Southwest Card Payment Basics

You can pay your Southwest Airlines credit card bill online through the card issuer's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a bank branch. The card is issued by Chase, so payments go through Chase's payment system regardless of which method you choose. Your due date appears on your monthly statement, and paying by that date keeps you from incurring interest charges or late fees.

The fastest and most common way is to log into your Chase account online and make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to pay by phone. If you prefer mail, send a check to the address listed on your statement. Some people also pay at a Chase branch in person, though this is less common for credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase issues the Southwest credit card, so you pay through Chase's website, phone line, or by mail to the address on your statement.
  • Online payment through your Chase account is the fastest method and lets you see your payment post within one to two business days.
  • You can set up automatic payments so the full balance or a minimum amount withdraws on your due date each month.
  • Paying by the due date shown on your statement avoids interest charges and late fees, even if you carry a balance.

Paying Online Through Chase

Log into your Chase account at chase.com or through the Chase mobile app. Navigate to your Southwest credit card account and select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount. Enter the payment date—you can schedule it for today or a future date up to 15 days out.

Chase will show you the payment amount and confirm the date it will post to your account. One-time online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you set up automatic payments, Chase will withdraw the amount you choose on the same date each month, so you never miss a due date.

Paying by Phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Southwest credit card. A representative will verify your identity and ask how much you want to pay and what date you want the payment to post. Phone payments also typically post within one to two business days.

This method works if you do not have online access or prefer speaking to someone. Keep your account number and the amount you want to pay ready before you call. You can also ask about setting up automatic payments over the phone.

Paying by Mail

Write a check and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your monthly statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Checks Payable To." Do not send payment to the billing address—use only the payment address listed on your statement.

Mail payments take longer to post because of delivery time and processing delays. Send your check at least 10 business days before your due date to make sure it arrives and posts on time. Keep a record of the check number and amount in case you need to track the payment later.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your Chase account, go to your Southwest card, and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." Choose whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. Select your due date or the date you prefer.

Chase will withdraw the payment automatically on that date every month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. Even with automatic payments set up, check your statement each month to make sure the payment posted and your balance is what you expected.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not post by your due date, Chase will charge a late fee and may increase your interest rate. Late fees for credit cards are typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent ones within six months. Your interest rate may jump to a higher penalty rate if you are 60 days or more past due.

If you miss a payment, contact Chase as soon as possible. Explain what happened and ask if they will waive the late fee, especially if it is your first missed payment. Paying the full amount owed right away can help. Even after you catch up, the late payment will stay on your credit report for seven years, so it is worth the effort to avoid one.

Payment Timing and Processing

Online and phone payments usually post within one to two business days. Mail payments take five to seven business days or longer depending on postal delivery. If you are close to your due date, use online or phone payment to make sure it posts on time.

Chase counts a payment as on-time if it posts by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date. Weekends and holidays do not stop the clock, so if your due date falls on a Saturday, the payment must post by Friday. Plan ahead if your due date is near a holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Southwest 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 (online or by phone), check, or cash at a branch. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically counts as a cash advance and charges higher fees and interest.

What if I pay more than I owe?

Chase will credit the extra amount to your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or request a refund check. Contact Chase customer service to request a refund if you overpaid by a large amount.

Do I have to pay the full balance or can I pay just the minimum?

You can pay any amount between the minimum and the full balance. Paying only the minimum keeps you from being late, but you will owe interest on the remaining balance. Paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges entirely.

Is there a fee for paying online or by phone?

No, Chase does not charge a fee for online or phone payments. Mail payments are also free. There are no extra costs to pay your bill through any of these methods.

What if my payment was supposed to post but did not?

Log into your Chase account and check the payment status. Online payments usually show as pending for one to two days before posting. If more than two business days have passed and the payment still shows pending, contact Chase customer service with your confirmation number.