MoneyGeek’s Take

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Review

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Updated: June 27, 2024

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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Rewards Rate
Earn 4 points per dollar on Southwest® purchases, ...
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$199
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
  • The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card a gem for frequent Southwest travelers and business professionals. Its strength lies in the generous rewards on Southwest purchases and specific business-related expenses, bolstered by a tempting sign-up bonus and annual anniversary points. While it does come with an annual fee, the myriad of perks, including upgraded boardings and diverse point-earning categories, makes this card an indispensable tool for those aiming to maximize benefits from their spending.
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The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers excellent rewards to business owners. If you are looking for a card that allows you to earn redeemable points for Southwest flights, this card serves as a fine option for your wallet. It also offers a substantial welcome bonus of 80,000 points for spending $5,000 in the first three months of card ownership and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Overview

With this card, you can get unlimited reward seats to over 90 destinations with Rapid Rewards. You will also earn points on each purchase, with no restriction on the number of purchases. You will receive four complimentary seat upgrades each year, although this depends on availability. Cardmembers are also eligible for a 9,000 points bonus each year after a cardmember anniversary, get three points for each $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, two points for each $1 spent on search engine and social media advertising, cables, internet and phone services, and one point for other purchases.

>>MORE: CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS: PROGRAM GUIDE

Quick Take

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.
  • Earn 9,000 points each account anniversary.
  • Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, up to $100,000 each year, and move to the A-List or A-List Preferred membership status faster (both come with priority boarding and same-day standby).
  • Earn 4X points per dollar on Southwest® purchases
  • Earn 3X points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
  • Earn 2X points per dollar on rideshare, social media, search engine advertising, internet, cable and phone services
  • Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your points for Southwest Airlines flights, international flights on global carriers, rental cars, hotel stays, merchandise, gift cards or exclusive experiences.
  • Get complimentary availability-based seat upgrades on Southwest flights up to four times each year.
  • Get 365 Wi-Fi credits, worth $8 each, per year for use on Southwest flights.
  • Get up to $100 as Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit every four years.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card outside of the U.S.
  • Stand to benefit through lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
  • Employee cards come with no added fees.

Important Card Details

Business travelers using this card will need to pay an annual fee of $199 as well as several other fees associated with the card. Although there is no foreign transaction fee charged on international purchases, charges like balance transfer rates and APRs may result in huge interest if cardholders do not plan their payments accordingly.

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    Purchase APR

    The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card has an APR that’s higher than MoneyGeek’s recommended average. Any delay in making purchase payments will result in an APR of 21.49% – 28.49% depending on your creditworthiness.

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    Balance Transfer Fee and APR

    This card has a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, and an APR of 21.49% – 28.49%. While the APR is lower than some Chase other cards, it is still higher than MoneyGeek’s recommended range.

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    Annual Fee

    If you get a Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, you will need to pay an annual fee of $199.

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    Cash Advance Rate

    The cash advance rate for the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

Additional Benefits

Apart from the numerous benefits and rewards, cardholders also qualify for various travel and business-related features associated with the card.

  • Contactless pay: With this feature, you pay for purchases by tapping the card on the checkout terminal. That keeps your card more secure.
  • If in the course of travel your luggage gets lost or damaged, the carrier will pay $3,000 for each passenger.
  • Lost luggage reimbursement: If in the course of travel your luggage gets lost or damaged, the carrier will pay $3,000 for each passenger.
  • Baggage delay coverage: You will get reimbursed up to $100 daily for three days as coverage for clothing, toiletries and other important purchases if your baggage is delayed for more than six hours.
  • Purchase protection: For new purchases, the carrier provides 120 days of coverage against theft and damage. Cardholders receive a maximum of $10,000 for each claim and $50,000 per account.
  • DoorDash: Chase Southwest Rapid Reward Performance Business customers can use their DoorDash membership to get a $0 delivery fee on orders.

How the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Compares To Other Cards

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is unique since it provides businesses with rewards involving advertising and telecom expenses. The card also comes with various Southwest travel benefits, including four upgraded boardings per year and in-flight Wi-Fi credit. However, it is worth comparing the card to another potential option to ensure it’s the right card for you.

In-Depth Credit Card Comparisons:

How the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Compares

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

  • Annual fee: $199
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.
  • One point for each $1 purchase
  • No intro APR offer
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0
  • Best For: Overseas travelers who are loyal to Southwest Airline

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Welcome bonus: 20,000 miles bonus for $500 spent in the first three months
  • Rewards Rate: 1.25 miles for each $1 purchase
  • Intro Offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) after that
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0
  • Best For: Travelers looking for a card with no annual fee and zero APR for new cardholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average credit score needed to get approved for the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card?
Does the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card report to all three credit bureaus?
Is the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card application process lengthy? Can you prequalify?
What information is needed to apply for the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card?
Does the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card have good customer service or satisfaction?
Does the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card have a mobile app or the option to pay or manage your account online?
Does the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card raise credit limits automatically or charge for limit increases?
Does Chase offer other credit cards besides the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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