If you’re a frequent business traveler who loves the flexibility and perks of Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is an excellent choice. With generous rewards for Southwest purchases and a range of business-friendly benefits, this card offers exceptional value for business owners who want to maximize their travel rewards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, how to use it effectively, and how to apply for the card.
What is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. This card is designed to reward business owners who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, as well as those who make significant purchases in the categories that the card offers enhanced earning rates. The card is part of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® program, which is the airline’s loyalty program that allows members to earn points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
This business credit card comes with a variety of travel and business benefits that can help you save money and enjoy a more comfortable experience when flying for work. In addition to earning Rapid Rewards points, cardholders receive other valuable perks, such as travel protection, business expense management tools, and access to Southwest’s elite perks.
Key Features and Benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
1. Generous Welcome Bonus
One of the biggest draws of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is its sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 70,000 Rapid Rewards® points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first three months from account opening. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and even car rentals, making this a fantastic way to kickstart your rewards earning. The 70,000 points can be enough for multiple round-trip flights, depending on how you redeem them.
2. Earning Rapid Rewards® Points
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, you earn points in the following categories:
- 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases: This includes airfare, in-flight purchases, and Southwest Vacations packages. This category makes it easier for frequent flyers to rack up Rapid Rewards points quickly.
- 2 points per $1 spent on social media advertising and internet, cable, and phone services: These categories are valuable for businesses that regularly spend on advertising and communication services.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases: This is the standard rate for everyday spending that doesn’t fall into the other categories.
This points structure is designed to help business owners earn rewards not just for travel but for a wide range of business-related expenses, giving you the flexibility to earn points on a variety of purchases.
3. Travel Benefits and Perks
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers several travel benefits that make it an excellent choice for business travelers:
- 4 Upgraded Boardings per Year: Cardholders are eligible for four upgraded boardings each year, which allows you to secure a better boarding position on your Southwest flight. This can make a significant difference when it comes to choosing your seat and securing overhead bin space.
- Earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent on the card. Achieving A-List status gives you priority boarding, quicker check-in, and a variety of other travel benefits.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit: Cardholders can receive a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, which can speed up your airport security experience and make your business travel more convenient.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a critical feature for businesses that frequently travel internationally. With no foreign transaction fees, you can make purchases abroad without worrying about extra charges.
4. Southwest Airlines Companion Pass®
One of the most valuable perks of this credit card is the ability to earn the Companion Pass®. Once you earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year (via card spending and other purchases), you can designate a companion to fly with you free of charge (just pay for taxes and fees). This is a tremendous benefit for frequent travelers who want to save money on airfare and take along a colleague, spouse, or friend on business trips.
5. Business Expense Management Tools
As a business card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers a variety of tools designed to help you manage your business expenses more effectively:
- Free Employee Cards: You can add employee cards to your account at no extra cost, and you’ll earn points on every purchase made by your employees. This is a great way to consolidate your spending and earn more points as your business grows.
- Purchase Protection: The card offers purchase protection for eligible purchases, which includes coverage for theft or damage for up to 120 days after the purchase.
- Expense Tracking: The card also offers tools for tracking your spending, making it easier to manage business finances and prepare for tax season.
6. Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card does come with an annual fee of $199. While this fee may seem high, it is offset by the value of the rewards, travel benefits, and business perks that come with the card, especially if you frequently travel with Southwest Airlines and make significant purchases on your card.
How to Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can apply:
- Visit the Chase Website: Go to the official Chase website and navigate to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card page. You’ll find detailed information about the card, along with an option to apply online.
- Provide Your Business Information: When applying, you will need to provide details about your business, such as the business name, address, tax ID number, and industry. You will also be asked about your annual business revenue and the number of employees.
- Submit Personal Information: You will need to provide personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. This helps the bank verify your identity.
- Review and Submit: After filling out the application, double-check your information for accuracy and submit it. You will typically receive a response within a few minutes. If approved, you will receive your card in the mail within 7–10 business days.
- Start Earning Rewards: Once you receive your card, you can start using it for Southwest Airlines purchases, business expenses, and other eligible transactions. Be sure to take advantage of the sign-up bonus and other rewards opportunities to maximize your points.
Conclusion
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is an excellent choice for business owners who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines and want to earn rewards for their travel and business-related expenses. With its generous sign-up bonus, flexible rewards program, and valuable travel perks such as the Companion Pass®, upgraded boarding, and fee credits for TSA PreCheck®, this card offers a strong combination of benefits for frequent flyers.
While the card does come with an annual fee, the rewards and perks more than make up for it if you are a regular Southwest traveler or business owner who frequently makes purchases in the card’s bonus categories. Applying for the card is easy, and the benefits can significantly enhance your business travel experience.
If you’re ready to start earning rewards and enjoying a variety of travel perks, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card could be the perfect fit for your business.
