Southwest Visa cardholders: Is there a catch?

[IDoDis]

We first got the offer for 30,000 pts at $69 a year. I couldn't decide. DH just got the 50,000pt offer for $99yr. I guess it's time, I'm gonna apply!
So if we got the card now, we will be charged $99 right away. I don't need the tickets till Sept. 2012. Will I have to pay $99 next year and keep the card active till I use the tickets, or as long as I purchase the tickets within the year can I cancel the card before the fee is due again.
I overthink everything.

Keep in mind that with this deal for the 50,000 points at $99 per year, each year at renewal time, you get 6000 points added to your rapid rewards account for free. Those points equal approx $100 in airfare, so even though you have to pay the $99 when you renew, it's a wash because of the points you'll be getting. So the card is basically free each year when you look at it that way.

 

[erin1715]

I am thisclose to applying for this card, the only thing I'm hesitant about now is this whole ordeal with the U.S. debt ceiling. If they don't pass it by Tuesday, supposedly interest rates will skyrocket. Is anyone worried about this? I really feel like they will pass it, but I'm also thinking maybe I shoudl wait until after Tuesday to see what happens. BUT I don't want to miss out on this deal and I don't know how long they are gonna offer it for.

 

[threeboysmom]

Color me confused.

I applied and received the premier card on July 22 and immediately used it for a purchase. I was thinking I had to wait until statement date of 9/9, but you're all saying I can make a payment now and have the points credited 4-6 weeks out as of payment date not the statement date?

Also, how do I know when the points are available to use? Some of you mentioned your "rapid rewards account" but what is that? Do the points show up on the Chase website? Or am I having to find them on the Southwest website somewhere?

Thanks to anyone who can answer my "confusing" questions, lol.

 

[IDoDis]

I am thisclose to applying for this card, the only thing I'm hesitant about now is this whole ordeal with the U.S. debt ceiling. If they don't pass it by Tuesday, supposedly interest rates will skyrocket. Is anyone worried about this? I really feel like they will pass it, but I'm also thinking maybe I shoudl wait until after Tuesday to see what happens. BUT I don't want to miss out on this deal and I don't know how long they are gonna offer it for.

The interest rate doesn't bother me because I pay my balance in full each month.

 

[Pirate4Ever]

So I get 50,000 points after my first purchase. I get that. But here's where I'm still a little confused: the promo says 2 Free Flights, but I'm looking at fares and can fly round trip for only 29,000 points. Can I book a 3rd round trip flight on the promo points for a 3rd free flight (would be around 43,000 points for all 3) If so, I'm ready to take the plunge!

 

[elcodfish]

2 quick questions
1) Can I buy other people flights with my rewards
2)I cannot figure out the point conversion. I understand that 60 reward points are worth $1, BUT you earn 1 point per $1 spent, so what percentage are you earning when you use your card? Disney visa is 1% so i am wondering which card gives the better percentage...

 

[Mickdeb]

So I get 50,000 points after my first purchase. I get that. But here's where I'm still a little confused: the promo says 2 Free Flights, but I'm looking at fares and can fly round trip for only 29,000 points. Can I book a 3rd round trip flight on the promo points for a 3rd free flight (would be around 43,000 points for all 3) If so, I'm ready to take the plunge!

Yes, we are booking 3 roundtrip tix for Jan. using 41,760 points, so we will have points left over! It uses 2 roundtrips as an example, based on a flight which costs $200.00 each way. You can use your points as you want and obviously if you can book something less than $200 each way, you will get more bang for your buck (points)!

 

[Pirate4Ever]

Yes, we are booking 3 roundtrip tix for Jan. using 41,760 points, so we will have points left over! It uses 2 roundtrips as an example, based on a flight which costs $200.00 each way. You can use your points as you want and obviously if you can book something less than $200 each way, you will get more bang for your buck (points)!

WOW- that is a great deal! You've convinced me to fill out the application and see what kind of deal I can find. Thanks!

 

[IDoDis]

2 quick questions
1) Can I buy other people flights with my rewards
2)I cannot figure out the point conversion. I understand that 60 reward points are worth $1, BUT you earn 1 point per $1 spent, so what percentage are you earning when you use your card? Disney visa is 1% so i am wondering which card gives the better percentage...

That's a good question. You get 2 points for each dollar spent on airfare, car rentals and hotel stays booked through southwest.

So if you book 4 RT flights and the total is $1000, you get 2000 points (because you get double the points) which equals approx. $32 worth of flight credit. If you use your card to buy a new couch for $1000, you get $16 worth of flight credit.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

My mother and I both took advantage of this CC offer (unfortunately we applied when it was 30,000 points not 50,000) since 7 of use are going to Disneyland in November.

