Where your Southwest credit card payment goes
When you send a payment to Southwest Airlines, it goes to a payment processor that Southwest contracts with, not directly to the airline. The processor receives your payment, records it against your account, and transfers the funds to Southwest's bank account. This happens whether you pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Southwest ticket counter.
Southwest does not hold your payment in a separate account while processing it. Once the processor confirms receipt, the money moves into Southwest's operating account within one to two business days. Your credit card company records the payment when ready on your end, but the actual transfer between banks takes longer.
If you pay by mail, add five to seven business days for the check to reach Southwest's lockbox before processing begins. Paying online or by phone is faster because the processor receives your payment the same day you submit it.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest credit card payments go through a third-party processor, not directly to the airline, and take one to two business days to post to your account after submission.
- Online and phone payments process the same day you make them, while mailed checks take five to seven business days to arrive before processing starts.
- Your payment counts toward your credit card balance when ready when you submit it, even though the funds take time to move between banks.
- Late fees explore if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your statement, regardless of when the funds actually settle.
- Automatic payments set up through your Southwest account prevent missed due dates and process on the schedule you choose.
How to pay online through your Southwest account
Log into your Southwest Airlines account at southwest.com and select "Manage Reservations" or "My Account," depending on your login method. Look for a "Payments" or "Billing" section. Enter the amount you want to pay, select your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and confirm the transaction.
Southwest will show you a confirmation number when ready after you submit the payment. Write this down or take a screenshot. The payment posts to your account the same day, though the funds may not settle in Southwest's bank account until the next business day.
If you do not see a payments section in your account, you may be logged into a frequent flyer profile rather than a booking account. Log out and log back in using the email address associated with your reservation or credit card account.
Paying by phone or at a ticket counter
Call Southwest's customer service line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to pay by phone. Have your credit card or bank account information ready, along with your confirmation number or reservation details. A representative will process your payment and give you a confirmation number before the call ends.
You can also pay in person at any Southwest ticket counter at an airport. Bring your reservation confirmation and your payment method. The agent will process the payment when ready and print a receipt.
Phone and counter payments process the same day and post to your account within 24 hours. Both methods charge no additional fee.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to pay by mail, make the check or money order payable to Southwest Airlines. Write your confirmation number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your billing statement or reservation confirmation.
Southwest's mailing address varies by region. Check your most recent statement or call 1-800-435-9792 to confirm the correct lockbox address for your payment. Sending to the wrong address delays processing by several days.
Allow five to seven business days for your check to arrive, plus one to two business days for processing. If your due date is fewer than ten days away, paying by mail risks a late fee. Use online or phone payment instead.
Setting up automatic payments
Log into your Southwest account and look for "Autopay," "Automatic Payments," or "Recurring Payments" in the billing section. Select the amount you want to pay automatically (your full statement balance, a fixed dollar amount, or your minimum payment) and how often you want it to occur (monthly, weekly, or on a date you choose).
Provide your bank account or card information. Southwest will process the payment on the schedule you set, usually two to three days before your due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Automatic payments eliminate the risk of missing a due date and incurring a late fee. If your balance varies month to month, set the payment to your full statement balance so you do not carry interest charges.
What happens if your payment is late
A payment is late if it is not received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date shown on your statement. Late fees typically range from $25 to $35, depending on your card terms. The fee appears on your next statement.
Late payments also report to credit bureaus and may lower your credit score. If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, Southwest may suspend your account or refer the debt to a collection agency.
If you realize your payment will be late, call 1-800-435-9792 when ready. Some representatives can waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history, though this is not may provide. Paying as soon as you notice the miss prevents additional fees from accruing.
Disputing a payment or requesting a refund
If you believe a payment was processed twice, charged the wrong amount, or made in error, contact Southwest within 60 days of the transaction. Call 1-800-435-9792 and have your confirmation number and statement ready.
Southwest will investigate the charge and either confirm it was correct or issue a refund. Refunds to a credit card or debit card take five to seven business days to appear. Refunds to a bank account take seven to ten business days.
If you paid with a credit card and Southwest does not resolve the dispute within 30 days, you can file a chargeback with your credit card company. Your card issuer will investigate on your behalf, though this may result in Southwest closing your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Southwest credit card bill with a different payment method each time?
Yes. You can use a credit card, debit card, or bank account for any single payment. You do not have to use the same method twice. If you set up automatic payments, that method will be used for each scheduled payment unless you change it in your account settings.
What if I pay more than my statement balance?
The overpayment becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future flights or request a refund. Refunds to a credit card take five to seven business days. Call 1-800-435-9792 to request a refund by check or bank transfer if you prefer.
Does paying my Southwest credit card bill affect my frequent flyer account?
No. Your credit card account and frequent flyer account are separate. Paying your credit card bill does not earn points or miles. Points are earned only when you use the card to purchase flights or other may be able to access purchases.
How long does it take for a payment to show up as received?
Online and phone payments show as received within 24 hours. Mailed checks take five to seven business days to arrive, then one to two business days to process. Automatic payments process on the date you set them up.
What if my due date falls on a weekend or holiday?
Your payment is considered on time if it is received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date, even if that date is a weekend or holiday. If you are paying by mail and the due date is on a weekend, mail your payment by the Friday before to avoid a late fee.