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$299
Annual Fee
80,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
4X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$299
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Signature
Rewards Currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Point Valuation
1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.35)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
80,000
Airline
Spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
Southwest Purchases
4x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
Rapid Rewards Partners
3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
Internet Cable Phone
3x points on internet, cable, and phone services
Rideshare
3x points on rideshare services
Dining
2x points on dining purchases
Gas Stations
2x points at gas stations
Hotels
2x points on hotel purchases
Transit
2x points on local transit and commuting
Ridesharing
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Reviews & Analysis
| Publication | Rating | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PointsNav | #42 of 119 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card is a top-tier option for small business owners who fly Southwest frequently. Its generous sign-up bonus and extensive perks can give you great value year after year.
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No CR | This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status |
| 24 from Bonus | If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus. |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 21.49%–29.24% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
$299
Annual Fee
80,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
4X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$299
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Signature
Rewards Currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Point Valuation
1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.35)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
80,000
Airline
Spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
Southwest Purchases
4x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
Rapid Rewards Partners
3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
Internet Cable Phone
3x points on internet, cable, and phone services
Rideshare
3x points on rideshare services
Dining
2x points on dining purchases
Gas Stations
2x points at gas stations
Hotels
2x points on hotel purchases
Transit
2x points on local transit and commuting
Ridesharing
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Reviews & Analysis
| Publication | Rating | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PointsNav | #42 of 119 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card is a top-tier option for small business owners who fly Southwest frequently. Its generous sign-up bonus and extensive perks can give you great value year after year.
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No CR | This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status |
| 24 from Bonus | If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus. |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 21.49%–29.24% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
$299
Annual Fee
80,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
4X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$299
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Signature
Rewards Currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Point Valuation
1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.35)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
80,000
Airline
Spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
Southwest Purchases
4x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
Rapid Rewards Partners
3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
Internet Cable Phone
3x points on internet, cable, and phone services
Rideshare
3x points on rideshare services
Dining
2x points on dining purchases
Gas Stations
2x points at gas stations
Hotels
2x points on hotel purchases
Transit
2x points on local transit and commuting
Ridesharing
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Reviews & Analysis
| Publication | Rating | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PointsNav | #42 of 119 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card is a top-tier option for small business owners who fly Southwest frequently. Its generous sign-up bonus and extensive perks can give you great value year after year.
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No CR | This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status |
| 24 from Bonus | If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus. |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 21.49%–29.24% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Combined Protection Value
$6,350
Get reimbursed up to $2,000 per person when a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Get coverage for collision damage, theft, and loss-of-use when renting a car. Coverage type (primary vs secondary) varies by issuer.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 3 years or less.
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
Get reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage when traveling with your card.
Get reimbursement up to $500 per claim for items stolen or damaged by accident within 90 days of purchase.
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
While many get this card primarily to use the 80,000-point sign-up bonus toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass, its long-term perks make it worth keeping if you fly Southwest multiple times per year. For a $299 annual fee, you’ll get 9,000-anniversary points, a complimentary preferred seat at booking, priority boarding, and a suite of bonus categories to accelerate your points earning. If you fly Southwest regularly, this card gives you high-value perks that easily justify the cost.
Most people apply for this card to fast-track their path to the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a travel companion for free on all Southwest flights for up to two calendar years. But the Performance Business Card stands out not just for its sign-up bonus. It’s also loaded with benefits that deliver ongoing value for frequent Southwest flyers.
- Large sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- Valuable ongoing perks:
- 9,000-anniversary points annually (worth ~$117)
- Complimentary Preferred seat at booking (worth $25-40/seat) for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Extra legroom seat upgrade 48 hours prior to departure
- First checked bag free (worth $35/bag) for cardmember and up to 8 passengers
- Group 5 boarding benefit
- 25% back on inflight purchases on Southwest
- Spending multipliers: 4x points on Southwest purchases, 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners, and 2x points on gas, dining, hotels, local transit, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
- Premium travel extras:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
- Unlimited opportunities to earn 2,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent
- 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying points each calendar year
This card might not be the best fit if:
- You rarely fly Southwest
- You typically fly solo, which lessens checked bag and seating perks
- You prefer premium cabin options — Southwest does not offer business or first class.
**Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.**
- Their points are among the easiest to earn, plus they have solid value.
- They’re partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, our favorite point partner ecosystem.
- Southwest moved to reserved seating and now charges for bags, two features that once made them unique.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
Chase offers two Southwest co-branded business cards: the **Performance Business** and the **Premier Business**. If earning the Companion Pass is your priority, the Performance Business card is the stronger choice. Its 80,000-point sign-up bonus (after $5,000 spent in 3 months) gets you much closer to the 135,000-point requirement than the 60,000-point bonus on the Premier Business card.
Beyond the sign-up bonus, the Performance card offers more robust benefits that may justify its higher annual fee. Here's how it compares:
- More anniversary points: 9,000 points annually vs. 6,000 on the Premier card, which is worth roughly $117.
