Can I Transfer Chase Points To Southwest Airlines? | Points Power Play

Understanding Chase Ultimate Rewards and Southwest Airlines Partnership

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most versatile and valuable points programs in the travel rewards landscape. It offers cardholders the ability to accumulate points through everyday spending, which can then be redeemed in various ways, including travel bookings, cash back, gift cards, and transfers to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs. Among these partners is Southwest Airlines, a major U.S. domestic carrier known for its flexible policies and customer-friendly approach.

Southwest Airlines operates its own loyalty program called Rapid Rewards. Points earned through Rapid Rewards can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other perks within Southwest’s network. The key benefit for Chase cardholders is that they can transfer their Ultimate Rewards points directly into Rapid Rewards accounts at a 1:1 value ratio. This means 1 Chase point equals 1 Rapid Reward point, making it a highly efficient way to leverage your Chase points for Southwest flights.

Which Chase Cards Qualify for Transfers to Southwest?

Not all Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points that are transferable to airline partners. Only select premium and mid-tier cards offer this benefit. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular Chase cards that allow transfers to Southwest Airlines:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: A favorite among travelers for its competitive annual fee and strong earning rates on travel and dining.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: A premium card with higher earning rates and additional luxury travel benefits.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Designed for business owners, offering excellent bonus categories and transfer capabilities.

Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Freedom Unlimited® earn Ultimate Rewards points but do not allow direct transfer to airline partners unless you hold one of the above “premium” cards in the same account portfolio.

The Transfer Process: How To Move Chase Points to Southwest Airlines

Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards is straightforward but requires a few steps:

• Create or log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. You must have an active account before initiating any transfer.
• Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Use your credentials linked to an eligible card that earns transferable points.
• Select “Transfer to Travel Partners.” Navigate to the airline transfer section and choose Southwest Airlines from the list of partners.
• Enter your Rapid Rewards account number. Double-check this carefully; incorrect info could delay or misdirect your points.
• Select how many points you want to transfer. Transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points, with no maximum per transaction but subject to your available balance.
• Confirm the transfer. Points typically post instantly—within seconds—giving you immediate access on Southwest’s side.

This process ensures flexibility since you don’t have to book immediately after transferring. You can hold onto those Rapid Reward points until you find flights that suit your schedule.

The Importance of Timing Your Transfer

While transfers are instant, it’s smart not to rush blindly. Flight prices on Southwest vary depending on demand, seasonality, and route popularity. It’s wise to search for award availability first on Southwest.com before committing your Chase points.

Since there’s no way back once transferred (points cannot be moved back from Rapid Rewards into Ultimate Rewards), ensuring availability prevents potential loss or frustration. Also, keep an eye out for special promotions or sales that might make redeeming those Rapid Reward points even more valuable.

The Value Proposition: Why Transfer Points To Southwest?

Southwest Airlines stands out in several ways compared with other U.S. carriers when redeeming loyalty points:

• No blackout dates: As long as a seat is available for purchase with cash, it can be booked using Rapid Reward points.
• No change fees: Plans change? Modify your flight without penalty up until 10 minutes before departure (though fare differences may apply).
• Bags fly free: Two checked bags are included at no extra charge—rare among U.S. airlines—and this applies regardless of how you pay for your ticket.

These perks make transferring Chase points highly appealing if you want flexibility combined with solid value.

The True Worth of Your Transferred Points

Southwest uses a revenue-based award pricing model where point requirements vary based on the cash price of tickets rather than fixed award charts.

Generally speaking:

• A single Rapid Reward point is worth about 1.4 cents on average when redeemed for Wanna Get Away fares—the cheapest fare class on Southwest.
• This valuation can fluctuate depending on route and timing but still often exceeds the baseline value offered by many credit card travel portals (which typically provide about 1.25 cents per point).

This means transferring points directly often yields better value than booking through the Chase travel portal unless specific promotions arise.

A Closer Look: Comparing Redemption Options

You might wonder whether transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points directly to Southwest is better than booking through the Chase portal or using other redemption methods.

Here’s a breakdown showing typical values:

Redemption Method	Point Value (Approx.)	Main Advantage
Transfer Points to Southwest Rapid Rewards	$0.014 per point (1.4 cents)	No blackout dates; flexible bookings; higher value on Wanna Get Away fares
Book Flights via Chase Travel Portal (Sapphire Preferred)	$0.0125 per point (1.25 cents)	Simplicity; ability to book any airline; no need for separate loyalty accounts
Cashing Out / Gift Cards / Statement Credits	$0.006 – $0.01 per point (0.6 – 1 cent)	Easiest redemption but lowest value overall

The table clearly illustrates why transferring directly often makes more sense if you’re focused specifically on flying Southwest.

Navigating Potential Pitfalls When Transferring Points

While transferring is generally smooth, some common issues deserve attention:

• Mismatched Account Details: Entering an incorrect Rapid Rewards number can cause delays or lost points since transfers are irreversible once processed.
• Lack of Award Availability: If seats aren’t available when you want them, transferred points may sit idle or force less desirable bookings.
• No Refunds or Reversals: Once transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards into Rapid Rewards, there’s no way back—so double-check before confirming any transfers.
• Dormant Accounts: If your Rapid Rewards account has been inactive too long without activity or flights booked, there’s a risk of losing those miles due to expiration policies (typically after two years without activity).
• Poor Value Routes: Some routes or dates may require more rapid reward points relative to cash prices—always compare options first!

Being cautious and planning ahead helps avoid these pitfalls while maximizing benefits.

An Insider Tip: Use Companion Pass With Transferred Points

One standout feature of Southwest’s loyalty program is the Companion Pass—a benefit allowing you to bring a designated companion along on all paid or award flights free of charge (excluding taxes/fees).

Earning this pass requires accumulating either:

• 125,000 qualifying Rapid Reward credits in a calendar year;

or

• Purchasing enough tickets with qualifying fare classes.

By transferring large amounts of Chase Ultimate Reward points strategically over time—and booking Wanna Get Away fares—you can accelerate earning Companion Pass credits faster than normal purchases alone would allow.

This dramatically boosts overall trip value by effectively doubling every flight booked with transferred points once Companion Pass status is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Chase points to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards?

Yes, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred directly to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This transfer is instant and allows you to use your Chase points for Southwest flights and upgrades efficiently.

Which Chase cards allow transferring points to Southwest Airlines?

Only select Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points that are transferable to Southwest Airlines. These include the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Cards like Freedom Flex℠ or Freedom Unlimited® alone don’t allow direct transfers unless paired with an eligible card.

How do I transfer Chase points to my Southwest Airlines account?

To transfer points, first log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. Then access your Chase Ultimate Rewards portal with an eligible card. From there, select Southwest Airlines as the transfer partner and initiate the transfer of your points at a 1:1 ratio.

Are there any fees or delays when transferring Chase points to Southwest?

No fees are charged for transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Airlines. Transfers are typically instant, allowing you to use the points immediately for booking flights or other rewards within the Rapid Rewards program.

Can I combine Chase points with my existing Southwest Rapid Rewards balance?

Yes, once transferred, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are added directly to your existing Southwest Rapid Rewards account balance. This combined total can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other perks offered by Southwest Airlines.