Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Value
What are your rapid rewards points worth in 2026?
Average Value
1.5 cpp
cents per point
Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth about 1.5 cents each on average. Unlike most airline programs, Southwest points have a fixed value tied directly to the cash price of the ticket. There are no blackout dates or award charts — every seat is available, and points are worth the same regardless of cabin. You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points 1:1 to Southwest.
1.5 cpp
Average Value
2.0+ cpp
Best Value
~1.5
Portal Value
3
Top Partners
Value Assessment Guide
How to judge whether you're getting a good deal with your Southwest points
Poor
< 1.0 cpp
Overpaying with points (rare)
Average
1.0 - 1.4 cpp
Business Select or last-minute fares
Good
1.4 - 1.7 cpp
Typical Wanna Get Away redemption
Excellent
> 1.7 cpp
Peak travel or Companion Pass value
Best Transfer Partners
Where to transfer your rapid rewards points for maximum value
Chase Ultimate Rewards
High ValueTransfer Ratio: 1:1
Sweet Spot: Transfer Chase points to Southwest to top up your balance for a booking
Wanna Get Away Fares
High ValueTransfer Ratio: Fixed
Sweet Spot: Book Wanna Get Away fares for best cpp value (1.4-1.7 cpp)
Companion Pass
Very High ValueTransfer Ratio: N/A
Sweet Spot: Earn 135k qualifying points in a year for free companion travel
Sample Redemptions
Real-world examples of what your Southwest points can get you
| Redemption | Points | Cash Value | Value (cpp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago to Denver (Wanna Get Away) | 6,800 | $109 | 1.6 cpp |
| Dallas to Las Vegas (Wanna Get Away) | 5,200 | $79 | 1.5 cpp |
| Oakland to Honolulu (Wanna Get Away) | 14,000 | $199 | 1.4 cpp |
| NYC to Fort Lauderdale (Anytime) | 22,000 | $279 | 1.3 cpp |
| Denver to Cancun (Wanna Get Away) | 11,000 | $169 | 1.5 cpp |
* Values are approximate and vary by date, availability, and route
Cards That Earn Rapid Rewards Points
Best credit cards for earning Southwest points
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
3x Southwest, 2x local transit & commuting
$149/yr
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
2x Southwest purchases, 1x other
$69/yr
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
3x Southwest, 2x dining & select hotels
$99/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southwest Rapid Rewards points worth?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth about 1.5 cents each on average. The exact value varies slightly since points are tied to the cash fare price, but most Wanna Get Away redemptions yield 1.4-1.7 cents per point. There is no fixed award chart — points directly offset the ticket price.
What is the best way to use Southwest points?
The best way to use Southwest points is to book Wanna Get Away fares, which offer the lowest cash prices and therefore the best cents-per-point value. Avoid using points for Business Select fares, which typically give only 1.0-1.2 cpp. The Companion Pass is the ultimate value multiplier — it effectively doubles your points' value.
Can you transfer points to Southwest?
Yes, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Southwest Rapid Rewards. This is the only major credit card transfer partner for Southwest. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Ink business cards all earn transferable Ultimate Rewards points.
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass lets a designated companion fly with you for free (plus taxes of ~$5.60 per flight) on every Southwest flight. You earn it by accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. It's valid for the rest of that year and the entire following year — making it one of the most valuable perks in travel rewards.
Do Southwest points expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as you have points-earning activity at least once every 24 months. This includes earning points from flights, credit card purchases, shopping portal activity, or partner transactions.
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Credit cards that transfer to Southwest Rapid Rewards
Build your Southwest Rapid Rewards balance faster with these credit cards offering welcome bonuses and transfer partnerships.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Business Card | Annual Fee: $895
200,000 Membership Rewards® points
after $20,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- 5x points on flights & hotels via Amex Travel
- 1.5x points on purchases over $5,000
- Airport lounge access
American Express® Business Gold Card
Business Card | Annual Fee: $375
100,000 Membership Rewards® points
after $15,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- 4x points on top 2 spending categories (up to $150K/yr)
- Up to $240 in annual statement credits
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
Business Card | Annual Fee: $95
100,000 Ultimate Rewards points
after $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- 3x points on travel & shipping
- 3x points on advertising
- 3x points on internet/cable/phone
The Platinum Card from American Express
Personal Card | Annual Fee: $695
80,000 points
after $8,000 in 6 months
Key Benefits:
- $200 airline fee credit
- $200 hotel credit (FHR/THC)
- $200 Uber credit
Capital One Venture Rewards
Personal Card | Annual Fee: $95
75,000 miles
after $4,000 in 3 months
Key Benefits:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Personal Card | Annual Fee: $395
75,000 miles
after $4,000 in 3 months
Key Benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit (Capital One Travel)
- 10,000 bonus miles annually
- Capital One Lounge access
* Credit card approval subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. American Express cards shown are available to US residents only.