2021 Review: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card – Not the Best For Your Money

Most business owners could probably do better than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card. It’s about as rewarding as your average airline card and features a good selection of travel protections, but not much else.

If you like Southwest, you might want to consider the upgraded version, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

Insider Advice: Getting the Most Out of Your Card

Book Southwest: You’ll earn 2X points per dollar with Southwest Airlines, on top of any regular points you’d earn from your fare class. If you need a car rental or hotel when you land, you’ll get the same rate from Southwest’s Rapid Rewards travel partners.
Good things come to those who wait: Each year after your cardmember anniversary you’ll get 6,000 bonus points, which could be worth $60 to $120 or so, depending on how you redeem. This can help offset the annual fee, though you’ll have to wait til after the first year.
Use your Tier Qualifying Points: Every year you can earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) per $10,000 spent, up to 15,000 TQPs. Getting to 35,000 TQPs will grant you A-List status, which comes with priority boarding and other perks.
Upgrade if the Rapid Rewards Premier doesn’t have enough to offer: There isn’t much else to this card, so if you’re looking for something with a little more meat on its bones, try the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. It has a higher annual fee, but comes with more points per dollar, more bonus categories, upgraded boardings, in-flight WiFi credits, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit.
Don’t forget about your employees: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Business card offers free employee cards, meaning they can earn rewards and you can track their spending.

Read more 5 Southwest Credit Card Offers That Could Help You Fly for Free

The Rewards

You’ll get bonus points from your Southwest flights depending on the type of airfare you purchase. For “Wanna Get Away” fares you’ll get 6X Southwest points, for “Anytime” flights you’ll get 10X, and for “Business Select” you’ll get 12X. So with 2X Rapid Rewards points from the card, you’re looking at cash back equivalents of at least 12%, 18%, or 21% respectively.

Earning

Spending Rewards
2X points per dollar for purchases at: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Hotel and Car Rental Partners
1X point per dollar on all other purchases

Introductory Bonus
60,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months

Redeeming

With your next business trip marked on your calendar, it’s time to redeem your points. Here’s what you can redeem for:

Southwest flights
Hotel stays and rental cars with Rapid Rewards partners
International flights on global carriers
Merchandise
Gift cards
Exclusive membership experiences

But as this is a Southwest card, your best bet will be to redeem for reward flights to get the most value. There are no blackout dates to keep track of, and your points won’t expire.

How Do I Redeem for Southwest Flights?

It’s very simple. All you need to do is go to Southwest’s website and plug in where you want to go. Choose the box that indicates you’d like to pay with your points and you’re all set.

Below we’ll run through a few one-way flights so you can have an idea of what your points might be worth. These flights are all examples of Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fare.

Flight	Point Cost	Dollar Cost	Point Value
LGA to DEN	19,140	$287.00	1.50 cents
ORD to BOS	4,991	$92.00	1.84 cents
HOU to CVG	16,238	$247.00	1.52 cents
SEA to IAD	30,241	$440.00	1.45 cents
MCO to BWI	16,223	$238.00	1.47 cents

These point values are pretty good, but keep in mind yours will likely be different depending on where you’re flying to and from, and when you plan to go.

If you’re earning 8X points per dollar (2X from the card, 6X from the Wanna Get Away fare), the flight from Chicago to Boston would net you a cash back equivalent of 14.75%, which is very good. For the lowest point value, the flight from Seattle to Washington-Dulles, you’d still get a cash back equivalent of 11.64%, which is a pretty high return.

The Benefits

The benefits here aren’t overly impressive, especially for a card that requires an annual fee. Other travel cards will typically offer you more for your money. That’s not to say you won’t find some value from the travel protections; most of them could prove pretty useful given the right situation.

6,000 anniversary bonus points: Each year after your cardmember anniversary you’ll get 6,000 bonus points.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your checked or carry-on bags are damaged or lost by the carrier, you can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per passenger.
Baggage Delay Insurance: If your bags don’t arrive when you do, you can be reimbursed up to $100 per day for three days for essential items like toiletries and clothing.
Travel Accident Insurance: You’re covered up to $500,000 for accidental death and dismemberment when traveling by air, bus, train, or cruise.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Get coverage for theft and collision damage of rental cars if you decline the agency’s own coverage and pay for the entire rental with the card. This coverage is primary when renting for business purposes.
Roadside Dispatch: Call 1-800-847-2869 for help on the road, like tire changes and jumpstarts. Third-party fees will apply.
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Call for legal and medical referrals when away from home, or if you need emergency assistance.
Purchase Protection: Eligible new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage and theft, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Extended Warranty Protection: Get up to one year added to eligible manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less.

