Southwest Airlines expands Rapid Rewards loyalty program with launch of new debit card

Up in the Air // Oct 2025

Southwest Airlines has expanded its Rapid Rewards loyalty program with the launch of a new Visa debit card powered by Galileo. The technology aims to deliver seamless payments and deepen customer engagement.

Southwest Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is offering a new way for customers to earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases with the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Debit Card. Powered by Galileo, the new Visa debit card combines the convenience of debit payments with the benefits of Rapid Rewards.

“At Southwest Airlines, we are continually exploring new ways for our customers to experience the benefits of our Rapid Rewards program,” said Tony Roach, EVP Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Southwest Airlines. “With more than 90% of Americans using debit cards, expanding our award-winning Rapid Rewards loyalty program to include a debit card was a natural next step. Whether it’s a college student looking to book a flight to watch their favourite team, a parent setting up an account for a recent graduate, or a cash-savvy customer looking for another way to earn rewards, the Rapid Rewards Debit Card offers unlimited options to turn everyday spending into that next Southwest flight.”

Points earned on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Debit Card never expire, there are no blackout dates, and members can use points for any seat. Plus, Rapid Rewards Members receive tier benefits and free inflight WiFi, thanks to T-Mobile, and can earn and redeem points for hotels, rental cars, vacations, and more.

“Partnering with Southwest Airlines to launch this debit program demonstrates how quickly global brands can innovate on Galileo’s platform,” said Bill Kennedy, Interim CEO and CFO, Galileo Financial Technologies. “With our modern technology, Southwest Airlines can deliver seamless payments and create new loyalty opportunities that deepen customer engagement.”

Hear more from Southwest Airlines in the Premium Conference at APEX FTE Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025. Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines, is participating in a session focused on ‘Lessons learned from industry innovators helping to take their organisations, and the industry, to new heights – opportunities and challenges for today and tomorrow’. Kleist is also participating in the free to attend Expo Stage Schedule in the ‘FTE Baggage Innovation Summit – what are the latest trends and technologies that are redefining baggage handling’.

See the full APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 schedule at a glance >> Register for APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 – free to attend >>

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