Where to send your Southwest Airlines credit card payment
You can pay your Southwest Airlines credit card through the card issuer's website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail. The card is issued by Chase, so payments go to Chase, not to Southwest Airlines directly. The fastest and most common method is logging into your Chase account online or through the Chase Mobile app and making a payment from there.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the number on the back of your card. Chase customer service can process your payment when ready over the phone. For mail payments, the address appears on your monthly statement — send a check or money order to the address listed under "Payment Address," not to Southwest's headquarters.
You can also set up automatic payments through your Chase account so the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment is deducted from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees.
Key Takeaways
- The Southwest Airlines credit card is issued by Chase, so you pay Chase directly through their website, app, phone line, or mail.
- Online and mobile app payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks may take five to seven business days to reach Chase.
- You can set up automatic payments for the full balance, a fixed dollar amount, or the minimum payment to avoid late fees.
- Payments made after 8 p.m. Eastern Time may not post until the next business day, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
- The due date and minimum payment appear on your monthly statement and in your Chase account dashboard.
Payment methods and how long they take
Online payments through Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app are the fastest option. Log in with your username and password, select the credit card account, and enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want it to process. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time typically post the same business day; payments made after 8 p.m. post the next business day.
Phone payments also process the same day. Call the number on your card, have your account number and routing number ready if you are paying from a bank account, and a representative will walk you through the process. This method works if you do not have online access or prefer speaking to someone.
Mail payments take longer because the check must travel to Chase's processing center and be deposited. Allow five to seven business days for a mailed payment to post to your account. If your due date is within a week, do not rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Chase charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on how late the payment is and your account history, but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. After 30 days late, the payment is reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you will miss the due date, contact Chase when ready. Explain the situation and ask whether they can waive the late fee as a one-time courtesy. Some cardholders have success with this, especially if they have a good payment history. Even if the fee is not waived, calling before the due date is better than calling after, because it shows you are taking the matter seriously.
If your account becomes 60 days late, Chase may increase your interest rate to the penalty rate listed in your card agreement. This rate is usually much higher than your regular APR and applies to new purchases and existing balances.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. In your Chase account, go to the "Payments" or "Billing" section and select "Set up automatic payment." You will choose the account you want to pay from (a checking or savings account), the amount (full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount), and the day of the month you want the payment to process.
Most cardholders choose to pay the full balance automatically so they do not carry a balance and pay interest. If you choose a fixed amount or the minimum payment, you will still owe the remaining balance and will be charged interest on it. The minimum payment option is useful if you want to keep some cash in your checking account but still avoid late fees.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your Chase account. If you cancel, you are responsible for making manual payments on time. If you set up automatic payment but also make a manual payment, both will process unless you cancel one of them, so check your account to avoid overpaying.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your monthly statement shows the due date, minimum payment, and total balance owed. The due date is usually the same day each month — often the 15th or 25th, depending on when your account was opened. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Chase typically extends it to the next business day.
The statement also breaks down your balance into purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances, each with its own interest rate. Interest is charged only on balances you do not pay in full by the due date. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, no interest is charged on purchases (though cash advances and balance transfers may have interest from the day they post).
You can view your statement online in your Chase account or request paper statements by mail. Online statements are available as soon as your billing cycle closes, usually a few days before your due date.
Payment options if you do not have a bank account
If you do not have a checking or savings account, you can still pay by phone using a debit card or prepaid card. Call the number on your credit card statement and provide your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV. Chase will process the payment when ready.
You can also pay in person at a Chase branch if one is near you. Bring your credit card and cash or a debit card, and a teller can process the payment. Not all branches accept credit card payments, so call ahead to confirm.
Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram can send funds to Chase, though this method is slower and may cost a fee. Use this option only if other methods are not available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Southwest Airlines credit card with another credit card?
No, Chase does not accept credit card payments for credit card balances. You must pay from a bank account, debit card, or with cash or check. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically counts as a cash advance on the second card, which charges high fees and interest when ready.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or contact Chase to request a refund. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.
Is there a fee to pay my credit card bill?
No, Chase does not charge a fee for online, phone, or mail payments. If you use a third-party payment service or money transfer service, that service may charge a fee, but Chase itself does not.
What time does my payment need to arrive to count toward this month's due date?
Online and phone payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time post the same business day. Mail payments must arrive at Chase's processing center by the due date to count as on-time. Because mail takes five to seven days, do not rely on it if your due date is soon.
Can I change my due date?
Yes, you can request a due date change through your Chase account or by calling the number on your card. Chase allows you to move your due date to a different day of the month, which can help if your paycheck arrives on a specific date.