The rule that trips everyone up
Purchased points do NOT count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass qualification threshold. Neither do transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Only directly-earned Rapid Rewards points qualify.
The three scenarios
When buying points DOES make sense
You have a specific, high-value redemption in mind — a flight where the cash price is much higher than the points cost at Southwest's ~1.3-1.5¢ per point redemption rate — and Southwest is running a bonus sale (typically 50–100% bonus points).
When it does NOT make sense
You're buying points just to hit the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold. Purchased points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. This is the #1 mistake beginners make.
The alternative
Earn points that DO qualify: credit-card sign-up bonuses, paid flights, Rapid Rewards Dining, the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal, and Southwest hotel bookings.
Quick math example
A flight costs $400 cash or 30,000 points. That's a redemption value of ~1.33¢ per point. If Southwest is selling points at 2.75¢, buying enough for that flight would cost $825 — you lose $425. If a 100% bonus promo cuts the effective cost to ~1.4¢, the trade is roughly break-even. Only worth it on award seats where cash prices are unusually high.
FAQ
Informational only — not financial advice. Verify current point-sale bonuses and Companion Pass rules on Southwest.com.