Southwest Rapid Rewards points are flexible, widely accepted, and easy to earn. But what happens when you have no travel plans, and your points are just virtually there? That’s the moment when several smart travelers start to think about selling their Southwest points and cash in on rewards that would have otherwise been unused.
No matter if they were obtained through business travel, credit card bonuses, or simply day-to-day spending, letting those points sit unused is equivalent to letting cash collect dust. We will go over how to sell Southwest points, what the airline allows (and doesn’t), and smart strategies for maximizing value in this comprehensive guide.
Can You Officially Sell Southwest Points?
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program does not permit points to be sold. Members have been prohibited from selling, bartering, or exchanging points for money or any other compensation under the conditions of the program.
However—and this is important—many travelers still find ways to convert points to cash indirectly. This often involves using third-party services or reward buyers who specialize in securely and legally facilitating point transactions. While unofficial, this practice is widely used in the airline miles market, particularly for those who want to turn loyalty into liquidity.
Why Sell Southwest Points Instead of Redeeming Them?
Redeeming Rapid Rewards points can be a great deal, especially for frequent domestic travelers. However not everyone is boarding planes regularly, and redemption options like gift cards, merchandise, or hotel bookings often offer poor value per point.
Here’s why many people explore how to sell Southwest points instead:
- Immediate cash instead of waiting for the “right” redemption.
- More flexible use of rewards—you decide how to spend your payout.
- Higher value when selling in bulk compared to low-return gift cards.
- No blackout dates or limited seat availability to deal with.
How to Sell Southwest Points: Step-by-Step
Although Southwest doesn’t offer a direct way to sell your points, here’s how most users go about it when using a trusted, secure buyer:
1. Submit Your Points for a Quote
Start by requesting a quote based on how many points you’d like to sell. Most buyers have a minimum requirement—commonly 50,000 points or more.
2. Review the Offer
Once you receive your quote, review the offer and decide if the payout is acceptable to you.
3. Verify Your Account
The buyer will request access to verify your points balance. This is typically a one-time, secure process.
4. Receive Payment
Once verified, you’ll receive payment upfront, usually via PayPal or bank transfer.
5. Transfer Points
After you’ve received your cash, the buyer uses your points for travel rewards on behalf of their clients. Your account remains yours and can be used again in the future.
What’s the Value of Southwest Points When Selling?
Southwest points usually have a retail value of around 1.3 to 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for flights. When selling, the payout will depend on current demand, your account history, and the number of points you’re offering.
Here’s a rough breakdown of estimated payouts:
- 10,000 points ≈ modest return, not usually optimal.
- 50,000 points ≈ strong market value.
- 100,000+ points = best rates, especially in peak seasons.
Selling in bulk is where you get the most bang for your miles. If you’re sitting on a large stash, it might be the perfect time to cash in.
Is It Safe to Sell Southwest Points?
That depends entirely on how you do it. While Southwest won’t assist you if anything goes wrong in an unofficial sale, many legitimate reward buyers exist with secure platforms, encrypted data handling, and upfront payment policies.
If you’re serious about learning how to sell Southwest points safely:
- Only work with services that pay you first before accessing your account.
- Avoid buyers who require sensitive personal details beyond basic contact and account info.
- Make sure all communication is professional and transparent.
- Don’t respond to vague offers or unverified websites.
Pro Tips for Selling Southwest Points
- Time for your sale: Peak travel seasons like summer, winter holidays, and spring break often increase point value.
- Track your activity: Keep your Rapid Rewards account active to avoid any hiccups.
- Be honest about your balance: Point buyers will verify your account, so transparency helps speed up the process.
- Read the fine print: Understand how and when you’re paid, and what’s expected from you.
Should You Sell Your Southwest Points?
If you’re not planning to fly Southwest anytime soon—or simply prefer cash in your wallet to points in your account—then selling could be the smart play. You won’t have to wait for seat availability, deal with blackout dates, or settle for mediocre redemptions. Instead, you’ll walk away with real value and real money.
Just remember how to sell Southwest points is more about finding the right buyer than following a public process. With the right steps and safeguards, you can turn your loyalty rewards into liquid assets.
How We Can Help You Sell Southwest Points
At Sell American Airlines Miles, we specialize in helping travelers safely and quickly convert their unused airline rewards into real cash. If you’re wondering how to sell Southwest points, our process is fast, transparent, and secure—from quote to payment.
Even if your points were earned with another airline, we’re here to help you turn them into something more useful cash in your hands.
