Southwest Credit Card Offering 65,000 Bonus Points As New Sign Up Reward
In 2020, Southwest credit cards offered a 65,000-point sign-up bonus, up from the previous 40,000 points. Cardholders earned the points, valued at about $975, after spending $2,000 on the card. The promotion arrived alongside no-fee ticket cancellations, at a time when online credit card spending surged during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Scope: For cardholders and merchants tracking credit card sign-up promotions and online payment trends during the COVID-19 period.
Credit Card Payments Surged During Lockdown
Credit cards played an important role in the online payment industry amid lockdown. The number of credit card transactions increased remarkably across the globe. Merchants also recognized the changing ecosystem of online payment and upgraded their payment equipment to accept credit card payments online.
Against that backdrop, card issuers and travel brands competed for new customers with richer sign-up incentives, and Southwest's boosted bonus was one of the more visible examples.
The 65,000-Point Sign-Up Offer
Southwest credit cards offered 65,000 bonus points as a new sign-up reward. Customers had to make a $2,000 purchase to earn the bonus, which was worth $975. That means customers received $975 in value after spending $2,000 using any of these credit cards. Previously, customers received 40,000 points valued at $600.
This was a remarkable offer. Considering that people were not going to retail shops due to the coronavirus outbreak, they were shopping online, and the number of online credit card transactions increased as a result. Many people had also lost their jobs due to COVID-19, so an offer like this gave cardholders a welcome boost.
No-Fee Cancellations and Saving Points for Future Travel
Southwest is a great airline, and people had stopped traveling amid the critical situation. That did not mean cardholders would never redeem their points. Redemption activity paused, but many cardholders saved their points to experience a trip in the future.
In addition, Southwest Airlines offered another enticing perk: customers did not have to pay any cancellation fee or other charge on any ticket. This policy was positioned to help Southwest Airlines elevate its business to the next level.
Choosing Between the Three Southwest Cards
Many people were confused among the three cards the company offered. Each card earns 2x reward points on spending for car rentals and hotels, and 1x reward points on other purchases. However, the annual fee and perks differ between the cards, so you should read the terms and conditions before applying for any of the credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
How many bonus points did the Southwest credit card offer as a sign-up reward?
Southwest credit cards offered 65,000 bonus points to new cardholders, up from the previous 40,000-point offer. Customers had to spend $2,000 on the card to earn the bonus.
How much were the 65,000 Southwest bonus points worth?
The 65,000-point bonus was valued at $975. The earlier 40,000-point sign-up reward was valued at $600 by comparison.
Did Southwest charge cancellation fees during COVID-19?
No. Southwest Airlines waived cancellation fees and other charges on tickets during the COVID-19 period, which made the sign-up bonus more attractive to travelers holding points for future trips.
What is the difference between the three Southwest credit cards?
All three cards earn 2x reward points on car rentals and hotels and 1x points on other spending. They differ in annual fees and perks, so it is worth reading the terms and conditions before applying.
