The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is an excellent option for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers seeking rewards focused on flights, points, and elite status.
Issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank in partnership with Southwest Airlines, the card is designed for a wide range of business owners and entrepreneurs who want to maximize travel perks and rewards while managing company expenses.
Main Features
The Southwest Rapid Rewards card primarily targets business users, but it also includes perks often seen in personal travel cards. For example, new cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 120,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first 3 months.
It also offers a strong points rewards structure:
- 4 points per $1 spent with Southwest Airlines (flights, gift cards, etc.)
- 2 points per $1 at restaurants, gas stations, hotels booked directly, and local transportation/ride-share services
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
When it comes to travel benefits, the card goes beyond standard airline perks. It includes one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation. Cardholders also enjoy Group 5 boarding (or similar priority status) for themselves and their companions.
Seat selection includes Standard or Preferred options at booking (when available) and potential upgrades to Extra Legroom within 48 hours of departure, subject to availability.
Key Advantages
For business travelers or teams that frequently fly with Southwest, the perks are substantial. Free checked bags for up to 9 people total can mean significant savings on corporate or group trips.
The 4× points on Southwest purchases and 2× on key spending categories help users accumulate travel rewards faster than with many standard business cards that only offer 1× or 1.5× points.
Another advantage is that spending with the card contributes toward Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs), helping users reach A-List status for additional flight perks like early boarding and preferred seating.
As a Visa Signature product, it also includes valuable travel protections, such as no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and purchase protection, making it a strong choice for both domestic and international travel.
Fees and Terms
The annual fee is $299, which is higher than average, but the range of travel benefits often justifies the cost.
Additional fees may apply for optional services, such as extra checked bags or premium seat upgrades beyond the included benefits.
As with most co-branded airline cards, Southwest typically offers better redemption rates for flights within its own network, which enhances the card’s overall value for loyal Southwest customers.
Who It’s For
The Southwest Rapid Rewards card is ideal for:
- Business owners or partners who travel regularly with Southwest Airlines
- Frequent flyers who often travel with team members or companions
- Those who spend heavily in the bonus categories (Southwest, hotels, dining, fuel, and local transport) and want to convert that spending into travel points
That said, because it’s an airline-specific card, it’s most beneficial for frequent Southwest travelers who can take full advantage of its rewards program.
How to Apply
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards card is simple:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines or Chase Bank official website.
- Go to the Performance Business card page.
- Submit your business and credit information, including income and spending estimates.
- Once approved, your card will be mailed, and you can begin earning points immediately.
Before applying, check the current welcome bonus, spending requirements, and eligibility criteria. Make sure your Rapid Rewards account is active and linked to your Southwest profile so you can redeem your points efficiently.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re a frequent business traveler who flies with Southwest Airlines and values perks like free baggage, preferred boarding, and bonus categories, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance card can deliver strong value.
The 120,000-point welcome offer alone can cover multiple flights or help you reach the Southwest Companion Pass, one of the most coveted perks in airline loyalty programs.
In short, for travelers who often fly Southwest and want to consolidate spending to earn maximum rewards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a smart and rewarding choice.
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