Can I Use My Southwest Credit Card Before It Arrives

Whether you’re getting your very first credit card or adding another rewards card to your collection, getting a new credit card can be an exciting experience. It usually takes a few days for your new card to arrive in the mail, but you might not have to wait that long to use it.

In some instances, you may be able to use a new credit card before you’ve received the physical card. Although not all cards offer this option, it’s worth looking into if you need to use a new card quickly. Whether you want to fund a big purchase or get a head start on earning cash back or free travel, here’s how you can use your new credit card before it arrives in the mail.

Evelyn Boros , Credit Cards Moderator

@evelyn_boros • This answer was first published on 07/05/21 and it was last updated on 06/10/22.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

You can use your Southwest Priority Card instantly after approval if you apply for it while booking a flight. You might also be able to add the Southwest Priority Card to a digital wallet, but it’s not guaranteed. Otherwise, you’d have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail to be able to use it.

This can take 2 business days if you request expedited shipping. And with standard shipping, it might take 3-5 business days to get your Southwest Priority Card.

Using New Rapid Reward Credit Card

Does anyone know if there is a way to link my Chase Southwest to my Rapid Rewards. I applied for the card through my Rapid Rewards and thought it would automatically link the two but I am new to this and have no idea what Im doing. Any tips would be great.

How To Add a Credit Card to a Digital Wallet

Whether you have an instant use credit card or a virtual account number, it’s a good idea to add the card to your digital wallet of choice. That way, you can use your stored card information before the physical version arrives.

Here are the steps to add a credit card to a digital wallet:

  • Choose your digital wallet: There are dozens of digital wallets available, so the first step is to choose the one you want to use. The easiest way to choose a digital wallet is to see which app is most compatible with your device. For instance, Android users may choose Google Pay, whereas most iOS users will choose Apple Pay. Other digital wallets include PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App.
  • Download the wallet app: Once you’ve chosen your digital wallet app, download it through your device’s app store. Most digital wallets are free, but make sure to read the terms and conditions to avoid any hidden costs or transaction fees.
  • Add your payment method: After you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll likely be prompted to create a new account (if you don’t already have one). The final step is to add the credit card number and your billing address to your digital wallet. You’ll typically receive a confirmation that the card was successfully linked.
  • Using a digital wallet to make purchases is also very simple. When you visit a store in-person, check to see if the retailer accepts digital wallets. Most point-of-sale (POS) terminals — what a store uses to process credit card payments — have a small sticker indicating if contactless payments are allowed.

    Then, just hold your phone to the terminal and wait for a beep. You may see a pop-up notification on your phone screen asking you to verify the transaction with a PIN or a biometric login.

    FAQ

    Can I use my Southwest card before it arrives?

    You can use your Southwest Priority Card instantly after approval if you apply for it while booking a flight. You might also be able to add the Southwest Priority Card to a digital wallet, but it’s not guaranteed. Otherwise, you’d have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail to be able to use it.

    Can you use credit card before it arrives?

    Yes, you can use a credit card before it arrives in the mail, but only with certain cards. If you want to use a credit card early, you must either have an American Express or Capital One credit card or one of a handful of other offers, including the Apple Card, and some store credit cards.

    How long does it take for Southwest credit card to arrive?

    As long as you continue to meet our credit criteria, your new card will arrive within 7 to 12 business days after the upgrade is approved. You will also receive new cards for any authorized users on this account within 7 to 12 business days.

    Can I use my Southwest credit card for anything?

    Southwest credit cards are Visas, so you can use them everywhere that Visa is accepted. Except for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, so you can use them in the U.S. or when traveling internationally.

    Related Posts