Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $299.00 |
| Regular APR | 19.24%–27.74% variable APR. |
About this card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a decent option for Southwest loyalists but has significant drawbacks that prevent a higher rating. The high annual fee ($299) is a major hurdle, offset somewhat by benefits like anniversary points, free checked bags, and other Southwest-specific perks. The rewards program is valuable for Southwest flyers, with good earning rates on Southwest purchases and decent rates on other relevant categories (hotels, gas, dining, transit). The sign-up bonus is generous, and the card offers pathways to elite status. However, the rewards program lacks flexibility, as it is heavily tied to Southwest. The APR is high, which is a negative. The card's reputation is generally positive among its target audience. Overall, this card is a good choice for frequent Southwest flyers who can maximize its benefits. However, the high annual fee and limited rewards flexibility make it less attractive for those who do not frequently fly Southwest or prefer more versatile travel rewards. Factoring in the APR, rewards, fees, target audience fit, and reputation, a 3.3 rating reflects the card's strengths and weaknesses.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel perks
- Anniversary bonus
- Employee cards at no additional cost
Things to consider
- High annual fee
- High regular APR
- Requires good or excellent credit
- Limited rewards categories
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards
- Earn 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airline purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on gas station and restaurant purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Other features
- Complimentary Preferred seat at booking - Select a Preferred seat at booking, at no additional charge, when available. For flights operating with assigned seating in 2026 and beyond.
- First checked bag free - Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip).
- Extra Legroom seat upgrade - Enjoy unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure, at no additional charge, when available. For flights operating with assigned seating in 2026 and beyond.
- Boarding benefit - Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins. For flights operating with assigned seating in 2026 and beyond.
- 25% back on inflight purchases.
- Receive 9,000 bonus points each year after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Earn 2,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually accelerating your way to A-List status.
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year.
- Employee cards at no additional cost and earn points on employee spending.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS when you use your card.
- Points that take you places
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel & purchase coverage
- Contactless - Just Tap To Pay
- Chase Pay Over Time®
- Employee cards let you set individual spending limits and help you earn rewards even faster.