Where to send your Southwest Airlines credit card payment
You can pay your Southwest Airlines credit card bill online through the card issuer's website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. The card is issued by Chase, so payments go to Chase, not to Southwest Airlines directly. The fastest and most reliable method is logging into your Chase account online or through the Chase mobile app.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the number on the back of your card — this is the customer service line for your specific account. You'll need your card number and the amount you want to pay. Mail payments should be sent to the address listed on your monthly statement; include your account number on the check or money order.
Setting up automatic payments through Chase means your full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose will be deducted from your bank account on a date you select. This prevents missed payments and late fees, though you should still review your statement each month to catch errors or fraud.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines credit cards are issued by Chase, so you pay Chase directly, not Southwest.
- Online payment through your Chase account is the fastest method and shows as posted within one business day.
- Automatic payments can be set up to pay your full balance, minimum, or a fixed amount on a schedule you choose.
- Phone payments require your card number and take effect within one to two business days.
- Mail payments should include your account number and allow five to seven business days to post.
Payment deadlines and late fees
Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement and is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If you pay after that date, Chase charges a late fee — usually $25 to $40 depending on your account history — and reports the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
Paying on time also protects your introductory APR offer if you have one. Most Southwest credit card promotions require on-time payments to keep the 0% rate; a single late payment can end the offer and apply the regular APR to your balance.
If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, your interest rate may jump to a penalty APR, which is typically much higher than your regular rate. The best protection is setting a phone reminder a few days before your due date or enrolling in automatic payments.
Minimum payment vs. paying your full balance
Your minimum payment is the smallest amount Chase requires you to pay to keep your account in good standing. It's usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance plus any fees and interest. Paying only the minimum means you carry the rest of your balance forward and pay interest on it at your card's APR.
Paying your full statement balance by the due date means you owe no interest on purchases made during that billing cycle — this is called the grace period. Most credit cards, including Southwest cards, offer a grace period of at least 21 days, but only if you paid your previous balance in full.
If you carry a balance from month to month, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. Even if you pay the minimum on time, you'll pay significantly more over time than if you paid the full balance. Using a balance transfer offer or a 0% APR promotion can reduce interest costs, but only if you pay down the balance before the promotional period ends.
Online payment through Chase
Log into your Chase account at chase.com or through the Chase mobile app. Select your Southwest credit card, then look for "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date — you can pay immediately or schedule a payment for a future date.
Chase shows most online payments as posted within one business day. If you pay before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day, it typically posts the next day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day.
You can also set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payment from the same screen. If you choose automatic payments, select whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month.
Automatic payments and payment scheduling
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You choose the payment amount — full balance, minimum payment, or a custom amount — and the date each month when Chase will withdraw the money from your bank account. The withdrawal typically happens two to three days before your statement due date.
To set up automatic payments, log into your Chase account, select your card, and go to "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." You'll need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Chase will verify your bank account with two small deposits, which you'll confirm in your account within a few days.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your Chase account. If you need to stop a payment before it processes, contact Chase at least three business days before the scheduled payment date. Canceling automatic payments doesn't affect your account; you'll simply need to pay manually going forward.
What to do if you can't pay on time
Contact Chase as soon as you know you'll miss a payment. Call the number on the back of your card and explain your situation. Chase may be able to defer your payment, waive a late fee for a first-time miss, or work out a payment plan, depending on your account history and the reason for the hardship.
If you've already missed a payment, paying as soon as possible limits the damage. A payment that's 30 days late will be reported to credit bureaus, but paying it immediately stops additional late fees and prevents your account from being sent to collections. The late payment will remain on your credit report for seven years but has less impact over time.
If you're struggling with credit card debt across multiple cards, you might explore a balance transfer to a card with a 0% introductory APR, a debt consolidation loan, or credit counseling through a nonprofit agency. These options don't erase debt but can make it more manageable while you pay it down.
Payment methods comparison
| Payment Method | How Long to Post | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Online through Chase | 1 business day | Most payments; fastest and easiest |
| Chase mobile app | 1 business day | Quick payment from your phone |
| Phone payment | 1–2 business days | If you prefer speaking to someone |
| 5–7 business days | Rarely needed; slowest option | |
| Automatic payment | 2–3 days before due date | Prevents missed payments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Southwest credit card bill through the Southwest Airlines website?
No. Southwest Airlines does not handle credit card payments. You must pay through Chase, the card issuer, either online at chase.com, through the Chase app, by phone, or by mail. Attempting to pay through Southwest's website will not work.
What happens if I pay late by one day?
If you pay one day after your due date, Chase typically does not charge a late fee or report the payment as late to credit bureaus. However, you will start accruing interest on any unpaid balance. Once you're 30 days late, the payment is reported to credit bureaus and a late fee is charged.
Can I pay my Southwest credit card with another credit card?
No. Chase does not accept credit card payments for credit card balances. You can only pay with a bank account (automatic or manual transfer), by check or money order through the mail, or by debit card over the phone. Paying with another credit card would be a cash advance, which carries fees and a higher interest rate.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Log into your Chase account and check your recent transactions. Online and phone payments show as posted within one to two business days. You can also set up payment alerts in your Chase account to receive notifications when payments are processed.
What if I want to pay more than the minimum to pay off my balance faster?
You can pay any amount above the minimum at any time. Log into your Chase account, select "Make a Payment," and enter the amount you want to pay. Paying more than the minimum reduces your balance faster and saves you interest, especially if you're carrying a balance across multiple months.