Understanding your Southwest Companion Pass points requirement is straightforward once you know which earnings count and where to look. The target is 135,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights in a single calendar year. This guide from PlusOneGuide explains exactly which points move your tracker, how to monitor your progress accurately, and how to avoid the common mistakes that derail qualification plans.
Qualifying Point Sources
Not every point in your Southwest account counts toward the Companion Pass. The program distinguishes between redeemable points, which you spend on flights, and qualifying points, which track your progress toward the pass. A qualifying point is a unit of currency earned through specific eligible activities that Southwest recognizes for Companion Pass qualification. Understanding this distinction is the first step to accurate tracking.
Credit Card Earnings
Southwest credit card rewards are the most common way travelers reach the 135,000-point threshold. Eligible purchase points, welcome bonuses, and referral bonuses all count toward your qualification total. The annual 10,000-point credit card boost also qualifies, but it is a non-redeemable benefit that only moves your tracker. You receive one eligible boost per Rapid Rewards member per calendar year, regardless of how many Southwest cards you hold. For details on card strategies, see our guide on Southwest credit cards and the Companion Pass.
Flight and Partner Earnings
Base points from paid Southwest flights count toward your qualification total. Reward flights and companion travel do not count, even if you use points for your own ticket. Base points from eligible Rapid Rewards partners, such as hotels and car rentals, generally qualify, but you must verify the specific offer terms. Transferred points from other loyalty programs, including Chase Ultimate Rewards, do not count toward Companion Pass qualification. For a full breakdown of what counts, read our article on which points count toward Companion Pass.
Debit Card and Other Routes
The Southwest debit card offers an annual 7,500-point Companion Pass qualification bonus, which is separate from the credit card boost. Eligible purchase rewards on the debit card also count, subject to account terms. If you are close to the target and do not want to open another credit card, the debit card can help close a small gap. Learn more about this option in our guide to the Southwest debit card.
Qualifying Points Tracking
Tracking your progress requires looking at the right place in your Southwest account. Your redeemable points balance and your Companion Pass tracker are two different numbers. The Companion Pass tracker shows only the eligible points you have earned in the current calendar year. Using your redeemable balance as your qualification total is one of the most common mistakes travelers make.
Using the Companion Pass Tracker
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account and navigate to the Companion Pass section. This page displays your current qualifying points total and your progress toward the 135,000-point target. It also shows your expiration date once you qualify. The tracker updates as eligible points post to your account. For credit card rewards, the posting date to Rapid Rewards determines the qualification year, not the purchase date. Use our Companion Pass points calculator to estimate how many points you still need and when your pass would expire.
Monitoring Posting Dates
Points do not always appear in your account immediately. Credit card bonuses can take several weeks to post, and Chase allows up to eight weeks for some bonuses to arrive. A pending transaction or an earned-but-unposted bonus does not count toward your qualification total until it appears in your Rapid Rewards account. Track three dates: your account opening date, your statement closing date, and the Rapid Rewards posting date. For timing strategies, see our guide on the best time to earn Companion Pass.
Avoiding Common Tracking Errors
Do not combine points from two people to qualify. Each individual must reach the 135,000-point target in their own Rapid Rewards account. Do not count purchased or transferred points, as these do not qualify. Do not assume that a promotional bonus counts unless the specific offer terms state it qualifies for Companion Pass. For a list of pitfalls to avoid, read our article on 12 Companion Pass mistakes.
| Point Source | Counts Toward Companion Pass? | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest credit card purchase points | Yes | Net eligible purchases; year rewards post to Rapid Rewards |
| Eligible credit card welcome bonus | Yes | Must meet specific offer terms and deadlines |
| Annual 10,000-point credit card boost | Yes | One per member per year; not redeemable |
| Southwest debit card annual bonus | Yes | 7,500 points; subject to account terms |
| Base points from paid Southwest flights | Yes | Travel must be completed in the qualification year |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers | No | Useful for redemptions, not qualification |
| Purchased or gifted points | No | Do not close a qualification gap |
| Reward flights and companion travel | No | Do not earn qualifying flight credit |
Key Takeaways
- The Companion Pass requires 135,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights in one calendar year.
- Your redeemable points balance is not the same as your Companion Pass tracker; always check the dedicated tracker.
- Credit card welcome bonuses, purchase points, and the annual 10,000-point boost all count toward qualification.
- Purchased points, transferred points, and reward flights do not count toward the Companion Pass.
- For credit card rewards, the date points post to Rapid Rewards determines the qualification year.
- You cannot combine points from two people to qualify; each person must meet the target in their own account.
- The Southwest debit card offers a separate 7,500-point annual bonus that can help close a small gap.
- Use a points calculator to estimate your remaining gap and plan your spending accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for the Southwest Companion Pass?
You need 135,000 qualifying points in one calendar year, or 100 qualifying one-way flights. Eligible annual card boosts count toward that points total.
Do credit card welcome bonuses count toward the Companion Pass?
Yes, eligible Southwest card welcome bonuses count. For card rewards, the year they reach your Rapid Rewards account is the year that counts.
Can I buy the points I am missing?
No. Purchased points do not count toward Companion Pass, even if you only need a few more to qualify.
Do Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers count?
No. You can spend transferred Ultimate Rewards points on Southwest flights, but they will not move your Companion Pass tracker.
Can two people combine points to qualify?
No. Each person needs to reach the target in their own Rapid Rewards account. You cannot combine your points with a partner's to earn one pass.
How long does the pass last?
For the rest of the year you earn it and all of the next year. A promotional pass may be much shorter, so check that offer's dates.
Does the Southwest debit card help with qualification?
It can. Eligible purchase rewards and its annual 7,500-point Companion Pass bonus count, subject to account terms and posting requirements.
Conclusion
Understanding your Southwest Companion Pass points requirement comes down to knowing which earnings qualify and where to track them. Use the dedicated Companion Pass tracker in your Rapid Rewards account, not your redeemable balance. Focus on eligible credit card rewards, paid flights, and partner base points, and avoid counting purchased or transferred points. PlusOneGuide provides the tools and strategies you need to plan your qualification accurately. Visit our complete Companion Pass guide to build your points plan and start earning your pass.