We purchased 14 one way flights and our combined 60,000 points got us 11 of those flights for free.

When you add up the security fees we had to pay on each flight, the 3 one way flights we had to pay for, the two $99 annual fees and Early Bird Check in for our flights home our total came to $700 for seven of use to fly from Boise to LAX.

 

[hoffmann2828]

My mother and I both took advantage of this CC offer (unfortunately we applied when it was 30,000 points not 50,000) since 7 of use are going to Disneyland in November.

We purchased 14 one way flights and our combined 60,000 points got us 11 of those flights for free.

When you add up the security fees we had to pay on each flight, the 3 one way flights we had to pay for, the two $99 annual fees and Early Bird Check in for our flights home our total came to $700 for seven of use to fly from Boise to LAX.

Mrs Jack,

Contact Chase!!!!! I did the 30k one online as well and then sent them an email through their system saying I was unhappy I got a premier card and 30k points but now just a couple months later they are offering 50k for the regular card and they credited my account another 20,000 points!!!!

Jenny

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Mrs Jack,

Contact Chase!!!!! I did the 30k one online as well and then sent them an email through their system saying I was unhappy I got a premier card and 30k points but now just a couple months later they are offering 50k for the regular card and they credited my account another 20,000 points!!!!

Jenny

Thanks, I sent them a message. I'm not too worried if they don't give me the extra points but they would sure be nice to have

 

[scottmel]

I started a thread about 6 months ago re SW Visa. I am blown away by them and their customer service. I signed DH and I each up for a card and we EACH got 1 round trips and 1000 in southwest gift cards between us (so 500 each) with no fee for the first year. AS SOON as I used the card I was mailed the first gift card. Free flights posted immediately. They are unbelievable. So for my August trip I have flown 3 of us to Orlando and back and STILL have a round trip tix and 800 in gift cards left. (mind you to get the 1000 in giftcards I had to charge 5k but it was no problem. I always pay off monthly etc). They are fantastic!

 

[SSDonut]

Submitted my application for the SW Visa .

Wondering if anyone remembers how long it took to get your card after submitting the application?

It looks like people's accts are getting credited quickly, but I'm wondering when I might expect the card to show up--our Nov return flights are just starting to appear on the SW site and I'd love to be able to use the 50,000 points from the card, but I also don't want to miss out (Sat after TG--always a tough day to get flights when we want and at a price we want.

I could always use the RR points for the next trip. . .

I know the application said 6-8 weeks to get the card--is that about how long you remember it taking?

Thanks!

 

[Lucille1963]

I don't think it took quite 6-8 weeks to get the card, but I know it did take a few weeks after the first billing cycle to have the points credited. If your flight are available now, I'd consider booking and saving the points.

 

[griergirl2]

I just applied and was instantly approved Said we should have the cards within two weeks! If flights cooperate we might even get 5 round trip tickets out of the bonus points! Not happy about the $99 fee but if you think about that 6000 points and that that is $100 in fares then it pretty much is "free", you are just paying part of your fare then. Excited about getting the cards and the points! Now, just need good a good deal for sometime next fall/winter

 

[threeboysmom]

I received my card no more than 2 weeks from applying. Don't know the exact # of days, but it was quick!!

Now I'm patiently waiting for points to appear in my account. Although I'm not really sure where I should be looking to find them - either the Chase website or the Southwest website...

I did notice the $99 annual fee hit my account yesterday so maybe the reward points are on their way.

 

[dznyacct]

I received my card no more than 2 weeks from applying. Don't know the exact # of days, but it was quick!!

I applied online and was instantly approved on a Friday. I received my card the following Thursday. Pretty quick, I thought .

 

[nchulka]

I applied on Sunday and haven't heard anything yet. It said I would be notified within 10 days. I have excellent credit. I read somewhere else that they are turning people down who are currently using another Chase card with a promotion. I got a Chase Sapphire card about 4 months ago using a get 250.00 cash back promo. I just got my money back last week. Has anyone been turned down due to already having a Chase card with a promo? I'm really hoping for those free flights

Free flights + free dining = Good Times!!!

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

So I got an email from Chase today and they are going to credit my account the 20,000 extra points

Anyone who recently applied while it was only 30,000 definitely should email Chase and see if they will give you the current promotion of 50,000 points

As for how long it takes to get the cards and points....it took my mom and I three weeks to get our cards. We immediately made a purchase with them and I got the 30,000 points credited about one to two weeks after that, my mom on the other hand had to wait five weeks for hers to show up. They credit the points when your billing period closes and for some reason hers closes on a different date than mine does.