- Better travel perks: Complimentary Preferred seat at booking vs. 48 hours prior to departure, an extra legroom seat upgrade when available, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS reimbursement.
- Expanded earning potential: More spending multipliers and unlimited 2,500 TQPs earned (vs. 2,000 on the Premier) for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status.
If you fly Southwest frequently, the $299 annual fee is likely a worthwhile investment for the added value. If you travel less often or don’t need the premium perks, the $149 Premier Business card may be a better fit.
If your goal is earning the Companion Pass, be sure to pair this business card with one of Southwest’s three personal cards. All currently offer a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, but differ in annual fees and added benefits.
I’ll be honest — I don’t love the Southwest flying experience. The open seating can feel chaotic, and I’d prefer a more traditional boarding process. But despite that, I keep this card because the value is just too good to pass up. The points are incredibly easy to use, there are no blackout dates, and flights can often be booked or changed last-minute without fees. I’ve used the Companion Pass to bring my spouse on trips for free, and I’ve even used points to fly out friends and family to visit us — something I couldn’t justify paying for with cash. Between the generous sign-up bonus, WiFi credits, and upgraded boardings, the perks more than make up for any quirks of the Southwest experience. For someone who values flexibility and convenience, this card earns its spot in my wallet year after year.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$76.80
Annual Fee
-$299
Net Annual Value
-$222.20
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business | mid | $99 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio instantly. However, transferred points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. Only points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses, card spending, and flying count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold.
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
Combined Protection Value
$6,350
Get reimbursed up to $2,000 per person when a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Get coverage for collision damage, theft, and loss-of-use when renting a car. Coverage type (primary vs secondary) varies by issuer.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 3 years or less.
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
Get reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage when traveling with your card.
Get reimbursement up to $500 per claim for items stolen or damaged by accident within 90 days of purchase.
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
While many get this card primarily to use the 80,000-point sign-up bonus toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass, its long-term perks make it worth keeping if you fly Southwest multiple times per year. For a $299 annual fee, you’ll get 9,000-anniversary points, a complimentary preferred seat at booking, priority boarding, and a suite of bonus categories to accelerate your points earning. If you fly Southwest regularly, this card gives you high-value perks that easily justify the cost.
Most people apply for this card to fast-track their path to the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a travel companion for free on all Southwest flights for up to two calendar years. But the Performance Business Card stands out not just for its sign-up bonus. It’s also loaded with benefits that deliver ongoing value for frequent Southwest flyers.
- Large sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- Valuable ongoing perks:
- 9,000-anniversary points annually (worth ~$117)
- Complimentary Preferred seat at booking (worth $25-40/seat) for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Extra legroom seat upgrade 48 hours prior to departure
- First checked bag free (worth $35/bag) for cardmember and up to 8 passengers
- Group 5 boarding benefit
- 25% back on inflight purchases on Southwest
- Spending multipliers: 4x points on Southwest purchases, 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners, and 2x points on gas, dining, hotels, local transit, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
- Premium travel extras:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
- Unlimited opportunities to earn 2,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent
- 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying points each calendar year
This card might not be the best fit if:
- You rarely fly Southwest
- You typically fly solo, which lessens checked bag and seating perks
- You prefer premium cabin options — Southwest does not offer business or first class.
**Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.**
- Their points are among the easiest to earn, plus they have solid value.
- They’re partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, our favorite point partner ecosystem.
- Southwest moved to reserved seating and now charges for bags, two features that once made them unique.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
Chase offers two Southwest co-branded business cards: the **Performance Business** and the **Premier Business**. If earning the Companion Pass is your priority, the Performance Business card is the stronger choice. Its 80,000-point sign-up bonus (after $5,000 spent in 3 months) gets you much closer to the 135,000-point requirement than the 60,000-point bonus on the Premier Business card.
Beyond the sign-up bonus, the Performance card offers more robust benefits that may justify its higher annual fee. Here's how it compares:
- More anniversary points: 9,000 points annually vs. 6,000 on the Premier card, which is worth roughly $117.
- Better travel perks: Complimentary Preferred seat at booking vs. 48 hours prior to departure, an extra legroom seat upgrade when available, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS reimbursement.
- Expanded earning potential: More spending multipliers and unlimited 2,500 TQPs earned (vs. 2,000 on the Premier) for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status.
If you fly Southwest frequently, the $299 annual fee is likely a worthwhile investment for the added value. If you travel less often or don’t need the premium perks, the $149 Premier Business card may be a better fit.
If your goal is earning the Companion Pass, be sure to pair this business card with one of Southwest’s three personal cards. All currently offer a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, but differ in annual fees and added benefits.
