Introduction
Southwest Airlines is renowned for offering affordable flights and an easy-to-understand rewards program. Southwest Rapid Rewards points are coveted among frequent travelers and bona fide jet-setters alike. Points can be used to pay for flights, merchandise, hotels, and car rentals, making it easy to plan your next dream vacation. However, there may come a time when you need to transfer your Southwest points to someone else or another loyalty program. Here is everything you need to know about transferring Southwest points, including fees, rates, restrictions, and best practices for maximizing value.
Who Can Transfer Southwest Points
Transferring Southwest points is a useful tool for customers who wish to share points with friends or family. Only Southwest Rapid Rewards members with a minimum balance of 1,000 points can transfer points to another member. Members can receive up to 60,000 points per year. Note that Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Marriott Rewards points, and Starpoints cannot be transferred to Southwest Airlines.
There are two types of transfers available to Southwest Rewards members: free and paid. Free transfers can only be made online and are limited to one transfer per 30-day period, while paid transfers can be made at any time.
It is worth mentioning that once you transfer your Southwest points, the transaction is irreversible. Therefore, it’s vital to double-check all the details before proceeding with any transfer.
Transfer Fees and Rates
Transferring Southwest points can incur a cost, depending on the number of points you are transferring. While free transfers are limited to 5,000 points at a time, paid transfers can be made for a fee of $10 per 1,000 points, plus a $5 processing fee per transfer. There is no cost to transfer points between spouses or domestic partners. Additionally, transferred points do not count towards the qualification of Southwest Rapid Reward elite status.
It is worth noting that purchasing Rapid Rewards points, rather than transferring Southwest points, can be a more cost-effective option. Purchased points do count towards the qualification of Southwest Rapid Reward elite status, and the price per point is often lower than the transfer fees.
Best Practices for Transferring Southwest Points
Transferring Southwest points can be a smart move, but there are essential factors to consider before making any transactions. Here are some best practices for transferring Southwest points:
- Do your research: Before proceeding with a transfer, assess your needs and goals for using your points. Calculate the transfer rate and fees to determine if transferring Southwest points or purchasing them is more cost-effective.
- Maximize Transfer Value: The value of your transferred points can vary depending on the program you’re transferring to, and the redemption options available. Make sure to research reward program catalogs to get the most out of your transferred points.
- Avoid transferring needlessly: While transferring points to a friend or an eligible family member is often done to help them reach a rewards goal, if you’re thinking of transferring points so they don’t expire, consider other more immediate methods to earn points, such as taking a flight, making a purchase through a Rapid Rewards shopping portal, or getting a Southwest credit card.
Strategies for Transferring Southwest Points
By transferring Southwest points, you can unlock additional travel rewards opportunities. Here are some transfer strategies for maximizing the value of your Southwest points:
- Transfer to other loyalty programs: Southwest allows its members to transfer their points to other loyalty programs, including Hyatt hotels and Caesars Entertainment, providing an exceptional value proposition.
- Book hotels with points: Southwest offers members the ability to use their Rapid Rewards for hotel bookings. Check participating hotels for more information about redeeming this way.
- Gift cards: Southwest partners with a broad range of third-party merchants, such as Home Depot, Target, and Amazon, that allow you to redeem your points for gift cards, adding to your transfer potential.
How to Transfer Southwest Points to Friends and Family
Transferring Southwest points to friends and family is an excellent way to help them reach a rewards goal or transfer any unused points to someone who will use them. Here is a step-by-step guide for transferring Southwest points to someone else:
- Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account.
- Select the “My Account” tab.
- Select “Points” from the dropdown menu.
- Select “Buy or Transfer points.”
- Select the member you wish to transfer points to and enter the number of points you wish to transfer.
- Enter your payment information (if there is a fee), then review and submit your transfer.
Make sure to review the transfer rules and regulations before proceeding. If a fee applies, it will be displayed before the final submission of the transfer. You and your recipient will receive a confirmation email once the transfer is complete.
Conclusion
Transferring Southwest points can help you reach your rewards goals and maximize your points’ value. By following the best practices and tips outlined in this article, you can avoid transferring mistakes, minimize transfer fees, and unlock more significant travel deals. With Southwest Airlines’ easy-to-use rewards program, transferring points has never been easier — or more rewarding.
So next time you need to transfer your Southwest points, remember to research and plan accordingly, and you’ll be well on your way to unlocking a world of travel opportunities!