Southwest Airlines launches business credit
Southwest Airlines has introduced two new business credit cards, the Rapid Rewards Premier and Performance, both offering 80,000-point welcome bonuses.
Southwest Airlines business credit cards now offer an 80,000-point welcome bonus. The carrier has launched two new cobranded business cards with distinct annual fees and earning rates.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business card carries a $149 annual fee. Its welcome bonus requires $3,000 in spending within the first three months. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card has a $299 annual fee and demands $5,000 in spending to earn the same 80,000-point bonus. The Points Guy said: "This offer is worth $1,000, based on TPG's valuations."
Earning rates and rewards structure
Earning structures differ significantly between the two cards. The Performance card provides higher multipliers on several key business and travel categories.
| Card | Southwest Purchases | Lyft (through Dec. 31, 2027) | Commuting/Transit, Gas, Restaurants, Direct Hotels | All Other Purchases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Rewards Performance Business | 4 points per $1 | 5 points per $1 | 2 points per $1 | 1 point per $1 |
| Rapid Rewards Premier Business | 3 points per $1 | 3 points per $1 | 2 points per $1 (on first $8,000 combined annually) | 1 point per $1 |
Both cards offer tier qualifying points that accelerate A-List elite status. The Performance card provides an unlimited ability to earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent annually. The Premier card offers 2,000 TQPs for the same spending threshold.
Welcome bonuses and perks
Beyond the welcome bonus, each card includes a suite of travel benefits. Cardholders can check one bag free for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation, avoiding the standard $45 fee each way. Both cards provide Group 5 priority boarding, no foreign transaction fees, and a 25% discount on inflight purchases.
The higher-fee Performance card adds more substantial perks. These include a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus membership. Cardholders receive 9,000 bonus points every account anniversary and unlimited complimentary upgrades to extra-legroom seats 48 hours before departure when available.
The Premier Business card provides a 15% flight discount promo code each anniversary year, excluding Basic fares. It also delivers 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary.
Both cards grant a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually. This helps cardholders work toward the coveted Companion Pass status.
Additional benefits and limitations
Several standard Southwest policies apply to benefits. The airline uses dynamic award pricing, so redemption rates fluctuate with flight demand. Free same-day standby and certain fee waivers are limited to specific fare types. Preferred seating is available, with the Performance card offering selection at booking and the Premier card allowing selection within 48 hours of departure.
Elite status members receive separate baggage allowances. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred and Business Select members get two free checked bags. A-List members receive one free checked bag, with standard weight and size limits applying.
Cardholders can earn 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually toward achieving Companion Pass status.
