SW Visa Points Question

[blessedby3]

I applied for the card over the weekend and am waiting to hear back from SW. If and when we are approved, I wanted to use the card to purchase $2000 in Disney Gift Cards from Kroger as soon as it comes in the mail. How long before the points post and do I have to have the $2000 paid off before I can use the points? I have the money to pay it off, just wondering how soon after I charge the $2000 that I can actually book flights using the points from the card.

 

[G719]

Usually it is right after the billing cycle ends.

 

[blessedby3]

So I have to wait for the billing cycle to end to book it…but dont have to have the acct pd? I can pay online as soon as I put the gift cards on there I guess. I am so nervous watching SW website…the cheaper flights are available now, but who knows for how long.

 

[Marionnette]

I applied for the card over the weekend and am waiting to hear back from SW. If and when we are approved, I wanted to use the card to purchase $2000 in Disney Gift Cards from Kroger as soon as it comes in the mail. How long before the points post and do I have to have the $2000 paid off before I can use the points? I have the money to pay it off, just wondering how soon after I charge the $2000 that I can actually book flights using the points from the card.

The 2,000 RR points from your purchase will go into your account after the first statement is generated. Usually 3-5 days later. It doesn't matter when you pay off the balance.

The bonus reward points can take much longer. The fine print says 6-8 weeks after reaching the spending threshold. It's been a few years, but my experience was that it was closer to 8 weeks, but I think it was because I hit the threshold early in the billing cycle.

 

[blessedby3]

Oh, wow…didnt realize that. I thought it would post the 50,000 rewards after the first purchase. Yikes! Thanks for the help

 

[elgerber]

It seems to vary. My points have always posted a few days after the billing cycle ends, when I meet the $2000. But I know for others it has taken much longer.

 

[supersnoop]

My points were posted to my Southwest account less than two weeks after I applied for the card. Granted, I made the qualifying purchases the day I got it, the billing cycle closed 7 days later, and I paid it off the same day. Some reports say that you need to make the qualifying purchases at least 7 days before the billing cycle closes in order for the bonus points to post with that cycle.

 

[blessedby3]

Ok, thanks. I will run out to Kroger for the gift cards the day that I get it and hope it posts and closes right away!

 

[ibob52]

Unless you are planning a once in a lifetime trip

It might be best for you to go ahead and purchase the tickets now

and use the 50K *Bonus* points for a future trip.

It is common to see a post similiar to yours in which a *new* cardholder

wants to use the points immediately (fact is the process ~ does take time)

 

[blessedby3]

This isn't a once in a lifetime trip…we go every 12-18 mos. We usually drive and that is an option this time….we will have a 5 month old and that is the reason we want to fly. If we had to drive it wouldn't be the end of the world, but flying would be nicer. I realize that things take time, I just was asking if once I made the qualifying purchase ($2000) if the points would be available right away.