The Terms & Fees

Purchase APR	Balance Transfer APR	Cash Advance APR
15.99% - 22.99% Variable	15.99% - 22.99% Variable	24.99% Variable

Annual Fee	Foreign Transaction Fee
$99	$0

Balance Transfer Fee	Cash Advance Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.	Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

Penalty APR	Late Fee	Returned Payment Fee
Up to 29.99% Variable	None	$39

The Bottom Line

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is a decently rewarding card for people who love to fly with Southwest Airlines. However, the perks leave a lot to be desired for a travel card that asks for an annual fee.

You may find some value here if you fly occasionally, but there are other cards at this level that offer much more for the price.

If you’re a Southwest frequent flyer, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. The annual fee is higher but you get quite a bit more for your money. If you’re a more general traveler, you could look into the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Review).

Or, check out our other choices for the best business travel credit cards.

How Do I Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card?

Follow the link below to learn more about how to apply.

The credit card issuer (Chase) will usually give you an instant decision, but in some cases you may need to supply more information.

What Credit Scores Do I Need to Qualify for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card?

The Rapid Rewards Premier card is designed for business owners with good credit.

Good credit typically refers to credit scores of at least 670 for FICO, or 700 for VantageScore.

However, you could still be approved if your credit isn’t so great, and you could be denied even with excellent credit. Factors like revenue and other business financials are involved, along with credit scores, which could lead to your approval or denial.

Qualifications and Requirements

Must be 18 to apply
Personal information: Name, date of birth, address, Social Security number or Employer Identification Number, personal income
Business information: Authorizing officer title, business name, business financials
Southwest Rapid Rewards number (optional)

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Our rating

Min. credit levelGood

Details

Annual Fee$99

Regular APR15.99% - 22.99% Variable

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits come with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card?

You’ll get pretty basic benefits with the card, including free employee cards for your business, a handful of shopping and travel protections, and 6,000 anniversary points.

Take a look at the benefits you can expect.

Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card worth it?

If you’re only taking the occasional business trip, it could be worth it, but even then there are better cards to choose from. Consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Review) if you don’t have a favorite airline.

However, if you fly more frequently with Southwest, you’d get more out of the upgraded version of the Premier card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

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Alternatives to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Our rating:

Why We Picked It
Rewards
Key Features

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the upgraded version of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business card.

As such, it offers better rewards and more useful benefits. But it also comes with a larger price tag. However, even if you don’t travel too often, it would serve you far better than the Premier Business card.

The improved benefits include four upgraded boardings per year, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, 9,000 anniversary points each year, and 365 $8 WiFi credits per year.

Spending Rewards
3X points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases
2X points per dollar spent on: Social Media and Search Engine Advertising Internet Cable Phone Services
1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Introductory Bonus
80,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months

9,000 anniversary bonus points: Each year after your cardmember anniversary you’ll get 9,000 bonus points.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit: Every four years you can be reimbursed for the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Four upgraded boardings: Every year you can be reimbursed for four upgraded boardings (A1–A15) on your card. They must be purchased at the departure gate or ticket counter on the day of your trip.
In-flight WiFi credits: Buy WiFi access on your Southwest flights and you’ll be reimbursed in the form of statement credits. You’ll get 365 individual $8 in-flight WiFi credits per year.
Travel protections: Travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, rental car insurance, roadside dispatch, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel and emergency assistance services
Shopping protections: Extended warranty and purchase protection
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $199

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Mastercard^®

Our rating:

Apply Now

securely on the issuer's website

Why We Picked It
Rewards
Key Features
Highlights

The CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Mastercard^® is a good option for businesspeople who prefer to fly with American Airlines.

There is an annual fee, so it’s a good idea to only consider this card if you travel relatively often. The rewards you’ll earn will equate to about 7%–14% cash back, so it could be a little less rewarding than the Rapid Rewards card. But the benefits are more helpful than what the Southwest card offers.

Your first checked bag will be free (not something you have to worry about with Southwest), and you’ll get preferred boarding, a 25% in-flight purchase discount, and a 24/7 personal business assistant for help with hotel, travel, and dining arrangements. However, there aren’t any travel protections like the Southwest card offers.

Spending Rewards
2X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on: American Airlines Cable and satellite providers Gas stations Select telecommunications merchants Car rentals
1X AAdvantage mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Introductory Bonus
70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles for spending $4,000 within the first 4 months of account opening

Assuming you’re redeeming your miles for AA flights, they should be worth about 1–2 cents in most cases. In addition to earning 2X miles from your card, you’ll also get at least 5X miles from your AA membership. That means you should get a cash back equivalent of 7%–14%.

