Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
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 — all for a modest $99 annual fee. The 6,000-anniversary points and two Early Bird Check-In credits each year alone can offset that cost. 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 card with meaningful perks, the Premier Business card hits the mark.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
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), plus two EarlyBird Check-Ins (worth $70).
- Bonus categories: Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x on hotel and car rental partners, and 2x on rideshares and commuting.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
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. Or you prefer premium cabin options when flying — Southwest doesn’t 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 Premier Business Credit Card Fits In The Southwest Rapid Rewards Ecosystem
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 $199 annual fee, it also delivers more value: 9,000-anniversary points instead of 6,000, four upgraded boardings (worth at least $120), a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit, and 365 in-flight WiFi credits. 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.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 | $3,000 | 1.3 ¢ | $80 | $99 |
$800
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Companion Pass, US & Caribbean Flights | 6000 bonus points annually | 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
3X points
3.9¢ Per Dollar Spent
1X points
1.3¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
You'll receive 6,000 points on the card anniversary.
25% savings on Southwest Airlines inflight food, beverage and 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.
This card extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by 1 additional year, on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
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 Premier 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