I’ll be honest — I don’t love the Southwest flying experience. The open seating can feel chaotic, and I’d prefer a more traditional boarding process. But despite that, I keep this card because the value is just too good to pass up. The points are incredibly easy to use, there are no blackout dates, and flights can often be booked or changed last-minute without fees. I’ve used the Companion Pass to bring my spouse on trips for free, and I’ve even used points to fly out friends and family to visit us — something I couldn’t justify paying for with cash. Between the generous sign-up bonus, WiFi credits, and upgraded boardings, the perks more than make up for any quirks of the Southwest experience. For someone who values flexibility and convenience, this card earns its spot in my wallet year after year.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$76.80
Annual Fee
-$299
Net Annual Value
-$222.20
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business | mid | $99 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio instantly. However, transferred points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. Only points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses, card spending, and flying count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold.
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
Combined Protection Value
$6,350
Get reimbursed up to $2,000 per person when a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Get coverage for collision damage, theft, and loss-of-use when renting a car. Coverage type (primary vs secondary) varies by issuer.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 3 years or less.
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
Get reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage when traveling with your card.
Get reimbursement up to $500 per claim for items stolen or damaged by accident within 90 days of purchase.
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
While many get this card primarily to use the 80,000-point sign-up bonus toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass, its long-term perks make it worth keeping if you fly Southwest multiple times per year. For a $299 annual fee, you’ll get 9,000-anniversary points, a complimentary preferred seat at booking, priority boarding, and a suite of bonus categories to accelerate your points earning. If you fly Southwest regularly, this card gives you high-value perks that easily justify the cost.
Most people apply for this card to fast-track their path to the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a travel companion for free on all Southwest flights for up to two calendar years. But the Performance Business Card stands out not just for its sign-up bonus. It’s also loaded with benefits that deliver ongoing value for frequent Southwest flyers.
- Large sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- Valuable ongoing perks:
- 9,000-anniversary points annually (worth ~$117)
- Complimentary Preferred seat at booking (worth $25-40/seat) for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Extra legroom seat upgrade 48 hours prior to departure
- First checked bag free (worth $35/bag) for cardmember and up to 8 passengers
- Group 5 boarding benefit
- 25% back on inflight purchases on Southwest
- Spending multipliers: 4x points on Southwest purchases, 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners, and 2x points on gas, dining, hotels, local transit, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
- Premium travel extras:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
- Unlimited opportunities to earn 2,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent
- 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying points each calendar year
This card might not be the best fit if:
- You rarely fly Southwest
- You typically fly solo, which lessens checked bag and seating perks
- You prefer premium cabin options — Southwest does not offer business or first class.
**Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.**
- Their points are among the easiest to earn, plus they have solid value.
- They’re partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, our favorite point partner ecosystem.
- Southwest moved to reserved seating and now charges for bags, two features that once made them unique.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
Chase offers two Southwest co-branded business cards: the **Performance Business** and the **Premier Business**. If earning the Companion Pass is your priority, the Performance Business card is the stronger choice. Its 80,000-point sign-up bonus (after $5,000 spent in 3 months) gets you much closer to the 135,000-point requirement than the 60,000-point bonus on the Premier Business card.
Beyond the sign-up bonus, the Performance card offers more robust benefits that may justify its higher annual fee. Here's how it compares:
- More anniversary points: 9,000 points annually vs. 6,000 on the Premier card, which is worth roughly $117.
- Better travel perks: Complimentary Preferred seat at booking vs. 48 hours prior to departure, an extra legroom seat upgrade when available, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS reimbursement.
- Expanded earning potential: More spending multipliers and unlimited 2,500 TQPs earned (vs. 2,000 on the Premier) for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status.
If you fly Southwest frequently, the $299 annual fee is likely a worthwhile investment for the added value. If you travel less often or don’t need the premium perks, the $149 Premier Business card may be a better fit.
If your goal is earning the Companion Pass, be sure to pair this business card with one of Southwest’s three personal cards. All currently offer a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, but differ in annual fees and added benefits.
I’ll be honest — I don’t love the Southwest flying experience. The open seating can feel chaotic, and I’d prefer a more traditional boarding process. But despite that, I keep this card because the value is just too good to pass up. The points are incredibly easy to use, there are no blackout dates, and flights can often be booked or changed last-minute without fees. I’ve used the Companion Pass to bring my spouse on trips for free, and I’ve even used points to fly out friends and family to visit us — something I couldn’t justify paying for with cash. Between the generous sign-up bonus, WiFi credits, and upgraded boardings, the perks more than make up for any quirks of the Southwest experience. For someone who values flexibility and convenience, this card earns its spot in my wallet year after year.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$76.80
Annual Fee
-$299
Net Annual Value
-$222.20
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business | mid | $99 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio instantly. However, transferred points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. Only points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses, card spending, and flying count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold.
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries when checked baggage is delayed 4+ hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Reimbursement for meals, hotel, and essentials when travel is delayed 6+ hours or requires overnight stay
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries when checked baggage is delayed 4+ hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Reimbursement for meals, hotel, and essentials when travel is delayed 6+ hours or requires overnight stay
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries when checked baggage is delayed 4+ hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Reimbursement for meals, hotel, and essentials when travel is delayed 6+ hours or requires overnight stay
