Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a solid option for small business owners who fly Southwest regularly. With a 60,000 point sign-up bonus, 3X on Southwest purchases, a free first checked bag, and a $149 annual fee, it offers meaningful value for loyal Southwest flyers.
You will be redirected to Chase's official application page.
PointsTraveled.com may receive compensation when you are approved for credit cards through referral links on this site.
What Does the Sign-Up Bonus Get You?
When you sign up for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, you'll earn 60,000 bonus points — worth approximately $810 in Southwest flights based on average point valuations. All points earned with this card also count toward the Southwest Companion Pass, which lets a designated companion fly free with you on every flight.
Is the Southwest Premier Business Card Worth It?
For frequent Southwest business travelers the Premier Business card delivers solid value. The 6,000 anniversary bonus points, free first checked bag for you and up to 8 passengers, 15% annual flight discount, and Group 5 boarding help offset the $149 annual fee. The 2X earning on gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 per year adds everyday value beyond Southwest purchases. That said, if you fly Southwest very frequently, the Performance Business card may be worth considering for its stronger earn rates and additional perks.
But I Don't Have a Formal Business!
That's okay — you may qualify anyway. Do you sell things on eBay or Etsy? Do you offer freelance services, pet care, or tutoring? Do you have any hobby that earns you money? You likely have a business. When you apply you can claim yourself as a sole proprietor and use your Social Security number instead of a business tax ID. This makes the card accessible to gig workers, freelancers, and anyone with side income.
Card Perks in Detail
3X Points on Southwest PurchasesEarn 3 points per dollar on all Southwest Airlines purchases — flights, inflight purchases, and more. This is one of the highest earn rates available on a Southwest card.
2X Points on Gas Stations and RestaurantsEarn 2 points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year — adding everyday value beyond Southwest spending.
6,000 Anniversary Bonus PointsEach cardmember anniversary year you'll automatically receive 6,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points — worth approximately $81 in Southwest flights.
10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points BoostEvery year you'll receive a 10,000 point boost toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass — giving you a significant head start on the 125,000 points needed to qualify.
15% Annual Flight DiscountReceive a 15% promo code each cardmember anniversary year for Southwest flights (excludes Basic fare), helping you save on every trip.
First Checked Bag FreeYou and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation get their first checked bag free on every Southwest flight — a savings of up to $70 per person per round trip.
Group 5 Boarding BenefitYou and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation board with Group 5, giving everyone earlier access to overhead bins.
25% Back on Inflight PurchasesEarn 25% back on inflight purchases like Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks when you use your card on Southwest flights.
2,000 Tier Qualifying Points Toward A-ListEarn 2,000 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, helping you accelerate your path to Southwest's elite status.
Employee Cards at No Additional CostAdd employee cards at no extra charge and earn points on all their purchases, helping your business accumulate rewards faster.
No Foreign Transaction FeesUse your card internationally without any extra charges.
Travel and Purchase ProtectionLost luggage reimbursement covers you and immediate family members up to $3,000 per passenger. Purchase protection and extended warranty are also included.
The Southwest Companion Pass
What is it?Friends fly free when you fly.
The Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges, every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight. So every time you fly, your companion can fly free — you'll just cover the small taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way. This can be an extremely valuable benefit for frequent flyers.
How do I earn it?You can earn the Companion Pass by earning 125,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points in the same calendar year. Once you qualify, you're eligible for the remainder of that year and the entire following year. The Premier Business card's 60,000 point sign-up bonus plus the 10,000 annual qualifying points boost gives you a significant head start toward reaching that threshold.
Pros and Cons
Pros
|
Cons
|
Who Is This Card Best For?
This card is ideal for small business owners who fly Southwest several times a year and want to earn rewards on their business spending while working toward the Companion Pass. Even without a formal business, sole proprietors can apply using their Social Security number.
Who Should Skip This Card?
If you rarely fly Southwest or prefer a more flexible rewards program, the Ink Business Preferred may be a better fit. Heavy Southwest flyers spending enough to justify a higher fee should consider the Performance Business card instead.
Quick Stats
| Annual Fee | $149 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points |
| Spending Requirement | $3,000 in first 3 months |
| Points on Southwest Purchases | 3X per dollar |
| Points on Gas & Restaurants | 2X (first $8,000/year) |
| Points on All Other Purchases | 1X per dollar |
| Anniversary Bonus | 6,000 points |
| Companion Pass Boost | 10,000 qualifying points/year |
| Employee Cards | No additional cost |
| Best For | Southwest-loyal business owners |
Our Verdict
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a cost-effective choice for business owners who fly Southwest regularly. The 60,000 point sign-up bonus, free checked bags, and anniversary perks help offset the $149 annual fee, and the Companion Pass qualifying points boost makes it one of the easiest paths to earning Southwest's most valuable benefit.