Rapid Rewards points come in three "types," and a single point may be multiple types at the same time. There are effectively multiple "meters" in your account, and a point may actually register in multiple meters. 1) "Regular" points are points you can spend towards flights on Southwest, or for merchandise or travel on More Rewards if you have a Chase Rapid Rewards credit card. These points accrue as you earn them, and are deducted from your account when you spend them. This is the main "meter," which is the total of your points minus any you spend. You can earn these any number of ways -- flying, credit card spend, partner spending, surveys, Rapid Rewards dining, shopping, etc. 2) "Companion Pass Qualifying Points" (CPQ): Most "regular" points are also CPQ, meaning they accrue in your Companion Pass meter as you work to earn Companion Pass. That meter resets at the end of each calendar year. Almost all points are CPQ, with the exception of some "bonus" points. 3) "Tier Qualifying Points (TQP): Those "regular" points that you earned by actual travel on Southwest are also TQP, meaning they accrue in your A-List meter as you work to earn A-List and A-List Preferred. That meter resets at the end of each calendar year. A small amount of points earned with certain Rapid Rewards credit cards are also TQP. Here are some examples: You purchase a ticket and fly, and earn 1,000 points. Those 1,000 points are "regular" (spendable), Companion Pass qualifying, and Tier Qualifying. You make a purchase on your Rapid Rewards credit card and earn 1,000 points. Those points are "regular" (spendable), and also Companion Pass qualifying.
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