Southwest lets you move points to someone else, but only through their gift card system, and the recipient must be a named person, not a business
Southwest Airlines does not allow direct point-to-point transfers between accounts. You cannot log into your account, select a number of points, and send them to another person's Rapid Rewards account. Instead, Southwest offers one workaround: you can purchase a Southwest gift card using your points, then give that card to someone else to use for flights or other purchases.
This method works, but it has real limits. The gift card is not the same as points in an account — it is a prepaid balance that the recipient spends down like cash. Once you buy the gift card, you cannot get the points back. The recipient also cannot transfer the remaining balance to yet another person.
If you are trying to move points between your own accounts (for example, from a personal account to a business account you own), Southwest does not support that either. Your only option remains the gift card route.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest does not transfer points directly from one person's account to another — the only method is to convert points into a gift card.
- You buy a Southwest gift card through your Rapid Rewards account using your points, then give the card code to the recipient to redeem.
- Gift cards are final once purchased — you cannot reverse the transaction or move the balance elsewhere.
- The recipient can use the gift card balance to book flights, buy points, or purchase other Southwest products, but cannot transfer the remaining balance to a third person.
- If you want to move points between your own accounts, Southwest does not offer a direct method for that either.
How to buy a Southwest gift card with your points
Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest's website or mobile app. Go to the section labeled "Points" or "Redeem," then look for the option to purchase a gift card. Southwest calls this the "Gift Card" redemption choice, separate from flight bookings or other point uses.
Select the dollar amount you want the gift card to be worth. Southwest sets the point-to-dollar conversion rate, which varies — it is not a fixed ratio. The rate you see when you redeem is the rate you get; it changes periodically and is not negotiable. Once you choose an amount, Southwest will show you how many points that costs.
Complete the purchase. Southwest will generate a gift card code and email it to you (or display it on screen). You then share that code with the person you want to give it to. That person redeems the code in their own account or uses it to book a flight without creating an account.
What the recipient can do with the gift card
The person who receives the gift card can use the balance to book Southwest flights directly. They enter the gift card code at checkout, and the balance applies to their ticket price. If the flight costs less than the card balance, the remainder stays on the card for future use.
The recipient can also use the gift card to purchase additional Rapid Rewards points if they want to top up their account. They can buy Southwest gift cards for other people. They cannot, however, transfer the remaining balance to someone else's account or convert it back to points in a way that lets another person use those points.
Point-to-dollar conversion rates and timing
Southwest does not publish a fixed conversion rate for gift cards. The rate depends on when you redeem and how much you are redeeming. Generally, the more points you spend at once, the better the rate tends to be, but this is not may provide and rates shift without notice.
The gift card is delivered immediately after purchase — you receive the code right away and can share it with the recipient the same day. The recipient can redeem it immediately as well; there is no waiting period. However, if the recipient uses the card to book a flight, standard Southwest booking rules apply (advance purchase requirements, blackout dates, and so on).
Alternatives if you cannot use the gift card method
If you need to move points and the gift card option does not work for your situation, you have limited choices. Some credit card issuers that partner with Southwest (like Chase) allow you to transfer points between cardholders on the same account, but this only works if you both hold cards from the same issuer and account. Check your card's terms or call the card issuer to see if this option exists for you.
If you are trying to help someone book a flight but do not want to give them a gift card, you can also book the flight yourself using your points and have the ticket issued in their name. This requires you to know their full name and date of birth, and you must complete the booking. The ticket is then theirs to use, though they cannot change the passenger name once it is issued.
What happens if you change your mind
Once you purchase a gift card with your points, the transaction is final. Southwest does not refund points or allow you to cancel the gift card after it is created. If you have not yet shared the code with anyone, you still own the card and can use it yourself, but you cannot undo the purchase.
If the recipient receives the code but has not redeemed it, they can choose not to use it, but you cannot reclaim it. The code remains valid until the balance is spent or the card expires (Southwest gift cards typically do not expire, but check the terms on your specific card).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer points between my own Southwest accounts?
No. Southwest does not allow transfers between accounts you own. Your only option is to buy a gift card with points from one account and redeem it in the other, but this treats the second account as a recipient rather than a linked account.
What if the gift card balance is not enough to cover a flight?
The recipient can combine the gift card balance with another payment method (credit card, debit card, or additional points) to complete the booking. The gift card balance is applied first, and the remaining flight cost is charged to their other payment method.
Can the recipient give the gift card to someone else?
No. Once the gift card code is redeemed into an account, the balance is locked to that account. The recipient cannot transfer it to a third person. If the code has not been redeemed yet, the recipient could theoretically give the code to someone else, but Southwest does not officially support this.
How long does it take to receive the gift card code?
The code is generated immediately after you complete the purchase. You see it on screen and receive it by email within minutes. The recipient can redeem it right away — there is no processing delay.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount I can transfer?
Southwest sets minimum and maximum amounts for gift card purchases, but these thresholds change. Check the gift card purchase page in your account to see the current limits for the amount you want to redeem.