Free first checked bag: You won’t have to worry about any checked bag fees for your first bag on domestic flights, including up to four companions.
25% in-flight discount: In-flight food, drinks, and WiFi will cost you 25% less.
Preferred boarding: You’ll receive preferred boarding on AA flights, which comes after priority boarding; applies to up to four companions as well.
Companion ticket: You can earn a companion ticket any year you spend $30,000 or more with your card.
Personal business assistant: Gain access to a 24/7 on-call business assistant to help make dining, travel, and hotel arrangements for you. Call 1-800-301-5584 to access.
Free employee cards: You can add employees as authorized users for no additional charge.
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $99, waived for first 12 months

Designed for businesses
Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line
25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
Earn 1 AAdvantage^® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
No Foreign Transaction Fees

Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Our rating:

Why We Picked It
Rewards
Key Features

If you’d rather fly with Delta than Southwest, perhaps the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card (Review) is the card for you.

It does carry an annual fee, but the benefits offer more value than what you’d see from the Southwest card. The Delta card earns a cash back equivalent of at least 7%–10%, so the rewards are a little lower than what you’d see with the Southwest card, but again, you’d get more value from the benefits.

The benefits include a $100 travel credit (after spending $10,000 in a calendar year with your card), a 20% discount on in-flight purchases, and priority boarding. There are, however, fewer travel protections.

Spending Rewards
2X SkyMiles per eligible dollar spent for: Purchases made directly with Delta Air Lines U.S. Shipping U.S. Advertising in select media Restaurants
1X SkyMile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Introductory Bonus
70,000 bonus miles and a $50 statement credit for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months

You’ll earn 2X miles from the card and at least 5X miles from being a SkyMiles member, meaning you’ll earn a total of 7X miles for Delta flights. If your miles are worth about 1–1.5 cents, you’ll see a cash back equivalent of 7%–10% for Delta flights.

First checked bag free: Book flights using the SkyMiles number associated with your credit card, and Delta will waive the price of your first checked bag (usually $25). This perk applies to up to eight other passengers on the same itinerary.
Main Cabin 1 priority boarding: Board earlier (along with up to eight passengers on your itinerary, once again) when you book airfare with your SkyMiles number.
20% back on in-flight purchases: Get a 20% discount, in the form of a statement credit, on in-flight Delta purchases like food, drinks, and headsets (excluding WiFi).
$100 Delta flight credit: After spending $10,000 in a calendar year with your Gold card, you’ll get a $100 credit good for Delta flight and vacation package reservations.
Baggage Insurance Plan: Purchase the entire fare for any common carrier ticket (that includes tickets for travel by plane, train, ship, or bus) and get coverage for carry-on bags and checked luggage.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Pay for an eligible rental car with your Gold card and decline the collision damage waiver provided by the rental agency for coverage.
No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees)

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our rating:

Why We Picked It
Rewards
Key Features

Unlike the other cards compiled here, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Review) isn’t tied to any one airline.

It carries an annual fee, but if you don’t strictly adhere to flying with one airline, it could be the card for you. Thanks to its 1:1 transfer rate to Chase’s travel partners and 25% redemption bonus for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, it can be a great choice for traveling business owners (and yes, Southwest is a transfer partner, along with other popular airlines and hotels).

You won’t get any airline-specific benefits here like in-flight discounts, checked bag fee credits, or priority boardings, but you will get a nice selection of shopping and travel protections, with the addition of a cell phone protection perk. That’s another reason why this card is best suited to people who don’t travel every weekend.

Spending Rewards
5X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2022)
3X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent per year on: Travel Shipping Internet, cable, and phone services Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
1X Ultimate Rewards point per dollar on all other purchases

Introductory Bonus
100,000 bonus points for spending $15,000 in the first 3 months after account opening

You can get a higher cash back equivalent by transferring your points to Chase’s travel partners, where they could be worth more. If you find a per-point value of 2 cents or more, you’d see cash back equivalents of 2%, 6%, and 10% for the 1X, 3X, and 5X bonus categories.

25% redemption bonus: Points are worth 25% more when redeeming for travel expenses through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making them worth 1.25 cents each.
Point transfer: Transfer points at a 1:1 rate to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, including British Airways, United, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt.
Cell phone protection: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Ink Business Preferred for coverage against theft and damage, up to $600 per claim with a $100 deductible.
Travel protections: Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waivers, and travel and emergency assistance services
Shopping protections: Extended warranty and purchase protection
Annual fee: $95

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Our rating

Min. credit levelGood

Details

Annual Fee$99

Regular APR15.99% - 22.99% Variable