Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
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 — especially if you fly Southwest multiple times per year. For a $199 annual fee, you’ll get 9,000-anniversary points, four upgraded boarding credits, 365 in-flight WiFi credits, 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.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
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: Get 9,000-anniversary points annually (worth ~$117), 4 upgraded boardings (worth $120+), and 365 in-flight WiFi credits ($8 value each).
- Premium travel extras: Includes Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit, a $500 transfer fee credit, and unlimited opportunities to earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be the best fit if you rarely fly Southwest or typically fly solo, which would make the upgraded boardings less useful. Or you prefer premium cabin options — Southwest does not offer business or first class.
What to Know About Southwest Rapid Rewards
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’s boarding is polarizing (though it is updating to reserved seating in early 2026)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
How The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card Fits In The Southwest Rapid Rewards Ecosystem
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 — worth roughly $117.
- Better travel perks: 4 upgraded boardings (worth at least $120), 365 in-flight WiFi credits, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS reimbursement.
- Expanded earning potential: More spending multipliers and unlimited 1,500 TQPs earned for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status.
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.
My Experience, No Filter
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.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,000 | $5,000 | 1.3 ¢ | $130 | $199 |
$1036
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Companion Pass, US & Caribbean Flights | 9000 bonus points annually, 4 A-list boardings, WiFi credit, TSA Credit | No CR , 24 from Bonus , 5/24 , Chase 2/30 , Chase 4/6 |
Award System
Most Recent Special Offer
$15,000 spend ended Sep 2024
Spend Categories
4X points
5.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
1X points
1.3¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
3.9¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
3.9¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Get up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, or an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck.
You'll receive 9,000 points on the card anniversary.
Get 4 upgraded boardings per year when available.
Reimbursed up to $8 a day for Southwest inflight Wi-Fi
Using this card gives you primary car rental insurance when using for business on collision and theft, up to the cost of the vehicle.
Travel accident insurance up to $500,000; lost luggage insurance up to $3,000 per person; baggage delay insurance up to $100 per day for 3 days.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Travelers get two free checked bags, which they provide to everyone.
Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim, and $50,000 per account.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System Southwest Rapid Rewards
Transfers In From
1:1 81% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
5:2 31% value retained
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Application Rules
This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status
If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus.
Your application will be declined if 5 new cards are reported on your personal credit report in the past 24 months
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days
Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months
Ranking of Cards Offering Southwest Rapid Rewards
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database: