Making a Southwest Airlines payment through Chase.com

If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards card issued by Chase, you can make a payment directly through Chase.com by logging into your account, selecting the card, and choosing the payment option. Chase will show you your current balance, minimum payment due, and the date payment is due. You can pay the full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between. The payment posts to your account within one to two business days.

You do not need to visit Southwest's website to pay a Chase-issued Southwest card. All payment activity happens through your Chase account portal, the same place where you check your balance and review transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into Chase.com, select your Southwest Rapid Rewards card, and choose "Make a Payment" to send money directly to Chase.
  • You can pay your full balance, minimum payment, or any amount between the two on any day before your due date.
  • Payments typically post within one to two business days, though Chase may take longer during high-volume periods.
  • Setting up automatic payments through Chase.com ensures you never miss a due date and can help protect your credit score.
  • If you cannot access Chase.com, you can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment by phone.

Steps to pay through Chase.com

Start by going to Chase.com and signing in with your username and password. If you do not have an online account, you will need to register one first using your card number and other identifying information.

Once logged in, locate your Southwest Rapid Rewards card in the "Credit Cards" or "Accounts" section. Click on the card to view your account details. Look for a button or link labeled "Make a Payment," "Pay Now," or "Payments" — the exact wording varies depending on which version of the Chase website you see.

Enter the amount you want to pay. Chase will display your current balance, minimum payment, and due date so you can decide how much to send. Choose your payment method — you can typically pay from a checking or savings account linked to Chase, or from an external bank account you have already registered.

Review the details and confirm the payment. Chase will show you a confirmation number and tell you when the payment will post. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Payment timing and when money reaches your account

Payments made through Chase.com usually post within one to two business days. If you pay on a Friday evening, the payment may not show up until Tuesday. Payments made on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day.

Chase counts a payment as received on the day you submit it through the website, not the day it posts to your account. This matters for your due date — if your payment is due on the 15th and you submit it on the 14th through Chase.com, you have made the payment on time even if it does not show up in your balance until the 16th.

If you need a payment to post faster, call the customer service number on the back of your card and make a payment by phone. Phone payments sometimes post the same day, though this is not may provide.

Setting up automatic payments

Chase allows you to set up automatic payments so money is sent from your bank account to your Southwest card on a date you choose each month. You can set it to pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount.

To set up autopay, log into Chase.com, go to your Southwest card account, and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the payment section. Select the amount and the date you want the payment to happen each month. Chase will send the payment automatically on that date going forward.

Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date, which protects your credit score. They also mean you do not have to remember to log in and pay manually each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through Chase.com.

Paying from an external bank account

If your checking or savings account is not with Chase, you can still pay your Southwest card through Chase.com by linking an external bank account. The first time you do this, Chase will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually less than one dollar each) into your account and asking you to confirm the amounts.

Once verified, you can use that external account to make payments. Payments from external accounts may take an extra day or two to post because the money has to move between two different banks. Plan ahead if you are close to your due date.

You can link multiple external accounts and choose which one to pay from each time you make a payment. This is useful if you want to pay from a specific account for budgeting reasons.

What to do if you cannot access Chase.com

If you are having trouble logging into Chase.com or the website is down, you can make a payment by phone. Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Southwest Rapid Rewards card. A representative will help you make a payment over the phone using your bank account information.

You can also mail a check to the address listed on your monthly statement, though mailed payments take longer to arrive and post. Include your account number on the check so Chase knows which account to credit.

If you are traveling or do not have access to a phone or computer, some Chase branches allow you to make a payment in person at a Chase bank location. Call ahead to confirm the branch can process credit card payments.

Late payments and what happens if you miss your due date

If your payment does not arrive by your due date, Chase will report the account as late to the credit bureaus. A late payment can lower your credit score and may trigger a late fee, which Chase will add to your balance. The amount of the late fee depends on your card terms, but it is typically between $25 and $40 for the first late payment.

If you realize you will miss your due date, contact Chase as soon as possible. Some representatives can waive a late fee if it is your first one and you have a good payment history. Paying as soon as you can after the due date is better than waiting — the longer the account stays late, the more damage it does to your credit.

If you are having trouble making payments, Chase offers hardship programs that may lower your interest rate or allow you to pause payments temporarily. Call the number on the back of your card to discuss your situation with a representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Southwest card through the Southwest Airlines website?

No. Southwest Airlines does not handle payments for Chase-issued credit cards. You must pay through Chase.com, by phone to Chase, or by mailing a check to the address on your statement. Southwest's website only handles bookings and reservations.

Is there a fee to pay my card through Chase.com?

No. Chase does not charge a fee for making payments through their website or by phone. Some third-party payment services charge fees, but paying directly through Chase.com is always free.

What is the difference between my statement balance and my current balance?

Your statement balance is what you owed on the date your monthly statement was generated. Your current balance includes any charges you have made since then. You can pay either amount, but paying your current balance stops interest from building up on new charges.

Can I schedule a payment for a future date through Chase.com?

Yes. When you make a payment through Chase.com, you can choose the date you want it to be processed. This is useful if you want to time a payment with when you get paid. Just make sure the date is before your due date to avoid a late payment.

What happens if I pay more than my balance?

If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Chase will apply this credit to your next statement. You can also contact Chase to request a refund of the overpayment, though this takes a few business days.