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.

Yes, in many cases you can use a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card immediately after being approved through the Chase mobile app or website. Once approved in 2026, Chase often provides a "digital version" of the card that can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay before the physical card arrives in the mail. Additionally, if you are booking a flight on Southwest.com at the time of application, the card may be automatically loaded into your payment options for that specific purchase. This allows you to start working toward your sign-up bonus—and earning those crucial Companion Pass qualifying points—within minutes of hitting the "apply" button. Just be sure to verify that the "Spend Instantly" feature is active for your specific account type upon approval.