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$149
Annual Fee
60,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$149
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
60,000
Airline
Spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
| Category | Rate | Type | Booking Method | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Purchases | 3X | Core | any | None | |
| Rapid Rewards Partners | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Internet Cable Phone | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Social Media | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Dining | 2X | Core | any | $8,000/annual | |
| Gas Stations | 2X | Core | any | $8,000/annual |
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 | #53 of 119 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a strong option for occasional Southwest flyers who want solid travel value without a high annual fee.
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 |
$149
Annual Fee
60,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$149
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
60,000
Airline
Spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
| Category | Rate | Type | Booking Method | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Purchases | 3X | Core | any | None | |
| Rapid Rewards Partners | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Internet Cable Phone | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Social Media | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Dining | 2X | Core | any | $8,000/annual | |
| Gas Stations | 2X | Core | any | $8,000/annual |
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 | #53 of 119 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a strong option for occasional Southwest flyers who want solid travel value without a high annual fee.
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 |
$149
Annual Fee
60,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$149
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
60,000
Airline
Spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
| Category | Rate | Type | Booking Method | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Purchases | 3X | Core | any | None | |
| Rapid Rewards Partners | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Internet Cable Phone | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Social Media | 2X | Core | any | None | |
| Dining | 2X | Core | any | $8,000/annual | |
| Gas Stations | 2X | Core | any | $8,000/annual |
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 | #53 of 119 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a strong option for occasional Southwest flyers who want solid travel value without a high annual fee.
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.
Emergency roadside services available 24/7 including towing, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and jump starts
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
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.
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
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 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card offers a respectable 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months, along with valuable perks for a modest $149 annual fee. The 6,000-anniversary points, free first checked bag, and complimentary Preferred seat help cancel out the annual fee. However, if your primary goal is earning the Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll likely be better served by the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card. That card offers an 80,000-point bonus and more benefits. For infrequent Southwest flyers who want a low-fee business card with meaningful perks, the Premier Business card hits the mark.
If you're not chasing the Southwest Companion Pass and only fly Southwest a few times a year, this card offers more than enough value to justify keeping it. The 60,000-point sign-up bonus can cover multiple one-way flights. And the card’s ongoing benefits are worth more than the annual fee. It’s a great fit for budget-minded travelers who want solid, reliable rewards.
- Strong sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Ongoing value:
- Receive 6,000-anniversary points each year (valued at ~$78)
- Complimentary Preferred seat 48 hours prior to departure (worth $25-40/seat) for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- 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
- 15% Promo code for flight discount on cardmember anniversary
- Spending multipliers: 3x points on Southwest purchases, gas stations, and restaurants on the first $8000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP's) toward A-List Status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually
This card might not be ideal if:
- You’re focused on earning the Companion Pass and want a higher sign-up bonus to help you get there faster.
- You prefer premium cabin options when flying as Southwest doesn’t 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.
If earning the Companion Pass is your main goal, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card is the better choice. It offers a higher 80,000-point sign-up bonus (after $5,000 spent in 3 months), which gets you much closer to the 135,000 points required to earn the Companion Pass. Although it has a higher $299 annual fee, it also delivers more value: 9,000-anniversary points instead of 6,000, a Preferred seat at booking, an Extra Legroom Seat upgrade 48 hours prior to departure, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit. It also has broader spending multipliers for frequent flyers.
For those focused on earning the Companion Pass efficiently, pairing one business card with one of Southwest’s three personal cards is the most effective strategy.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$4.80
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$144.20
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | premium | $199 |
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.
Emergency roadside services available 24/7 including towing, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and jump starts
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
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.
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
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 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card offers a respectable 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months, along with valuable perks for a modest $149 annual fee. The 6,000-anniversary points, free first checked bag, and complimentary Preferred seat help cancel out the annual fee. However, if your primary goal is earning the Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll likely be better served by the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card. That card offers an 80,000-point bonus and more benefits. For infrequent Southwest flyers who want a low-fee business card with meaningful perks, the Premier Business card hits the mark.
