Where and how to pay your Southwest credit card
You can pay your Southwest credit card bill online through the Southwest Airlines website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. The online method is fastest — you log into your account at southwest.com, navigate to the credit card section, and submit a payment in minutes. Phone payments go through Southwest's customer service line, where a representative processes your payment over the phone. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the processing center, so plan ahead if you use this method.
Automatic payments (also called autopay) deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You can set this up to pay your full balance, a minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. Autopay removes the risk of missing a due date, though you should still review your statements to catch billing errors.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through southwest.com is the fastest method and shows as posted to your account within one business day.
- You can pay by phone at Southwest's customer service number, which appears on your billing statement and card.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Setting up automatic payments prevents missed due dates, but you should still check your statement each month for errors.
- Late payments trigger a fee and can raise your interest rate, so prioritize paying by the due date shown on your bill.
Paying online through your Southwest account
Log into southwest.com using your username and password. Once you're signed in, look for the credit card or account management section — this is usually labeled "My Account" or "Credit Card" in the main menu. Select the option to make a payment.
Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm the bank account or payment method you're using. Review the details before submitting. Southwest will show you a confirmation number and the date the payment will post. Most online payments post within one business day, though the exact timing depends on your bank.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
Autopay is set up through the same online account portal where you make one-time payments. Look for an option labeled "Automatic Payments," "Recurring Payments," or "Autopay." You'll choose the date each month when the payment should be deducted (usually between the 1st and 28th), and you'll select how much to pay: your full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose.
If you choose to pay your full balance automatically, your payment will adjust each month based on what you owe. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it's at least the minimum payment shown on your bill, or you'll still be charged a late fee. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account settings.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your Southwest credit card or on your billing statement. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then process the payment using your bank account or another card. Phone payments are posted the same day you call, though they may not show in your online account until the next business day.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order and send it to the address shown on your billing statement. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to be safe. Late payments incur a fee and can increase your interest rate, so mailing is riskier than other methods if you're close to your due date.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date on your statement, Southwest will charge you a late fee. The amount varies but is typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment. More importantly, a late payment can raise your interest rate — sometimes significantly — and will appear on your credit report, which affects your credit score.
If you miss a payment by accident, contact Southwest's customer service as soon as you realize it. Paying immediately may prevent or reduce the late fee, depending on how far past the due date you are. If you're struggling to make payments, ask about hardship options or payment plans that might be available.
Understanding your due date and billing cycle
Your due date appears on every billing statement and is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. Your statement closing date is the last day of your billing cycle — usually the same date each month. Charges made after the closing date appear on your next statement.
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due the next business day. Payments posted online or by phone before midnight on your due date count as on-time. Mail payments must be postmarked by your due date to avoid a late fee, though they may not actually arrive for another week.
Paying more than the minimum to reduce interest
Your minimum payment covers interest and a small portion of principal, but paying only the minimum means you'll carry a balance and pay interest charges month after month. Paying more than the minimum — or paying your full balance — reduces the total interest you pay and gets you out of debt faster.
If you carry a balance, every extra dollar you pay goes toward principal rather than interest. For example, if you owe $2,000 at 18% annual interest and pay only the minimum, you might pay $400 or more in interest over a year. Paying $100 extra per month cuts that interest roughly in half. You can make extra payments anytime without penalty — there's no prepayment fee on credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Southwest credit card with another credit card?
No. Credit card companies do not accept payment from another credit card because it increases fraud risk and creates processing complications. You can pay with a debit card, bank account, or check, but not with another credit card.
What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and you don't see the payment, log back into your account and check the payment history or confirmation number. If the payment was submitted successfully, it's likely still processing. Contact Southwest customer service if it doesn't appear within two business days.
Is there a fee for paying online or by phone?
No. Southwest does not charge a fee for online or phone payments. Some third-party payment services charge fees, but paying directly through southwest.com or by calling customer service is always free.
Can I change my autopay amount or date?
Yes. Log into your account, find the autopay settings, and update the payment date or amount. Changes usually take effect on your next scheduled payment. If you need to stop autopay immediately, you can cancel it anytime, though you'll need to make manual payments after that.
What's the difference between my statement balance and my current balance?
Your statement balance is what you owed on the day your billing cycle closed — this is what your minimum payment is based on. Your current balance includes charges made after the closing date. If you want to pay off everything you owe, pay your current balance, not your statement balance.