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Southwest Rapid Rewards points are easiest to earn by flying Southwest, spending on Southwest credit cards, and taking advantage of the airline’s many travel partners. Car rentals are one of those partner opportunities, letting Rapid Rewards members earn points even when they aren’t booking a flight.
That can be especially useful when rental car partners offer bonus points or extra discounts. Southwest partners with eight rental car companies, and several currently have enhanced offers that can help members earn more points while potentially saving on the rental itself.
Through January 31, 2027, Rapid Rewards members can earn up to 3,000 points and save up to 35% on qualifying rentals with Avis, Budget, and Payless. Here are the details.
Southwest Airlines Car Rental Promotions
Southwest partners with Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty. Although members can generally earn Rapid Rewards points when renting with these partners, the following promotions provide enhanced earnings and discounts on qualifying rentals.
Earn up to 3,000 points and save up to 30% on Budget rentals
Through January 31, 2027, Rapid Rewards members can earn up to 3,000 points and save up to 30% on qualifying Budget rentals.
The promotion is valid on all car groups at participating Budget airport locations in the United States and Canada. Members earn points based on the length of the rental:
- Rent for one or two days and earn 600 points.
- Rent for three to six days and earn 1,800 points.
- Rent for seven days or longer and earn 3,000 points.
Book through the Southwest Budget promotion page to have the necessary codes entered automatically. Otherwise, use coupon number MUAY173 and Budget Customer Discount number U07279. You’ll also need to provide your Rapid Rewards number when booking or checking in.
Key terms
- Book in advance and begin your qualifying rental by January 31, 2027.
- Valid at participating Budget airport locations in the U.S. and Canada.
- The discount of up to 30% applies to eligible leisure weekly and weekend base rates and only covers the rental’s time and mileage charges.
- Use coupon number MUAY173 and BCD number U07279.
- Any points earned above the standard 600 points are considered bonus points and do not count toward A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass qualification.
- A frequent flyer surcharge of up to $1 per day may apply.
Earn up to 3,000 points and save up to 35% on Avis rentals
Rapid Rewards members can also earn up to 3,000 points and save up to 35% on qualifying Avis rentals beginning by January 31, 2027.
This promotion is available on all car groups at participating Avis airport locations in the United States and Canada. The earning structure is the same as the Budget promotion:
- Rent for one or two days and earn 600 points.
- Rent for three to six days and earn 1,800 points.
- Rent for seven days or longer and earn 3,000 points.
Book through the Southwest Avis promotion page to have the codes applied automatically. Otherwise, enter coupon number MUAB189 to earn the promotional points and Avis Worldwide Discount number K024798 to receive the discount.
Key terms
- Book in advance and begin your qualifying rental by January 31, 2027.
- Valid at participating Avis airport locations in the U.S. and Canada.
- Use coupon number MUAB189 and AWD number K024798.
- Any points earned above the standard 600 points are considered bonus points and do not count toward A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass qualification.
- A frequent flyer surcharge of up to $1 per day may apply.
Earn up to 1,800 points and save 10% on Payless rentals
Through January 31, 2027, Rapid Rewards members can save 10% on qualifying Payless rentals and earn up to 1,800 points.
The offer is valid on all car groups at participating Payless airport locations in the United States and Canada. Members earn:
- 600 points on rentals lasting one to three days.
- 1,800 points on rentals lasting four to seven days.
Book through the Southwest Payless promotion page. Use coupon number MUAP012 to earn the promotional points and Payless Discount number A060913 to receive the discount.
Key terms
- Book in advance and begin your qualifying rental by January 31, 2027.
- Valid at participating Payless airport locations in the U.S. and Canada.
- Use coupon number MUAP012 and PDN number A060913.
- The 10% discount applies to eligible leisure weekly and weekend base rates and only covers the rental’s time and mileage charges.
- Any points earned above the standard 600 points are considered bonus points and do not count toward A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass qualification.
- A frequent flyer surcharge of up to $1 per day may apply.
General Terms for Southwest Car Rental Promotions
The Avis, Budget, and Payless promotions share several important terms:
- You must book through the applicable Southwest promotion page and provide your Rapid Rewards account number.
- An advance reservation is required.
- The promotions cannot be combined with another promotion or offer.
- Discounts apply to eligible base rates and do not include taxes, fees, fuel charges, optional products, or other surcharges.
- Vehicle availability, blackout periods, and rental return restrictions may apply.
- Renters must meet the applicable age, driver, and credit requirements. An additional daily surcharge may apply to renters under 25.
- Allow up to eight weeks for the points to appear in your Rapid Rewards account.
Our Take
These promotions could provide solid value if you’re already planning to rent from Avis, Budget, or Payless. Longer Avis and Budget rentals are the most rewarding, offering up to 3,000 total Rapid Rewards points, while the available discounts can reduce the base rental rate by as much as 35%.
Still, it’s worth comparing the promotional rate with other available rental options. The discount doesn’t apply to taxes and fees, and a frequent flyer surcharge may offset some of the value on shorter rentals. Should one of these offers provide the best overall price, book through the applicable Southwest page and double-check that the correct codes and your Rapid Rewards number are attached.
