run.

What is the Value of the Southwest Anniversary Bonus?

According to Bankrate, the rewards you earn in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program can be worth up to 1.5 cents each when you use them for travel.

So, the anniversary bonus of 3,000 points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card could be worth up to $45, depending on how and when you use your points.

Even though 3,000 points might not seem like a lot, it’s worth noting that Southwest sometimes offers one-way fares for as little as 4,000 points, especially during sale periods.

So, with the anniversary bonus, you could have enough points to cover a flight from New York City to Orlando or from Atlanta to Chicago, based on searches for October 2023.

You can check your statement history to figure out when you’ll get your Southwest anniversary bonus.

As per the conditions provided by Chase and Southwest, you will receive this incentive throughout your 12-month account anniversary year, which begins on the day you start your account.

For example, if you got your card on May 12 of a certain year, you’ll get your anniversary bonus after May 12 of the next year.

How Much is $3000 Southwest Points Worth?

You can earn points through their credit cards and by flying with them. These points can be used for things like free flights, gift cards, hotel stays, and more.

For example, if you have 3,000 points, they’re worth about $41.7 when you use them to book a flight. If you have 100,000 points, they’re worth around $1,390 for airfare.

There are different credit cards you can get from Southwest that offer bonus points when you sign up and make purchases.

For instance, with the Southwest Plus Card, if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months, you’ll get 50,000 points. Every year on your card anniversary, you’ll also get 3,000 bonus points.

Similarly, the Southwest Priority Card offers 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus 7,500 points every year on your card anniversary.

However, keep in mind that some of these bonuses might have restrictions.

For instance, if you already have a Southwest credit card or if you’ve had one in the past and received a bonus, you might not be eligible for certain offers.

Overall, if you like flying with Southwest, getting one of their credit cards can help you earn points faster and get rewards like free flights or other perks.

Can I Buy Southwest Points?

If you need more points for a Southwest Airlines flight, you can buy them through your account online.

Just log in, go to “Rapid Rewards,” then “Manage,” and select “Buy or Transfer points.” You can also buy points when booking a flight.

To get a free flight, you generally need between 6,000 and 30,000 points. The exact amount depends on factors like distance, destination, and travel dates.

Southwest points usually cost between 2.75 to 3 cents each to buy. However, experts say they’re worth about 1.5 cents each.

So buying points might not be the best deal unless you need a few more for a specific trip and can’t earn them quickly another way.

When booking flights with points, you’ll often get better value on cheaper flights because you don’t pay taxes and fees, which make up a larger part of the cash fare.

Besides flights, you can use your points for other things like merchandise, hotel stays, gift cards, and special experiences if you have a Rapid Rewards credit card.

You can use your points to get free nights at hotels, starting from as low as 5,000 points per night for a standard room.

A basic room can require as few as 95,000 to 150,000 points, depending on the property and any unique features it may have.

Why Do People Buy Southwest Points?

Southwest Airlines allows Rapid Rewards members to buy points to increase their account balance if they urgently need additional points.

These points can be used for booking travel, but they won’t help you earn the Companion Pass or A-List elite status.

While Southwest flights usually get pricier as the departure date gets closer, you might still find a good deal if you keep an eye on the airfare prices.

If you’re interested in booking a cruise with your points, you can do so by selecting “Travel” on the More Rewards main menu and then choosing “Cruises” from the drop-down menu. You’ll then need to call a Cruise Agent at 888-658-4826 to use your points.

You can also join many Southwest frequent flyers who sell their rewards points for cash. There are online companies like MilesBuyer that buy miles from people.

When booking flights with Southwest, it’s often cheapest to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Keep in mind that Southwest sales often restrict travel these days. So, if you’re planning a trip, try to book your ticket for these days to get the best deals.

Southwest Airlines offers anniversary points as a bonus with certain credit cards. These points can add up over time and contribute to your travel rewards.

So, if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, it might be worth considering a credit card that offers these anniversary bonuses to maximize your benefits and make your travels even more rewarding.