Southwest Airlines has launched a new way for travelers to earn Rapid Rewards points without using a credit card.
The airline introduced the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Debit Card, powered by Galileo and issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., allowing customers to collect points on everyday spending while enjoying perks usually reserved for credit cardholders.
The Visa debit card, unveiled this week, is designed to expand the airline’s loyalty program by targeting consumers who prefer debit transactions. According to Southwest, more than 90% of Americans use debit cards, making the new product a strategic addition to its award-winning Rapid Rewards program. Cardholders can earn points, receive annual bonuses, and access travel discounts through a simple, fee-free debit setup.
Everyday Spending Turns into Travel Rewards
“At Southwest Airlines, we are continually exploring new ways for our Customers to experience the benefits of our Rapid Rewards program,” said Tony Roach, EVP Chief Customer and Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. “With more than 90% of Americans using debit cards, expanding our award-winning Rapid Rewards loyalty program to include a debit card was a natural next step.”
Customers can now sign up at southwestdebit.com and begin earning points immediately. The program offers a 2,500-point welcome bonus after completing two recurring deposits and spending $100 within the first 90 days. Everyday purchases earn 1 point per $2 spent, while spending on Southwest Airlines, dining, and select subscriptions earns 1 point per $1. All earned points count toward the Companion Pass, the airline’s most valuable benefit that allows cardholders to bring a companion on flights for just taxes and fees.
The card also provides annual bonuses of up to 7,500 points for customers spending at least $15,000 in qualifying purchases per year. Other benefits include a 20% annual discount code for Southwest bookings and a $35 annual Southwest credit. Points never expire, and members face no blackout dates when redeeming rewards.
No Credit Check or Hidden Fees
Unlike traditional airline credit cards, the Rapid Rewards Debit Card requires no credit check to open. It carries no ATM withdrawal fees within the Cirrus network and waives monthly maintenance fees for account holders maintaining an average monthly balance of $2,500. All funds are insured up to $250,000 through Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC.
The product is part of Southwest’s effort to make its loyalty ecosystem more accessible to customers of all financial backgrounds. “Whether it’s a college student looking to book a flight to watch their favorite team, a parent setting up an account for a recent graduate, or a cash-savvy customer looking for another way to earn rewards, the Rapid Rewards Debit Card offers unlimited options to turn everyday spending into that next Southwest flight,” said Roach.
Galileo Financial Technologies, a global payments platform, powers the card’s infrastructure. “Partnering with Southwest Airlines to launch this debit program demonstrates how quickly global brands can innovate on Galileo’s platform,” said Bill Kennedy, Interim CEO and CFO at Galileo Financial Technologies. “With our modern technology, Southwest Airlines can deliver seamless payments and create new loyalty opportunities that deepen customer engagement.”
The launch underscores the growing trend of airlines partnering with fintech firms to broaden loyalty participation beyond credit users. By leveraging Galileo’s digital payment capabilities, Southwest can process transactions efficiently while maintaining its customer-first approach. The collaboration marks one of the first major U.S. airline debit card programs to integrate directly with a rewards platform.
All points earned through the new debit card integrate directly into members’ existing Rapid Rewards accounts. Cardholders can redeem points for any seat on any Southwest flight, without blackout dates, and can use their accumulated rewards toward hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. Members also enjoy tier benefits such as free inflight Wi-Fi, provided through Southwest’s partnership with T-Mobile.
Southwest emphasized that the card’s flexibility will appeal to customers who want to earn points without managing revolving credit. The company sees the debit product as a bridge between financial accessibility and travel loyalty, especially as younger travelers and debit-preferred consumers seek value-driven payment options.
With the Rapid Rewards Debit Card, Southwest adds a new layer to its loyalty strategy, combining the simplicity of debit transactions with the earning potential of a frequent flyer program. Customers can now make purchases that bring them closer to free flights, upgrades, and travel experiences—no credit required.
For more information about the Southwest Rapid Rewards Debit Card, including eligibility, terms, and current offers, customers can visit southwestdebit.com.
