Firewind

The 16 RR credits + $500 is the better, hands down, IMO. That's one free RT, plus up to as many as four more RTs, now that $52 is the new $39 on Ding. And on the latter four, you'll earn eight more RR credits. So, that can be "5 1/2" free RTs. Versus two. And I'm assuming that the gift cards don't expire. I don't think it's difficult to put $5,000 through a credit card in three months, especially if one is traveling.

To divemistress's comment, I think balance transfer terms are always usurious, not just the Southwest Chase one's, and would only do it if it's necessary on its own merits (e.g., if I have to). Not with the main purpose of earning any program's partner's credits.

progs2

Does anyone know how long it takes to get your card?
I signed up Friday and plan to travel in June. Would like to buy the tickets, then use gift card to book EBCI.

honey4life12

I didn't sign up for this card, but last year when I did, it only took 1 1/2 weeks to arrive. good luck!

bbison

Agreed, unless the extra 16 credits make a difference in qualifying for a Companion Pass or not. A year of CP can be >> $500 GC.

EricJay

Sorry to dredge up an old thread, but it seemed better than starting a duplicate. I just got this offer in my Rapid Report, and am considering it (for the 16 + $500, no interest in the balance transfer game). Does anyone have any experience with this offer or with Southwest Giftcards?

I've got one big purchase coming up that's around $5k, so assuming Chase doesn't low-ball the credit limit, I could potentially qualify for the $500 in gift cards right away. It's hard to tell from the wording of the offer whether I could qualify in one single purchase, though:

Also, I've never used a Southwest Giftcard before. Is it pretty easy to use part of the card value now, and save the rest for later? How about canceling an itinerary Would the funds go back to the card, or to ticketless travel funds in my account? Finally, are there any rules that would prevent me from giving one of these cards to someone else as a gift? It seems pretty obvious that a "gift" card can be given, but I'm not sure if they can be transferred to someone other than the original party issued to.

indyscott

Just signed up for it in March, already spent the $5K, and already got the $500 in gift cards. Haven't even had the first bill cycle yet, but I assume the 16 credits will post then.

I did the the $5K over several purchases, so can't verify first-hand if one purchase will work, but I'm 99+% sure it will.

Card is easy to use. Just like any stored-value card: you can use partial value and save for later or give as a gift (my three gift cards - $100, $150, and $250 - even came in nice gift envelopes). If you cancel a flight, funds are stored as ticketless travel funds and are valid for a year (unless you book a refundable fare which I assume would go back to the card, but I've never booked a refundable fare...)

This is an amazing deal! I'm thinking about doing it again for the business card...

expert7700

here's another amazing deal, definitely targeted but it hit at least one customer got in on the $500 gift card promo. Yesterday I got a mailer for this card, in a big black envelope saying companion pass details inside.

I was worried it was a devaluation, and instead it was a great offer!! Earn 1 trip ($19200 in spending) within the next 60 days on this card, and get a 2nd roundtrip award for free. 16 more bonus credits when I reach 16.

It said 32 credits is a huge jump start towards CP or CP renewal

Keep your eyes open!!

SAPMAN

Have not seen any of these good "targeted" offers -- which I need to build toward CP. Is 16 credits the best Non Targeted offer for WN? should I wait to see if I get a Targeted Offer for more than 16 credits (even if I have to spend $ XXX, that is ok)??

alggag

$19,200 in 60 days is a little steep, isn't it?

gregorygrady

That's my opinion too. Not too many people spend $120k a year on their CC I would bet, which is roughly what this offer equals to over the 60 days you have to spend the $19.6k.

Rather than looking at it as 16 bonus RR credits, I look at it as rather than earning a ~1.7% return from my Chase SWA Visa, the bonus would instead allow me to earn ~3.4%. Not that big of a benefit to get me to try to spend ~$20k in 2 months, so I'm definitely passing on this offer.

BTW, I thought it was interesting that the envelope it came in mentioned the Companion Pass, but had no CP info inside it other than the offer which would supposedly help you get CP with "32 credits". But the offer came from Chase, not SWA (even though it was doctored up to look like a SWA envelope). And the little insert inside mentioned that you would not be able to transfer credits into SWA from other CCs after 6/30/10, yet it NEVER ONCE mentioned the name AMEX or AMEX MR or such. Not sure why Chase would be advertising the end of the AMEX relationship. It seems to me they shouldn't want to remind people to transfer any remaining AMEX pts over to SWA.