Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $299.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 80,000 points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-4x Points |
| Regular APR | 19.24Min. of (6.75+12.49) and 29.99%–27.74Min. of (6.75+20.99) and 29.99% variable APR. |
About this card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a strong contender for its highly specific target audience: businesses and individuals who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and are committed to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards points and benefits. Its overall rating of 3.8 reflects a card that is very good in its niche, but has significant limitations that prevent a higher universal rating. **Strengths:** The card excels with an 'Excellent' Rewards Rating (4.3). It offers a generous sign-up bonus (80,000 points), high earning rates on Southwest purchases (4x) and relevant business categories (2x), substantial anniversary points, and critical boosts towards A-List status and the coveted Companion Pass. The inclusion of valuable travel perks like free checked bags, upgraded boarding, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit significantly enhances its value proposition for frequent Southwest flyers. Furthermore, it boasts an 'Excellent' Reputation (4.5) among financial publications and users, largely due to its effectiveness in achieving the Companion Pass and its strong issuer, Chase. The absence of foreign transaction fees is also a notable plus for a travel-focused card. **Weaknesses:** The most significant drawbacks are its 'Poor' APR Rating (1.5) and 'Fair' Fees Rating (2.8). The regular APR is very high (19.24%-27.74%) with no introductory offer, making it a poor choice for carrying a balance. The substantial $299 annual fee is a barrier for entry, though its benefits can offset this cost for diligent users. The rewards program, while generous, is highly specific to Southwest Airlines, limiting flexibility for those who prefer diverse travel options or general cash back. **Overall Assessment:** For a dedicated Southwest loyalist business, this card offers 'Excellent' value and a clear pathway to significant travel savings and perks. However, for a business that might carry a balance, is not exclusive to Southwest, or seeks a lower annual fee, the card's limitations become prominent. Weighing the exceptional rewards and niche fit against the high costs (APR and annual fee) and lack of flexibility, a 3.8 rating acknowledges its strong appeal to its core audience while recognizing its significant downsides for others.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate on travel and business expenses
- No foreign transaction fees
- Valuable travel perks and benefits
- Accelerated path to elite status and Companion Pass
- Comprehensive purchase and travel protections
Things to consider
- High annual fee
- No introductory APR period
- High regular APR
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.
- 4 points: You'll earn 4 points for each $1 spent on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines, including flight, inflight, Southwest gift cards, and Southwest Vacations or Getaways by SouthwestTM packages.
- Until December 31, 2025, you'll earn 4 points for each $1 spent on Southwest Cruises purchases.
- 3 points: Until December 31, 2025, you'll earn 3 points for each $1 spent on purchases at participating Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners.
- 2 points: You'll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: gas stations; dining at restaurants; hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
- 2 points: You'll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the local transit and commuting rewards category.
- 2 points: Until December 31, 2025, you'll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: social media and search engine advertising; internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1 point: You'll earn 1 point for each $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 $360 roundtrip ($45 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.
- 9,000 anniversary points each year
- 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.
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit up to $120 every 4 years
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement Provides reimbursement up to $3,000 per covered traveler for the cost to repair or replace checked or carry-on baggage that is lost, damaged or stolen during a covered trip.
- Baggage Delay Insurance Reimburses you up to $100 a day for up to 3 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when baggage is delayed over 6 hours.
- Extended Warranty Protection Extends the time period of the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less, up to four years from the date of purchase.
- Purchase Protection Covers your eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $10,000 per item.
- Contactless - Just Tap To Pay
- Chase Pay Over Time lets eligible Chase business card customers break up credit card expenses into manageable payments. Pay off an eligible purchase you've already made of $100 or more in smaller, equal monthly payments. No interest - just a fixed monthly fee with plan durations that range from 3-24 months.
Additional Notes
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change.

