Originally Posted by
sunpass
What gain does Southwest get out of taking in the baggage fee from a Southwest card holder only to then refund it? Someone mentioned “swipe fees” but how would that apply here?
As a merchant, "swipe fees" can vary (3+%-7% ALL IN) and ARE NOT REFUNDED when you give money back. And there are fees on top of fees, that have to be shared between at least 3 entities. PayPal too. I'm sure WN has the very best rate but there is still a cost, they (CC processors) don't work for free.
Perhaps they estimate that cost of the fees is less than the cost of changing/implementing a new system. Hard to believe though. Seems like its an easy flag,
=IF (RR # has a WN Chase card, THEN waive bag fees, ELSE charge bag fees)
. WN & Chase move RR points at least monthly, they know who has an active card. Ponderous.