Should I upgrade to the Rapid Rewards Business?

It would be lucrative to upgrade to the Rapid Rewards Business card if you’re a frequent flyer of Southwest. The additional perks of in-flight Wi-Fi, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and boarding upgrades can be very helpful if you often find yourself in the airport for business trips. That being said, if you do not fly often or prefer to use a variety of airlines, the card’s $199 may feel steep.

Can I add an employee card?

Yes, and at no additional cost or limit. Every employee card will have equal charging privileges unless given a spending limit. You also earn points on employee spending, including Southwest flights, advertising, and local transit.

What bank is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business connected to?

This is a co-branded card between Southwest Airlines and Chase bank. Be aware that you, should you receive this card, you are subject to their terms as well as Southwest’s. Your rewards will mainly come through Southwest. Check all terms before you sign up. If you prefer to have a card through a traditional bank, a non-branded business card may be a better fit.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Review

Snapshot

4.7

Bankrate rating

Bottom line

Thanks to an impressive rewards rate for Southwest purchases and generous perks, small-business owners who frequently fly Southwest have a lot to gain with this card. But the high annual fee may be hard to justify if you don’t fly often and don’t take advantage of the card’s additional benefits.

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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Rewards rate

1X - 4X

Annual fee

$199

Intro offer

80,000 points

Regular APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Overview

If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer who owns your own business, flies for business purposes or has employees who book travel with a credit card you provide them, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card could be just the card you need. It comes loaded with features, including a big welcome bonus, anniversary points, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership and frequent flyer perks like four upgraded boardings per year.

However, if you aren’t one of Southwest Airline’s most loyal customers, or you don’t plan to become a frequent Southwest frequent flyer, then you might want to opt for another airline’s card or a general business travel rewards card with more flexible points or miles redemptions.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

Generous sign-up bonus easily offsets the card’s high annual fee for the first year
An excellent rewards rate for Southwest purchases and a range of other popular business expenses make this Southwest card better than ever
Qualify for elite perks like in-flight Wi-Fi credits, early boardings, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and free employee cards
9,000 points on your cardmember anniversary—the best yearly bonus on a Southwest card

Cons

High $199 annual fee may be difficult to offset for anyone not taking advantage of the perks and benefits
Limited redemption options
Not as good for general travel if you’re not primarily a Southwest flyer
Doesn’t offer the strongest travel protections and benefits
No airport lounge access perks

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card review: The premier business card for Southwest enthusiasts