If you're not chasing the Southwest Companion Pass and only fly Southwest a few times a year, this card offers more than enough value to justify keeping it. The 60,000-point sign-up bonus can cover multiple one-way flights. And the card’s ongoing benefits are worth more than the annual fee. It’s a great fit for budget-minded travelers who want solid, reliable rewards.
- Strong sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Ongoing value:
- Receive 6,000-anniversary points each year (valued at ~$78)
- Complimentary Preferred seat 48 hours prior to departure (worth $25-40/seat) for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- 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
- 15% Promo code for flight discount on cardmember anniversary
- Spending multipliers: 3x points on Southwest purchases, gas stations, and restaurants on the first $8000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP's) toward A-List Status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually
This card might not be ideal if:
- You’re focused on earning the Companion Pass and want a higher sign-up bonus to help you get there faster.
- You prefer premium cabin options when flying as Southwest doesn’t 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.
If earning the Companion Pass is your main goal, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card is the better choice. It offers a higher 80,000-point sign-up bonus (after $5,000 spent in 3 months), which gets you much closer to the 135,000 points required to earn the Companion Pass. Although it has a higher $299 annual fee, it also delivers more value: 9,000-anniversary points instead of 6,000, a Preferred seat at booking, an Extra Legroom Seat upgrade 48 hours prior to departure, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit. It also has broader spending multipliers for frequent flyers.
For those focused on earning the Companion Pass efficiently, pairing one business card with one of Southwest’s three personal cards is the most effective strategy.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$4.80
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$144.20
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | premium | $199 |
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.
Emergency roadside services available 24/7 including towing, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and jump starts
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
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.
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
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 |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card offers a respectable 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months, along with valuable perks for a modest $149 annual fee. The 6,000-anniversary points, free first checked bag, and complimentary Preferred seat help cancel out the annual fee. However, if your primary goal is earning the Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll likely be better served by the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card. That card offers an 80,000-point bonus and more benefits. For infrequent Southwest flyers who want a low-fee business card with meaningful perks, the Premier Business card hits the mark.
If you're not chasing the Southwest Companion Pass and only fly Southwest a few times a year, this card offers more than enough value to justify keeping it. The 60,000-point sign-up bonus can cover multiple one-way flights. And the card’s ongoing benefits are worth more than the annual fee. It’s a great fit for budget-minded travelers who want solid, reliable rewards.
- Strong sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Ongoing value:
- Receive 6,000-anniversary points each year (valued at ~$78)
- Complimentary Preferred seat 48 hours prior to departure (worth $25-40/seat) for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- 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
- 15% Promo code for flight discount on cardmember anniversary
- Spending multipliers: 3x points on Southwest purchases, gas stations, and restaurants on the first $8000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP's) toward A-List Status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually
This card might not be ideal if:
- You’re focused on earning the Companion Pass and want a higher sign-up bonus to help you get there faster.
- You prefer premium cabin options when flying as Southwest doesn’t 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.
If earning the Companion Pass is your main goal, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card is the better choice. It offers a higher 80,000-point sign-up bonus (after $5,000 spent in 3 months), which gets you much closer to the 135,000 points required to earn the Companion Pass. Although it has a higher $299 annual fee, it also delivers more value: 9,000-anniversary points instead of 6,000, a Preferred seat at booking, an Extra Legroom Seat upgrade 48 hours prior to departure, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit. It also has broader spending multipliers for frequent flyers.
For those focused on earning the Companion Pass efficiently, pairing one business card with one of Southwest’s three personal cards is the most effective strategy.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$4.80
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$144.20
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | premium | $199 |
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.
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.
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).
Coverage for eligible purchases against theft and damage for 120 days from date of purchase
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Reimbursement for essential purchases when baggage is delayed 12+ hours by the airline
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.
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).
Coverage for eligible purchases against theft and damage for 120 days from date of purchase
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Reimbursement for essential purchases when baggage is delayed 12+ hours by the airline
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.
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).
Coverage for eligible purchases against theft and damage for 120 days from date of purchase
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Reimbursement for essential purchases when baggage is delayed 12+ hours by the airline
