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.
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.
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.
Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.
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.
| 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 , 5/24 , Chase 2/30 , Chase 4/6 |
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
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes
Outside Point System Southwest Rapid Rewards
1:1 81% value retained
3:1 62% value retained
5:2 33% value retained
This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status
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
Now that we need 135,000 for Southwest companion pass' these cards give us a hefty jump to reach that goal:
- Southwest Performance Chase Business Card - 120,000 POINTS - 80,000 points after spending $5000 in 3 months + 40,000 points after spending $15,000 in 9 months - $199/annual fee.
- Southwest Premier Chase Business Card - 120,000 POINTS - 60,000 points after spending $3000 in 3 months + 60,000 after spending $15,000 in 9 months - $99/annual fee.
Southwest Premier Business Card is now offering up to 120,000 points. Get 60,000 Points after spending $3000 in 3 months, then get and additional 60,000 Points after spending $15,000 in 9 months. Offer ends 8/28/23. Annual fee is $99.
