Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The card offers a 60,000 (current special 80,000)-point signup bonus after $3,000 (currently $3,000) in purchases within the first three months, along with useful perks for a modest $149 annual fee. The 6,000 anniversary points, free first checked bag, and Preferred seat benefits help offset the cost. The Performance Business Card offers a higher 80,000-point bonus and stronger travel benefits, but also comes with a higher annual fee. For infrequent Southwest flyers, the Premier Business strikes a good balance of value and simplicity.
For now, the signup bonus can still help you earn the Southwest Companion Pass under the old rules if you're approved by December 2, 2026.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
If you only fly Southwest a few times a year, this card can still offer enough value to justify keeping it. The 60,000 (current special 80,000)-point signup bonus can cover multiple one-way flights, and the card’s ongoing benefits can be worth more than the $149 annual fee depending on how you travel. It’s a good fit for budget-minded business travelers who want useful Southwest perks without paying for the higher-fee Performance Business card.
- Earn 60,000 (current special 80,000) points after spending $3,000 (currently $3,000) in the first 3 months
- Complimentary Preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure when available for the cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Group 5 boarding
- 25% back on inflight purchases on Southwest
- 15% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary
- Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases, gas stations, and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- Beginning January 1, 2027, earn 1 Tier Qualifying Point per $1 spent toward Southwest status and Companion Pass benefits
- Receive 6,000 anniversary points each year
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be ideal if:
- You fly Southwest often enough to get more value from the stronger travel benefits on the Performance Business Card.
- You prefer premium cabin options when flying, since Southwest doesn’t offer business or first class.
What to Know About Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards is undergoing a major transformation, with even more changes coming in 2027
- Rapid Rewards points remain straightforward to earn and redeem, with relatively consistent value on Southwest flights.
- Southwest partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards, offering additional ways to earn points.
- Reserved seating, checked bag fees, and new fare bundles have eliminated many of the features that once made Southwest unique.
- A major loyalty program overhaul in 2027 will change elite status and Companion Pass qualification, while introducing international partner awards and additional premium benefits.
How The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Fits In The Southwest Rapid Rewards Ecosystem
Chase offers two Southwest business cards: this card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card. The Performance Business card carries a higher annual fee but offers a larger signup bonus and stronger travel benefits.
- Lower annual fee: The Premier Business card has a $149 annual fee, making it the better fit for occasional Southwest flyers who do not need the Performance card's premium perks.
- Premium travel perks: The Performance Business card adds Preferred seat selection at booking, Extra Legroom Seat upgrades within 48 hours of departure, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit.
- Higher anniversary value: The Performance Business card offers 9,000 anniversary points each year compared to 6,000 on the Premier Business card.
- Stronger earning: The Performance Business card offers broader bonus categories and a higher 80,000-point signup bonus.
Beginning January 1, 2027, spending on both Southwest business cards will earn 1 Tier Qualifying Point per $1 spent toward Southwest status and Companion Pass benefits, so status earning will no longer be a major differentiator between the two cards.
For now, signup bonuses can still help you earn the Southwest Companion Pass under the old rules if you are approved by December 2, 2026. You will typically need to pair a Southwest business card with one of Southwest's personal cards to reach the required 135,000 qualifying points through welcome bonuses.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
Card Extras
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Historical Card Offers
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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.
Sole proprietors applying for a Chase business card may be denied if 3 or more new cards have been added to their personal credit report in the past 24 months.
Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to 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
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
