SWA VISA CARD and Free Credits

[a1tinkfans]

Does anyone have the SWA Visa that offers up the 8 bonus credits with first purchase?
The cost is $59 for the year.
I was wondering if SWA is good about actually letting you use your credits for a flight
All of my prior experience with DELTA has been a horror. Both my husband and I have enough for travel with Delta and no matter when or how early I call, I have NEVER gotten a ticket. Well, I should clarify, I have been offered flights that take three times as long to reach the destination, and multi stops, which I think is crazy! And I'm talking off season flights too, not Kids/school vacation times either, I digress....

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with SWA. I happen to fly them exclusively to Fla and really love the convenience and non stop service, so with the "extra" 8 it would give us a free flight ( we could both do it and then have to purchase just one for our child).
Any input wiould be really appreciated! Thanks!

 

[DVC Grammy]

My DH got his SW visa credits right after the first billing cycle, and since he had some prior credits, he has a free trip. The other day, I applied online for one, too, and as soon as my first billing cycle is over, I'll have enough for my freebie, too!
Applying online took only a couple of minutes.

BTW, when he got his, he got 4 credits; I got 8! (He's a little "ticked". )

SW is one of the consumer-friendliest (is that a word?) airlines around.

 

[keishashadow]

I've got an AirTran CC (1 point for every $1000) 8 points = 1 way.

Can anyone explain the SW card...from the website it appears as though you must accumulate 16 points (for a RT) as opposed to allowing credit for 1 way...

did i misunderstand?

would love a quick recap

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, SWA gives the rewards in brackets of two flights at a time. You can USE the rewards one leg at a time if you like, but they give them out by twos. They do have capacity controls now, but they are not as bad as most other airlines in terms of making seats available. Case in point: we're using points to go to Ft. Myers the week after Easter.

We have the card and use it all the time. SWA does not distinguish about where you earn your credits; once they are in the account they all count the same. I don't consider it a very good deal if you are not a frequent flyer, but if you are it is great for double-dipping and earning rewards about 50% faster.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Thanks so much for your input, I just KNEW the boards were the place to go for this question. I am often amazed how EVERYTHING I am wondering about is somewhere with someone that knows the info here on the boards!

EXCUSE me while I shout YIPPEE!!!

My husband laughs at me all the time....about the boards but honestly, I learn so much about so many things here

THANK YOU!

 

[deelam]

Does anyone know how they handle balance transfers. I was going to pay off $3000 on my amex, but maybe I can get reward points if I open a CC with southwest & transfer the balance then pay it off. Anyone know if they give points for transfers?

 

[DVC Grammy]

Does anyone know how they handle balance transfers. I was going to pay off $3000 on my amex, but maybe I can get reward points if I open a CC with southwest & transfer the balance then pay it off. Anyone know if they give points for transfers?

They're offering points for balance transfers, too, not just for opening a cc account! Go to their website and you'll get all the info. Don't forget to sign up for Rapid Rewards, since that's how they'll credit you!

 

[deelam]

I checked a little further, since they charge $59 fee to get the Visa, and then there is up to a $75 transfer fee, it's not worth me tranfering to get credits. I'd love to get in if they ever offer free enrollment.

 

[mareed]

I checked a little further, since they charge $59 fee to get the Visa, and then there is up to a $75 transfer fee, it's not worth me tranfering to get credits. I'd love to get in if they ever offer free enrollment.

I have a Choice Privileges Visa with no annual fee and earn Southwest credits at almost the same rate as with the SW Visa. You can get 2 SW credits for every $2500 spent. I think the SW Visa is 1 credit for every $1200 spent (which equates to 2 credits for $2400). There's also more flexibility with the Choice Visa to transfer the credits exactly when you want (SW is automatically each month), and also to whichever Rapid Rewards account you want (SW is only the account that's set up with the Visa). The Choice Visa is a great way to top off each member of the family as needed. Can't do that at all with SW Visa because the kids can't get the credit card. And the no annual fee is great - I just refuse to pay any fee!

I think you can see the Choice Visa from Bank of America at http://www.bankofamerica.com/credit...090RAFR00400800121979EN000&requestTimeout=120.

 

[QT Pooh]

All of my prior experience with DELTA has been a horror. Both my husband and I have enough for travel with Delta and no matter when or how early I call, I have NEVER gotten a ticket. Well, I should clarify, I have been offered flights that take three times as long to reach the destination, and multi stops, which I think is crazy! And I'm talking off season flights too, not Kids/school vacation times either, I digress....

That's unfortunate...we travel at least three times a year on frequent flyer tickets from Delta. We love their FF program!