How to pay your Southwest credit card bill
You can pay your Southwest credit card bill online through your account portal, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. The fastest method is online through Southwest's website or mobile app — payments typically post within one business day. If you prefer to pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your card. You can also set up automatic payments so the full balance or a minimum amount withdraws on a date you choose each month.
Southwest credit cards are issued by Chase, so you may see Chase branding on statements and in some payment systems. This does not change how you pay — you still use Southwest's payment portal or call Southwest's customer service line for the quickest service.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through Southwest's website or app is the fastest method and usually posts within one business day.
- You can set up automatic payments to deduct your full balance or minimum payment on the same date each month.
- Payments by phone, mail, or automatic transfer all take longer than online payment and may not post for several business days.
- Your due date appears on your statement and in your online account — paying before that date keeps you current and avoids late fees.
Paying online through Southwest's website or app
Log into your Southwest credit card account at Southwest's website or open the Southwest mobile app. Look for a "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment" button — this is usually on your account dashboard or in a menu labeled "Payments" or "Account Services." Enter the amount you want to pay, select the date you want the payment to process, and confirm. You will see a confirmation number on screen; write this down or take a screenshot.
Online payments typically post to your account within one business day. If you pay before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day, the payment usually posts the next business day. Payments made on weekends or holidays post on the next business day after that. You can check the status of your payment by logging back into your account — it will show as "pending" until it posts.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. To set this up, log into your Southwest credit card account online, find the "Payments" or "Account Services" section, and look for an option to "Set Up Automatic Payments" or "Autopay." You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Choose whether you want to pay your full statement balance, a fixed dollar amount, or just the minimum payment due.
Select the date each month when you want the payment to process — this is usually between the 1st and the 28th. Once automatic payments are active, the money will withdraw from your bank account on that date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. Even with automatic payments on, check your statement each month to make sure the payment went through and your balance is correct.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Southwest credit card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. You will need to provide your bank account number or debit card number to complete the payment over the phone. The representative will give you a confirmation number — keep this for your records.
Phone payments typically take two to three business days to post to your account. If your payment is due soon, paying online is faster. Phone payments are useful if you have questions about your account or need help figuring out how much to pay.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Southwest Airlines. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — do not send payment to Southwest's main office, as it will be delayed. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to arrive and post to your account.
Paying by mail is the slowest method and carries the risk that your check will be lost or delayed. Only use this method if you do not have online access or a bank account for automatic payments. Keep a copy of the check or a photo of it for your records.
Understanding your due date and late fees
Your due date appears on your monthly statement and in your online account. This is the date by which your payment must post to avoid a late fee. If you pay online, make sure to pay at least one business day before your due date to give the payment time to post. If you pay by mail or phone, allow extra time — mail can take a week, and phone payments take two to three days.
If you miss your due date, Southwest will charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically between $25 and $40 for the first late payment. Late payments also appear on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Southwest's customer service to discuss your options — they may be able to work with you on a payment plan or due date adjustment.
What to do if your payment does not post
If you made a payment online or by phone and it does not appear in your account within the expected time, log into your account and check the payment status. Payments usually show as "pending" for one to two business days before they post. If the payment shows as "pending" but more than two business days have passed, or if it does not show up at all, contact Southwest's customer service.
Have your confirmation number ready when you call. The representative can look up your payment and tell you where it is in the system. If the payment was lost or entered incorrectly, they can help you resubmit it. Do not make a second payment until you have confirmed with customer service that the first one did not go through — making duplicate payments can cause your account to have a credit balance, which takes time to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Southwest credit card bill with a different bank account than the one I used to open the card?
Yes. When you set up a payment online or by phone, you can use any bank account or debit card you have access to. You do not have to use the same account you used to open the card. Just make sure the account is in your name or that you have permission to withdraw from it.
What happens if I pay more than my full balance?
If you pay more than what you owe, your account will have a credit balance. This credit will be applied to your next statement. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by contacting Southwest's customer service, though this may take several business days to process.
Is there a fee for paying my bill online?
No. Southwest does not charge a fee for online payments, automatic payments, or phone payments made through their customer service line. Some third-party payment services may charge a fee, but paying directly through Southwest's website or app is always free.
Can I pay my bill before my statement closes?
Yes. You can make a payment at any time, even before your statement closes. Payments made before your statement closes will reduce the balance that appears on your next statement. This can lower the interest you pay if you carry a balance month to month.
What if I want to pay off my entire balance at once?
Log into your account online and look for your current balance or statement balance. Pay that amount through your preferred method — online is fastest. If you want to make sure you pay everything, including any charges that posted after your last statement, call customer service to ask for your current balance before you pay.