Southwest Business Card Review
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is designed for business travelers flying with Southwest Airlines. This review explores the card's rewards structure, business-related perks, and annual fees, helping you determine if it's a valuable addition to your business wallet.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a co-branded business credit card offered by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for business owners who frequently travel with Southwest and want to maximize their rewards and benefits. Here's a review of the Southwest Business Card, highlighting its key features and benefits:
Key Features:
Generous Welcome Bonus: The card typically offers a substantial welcome bonus to new cardholders who meet the spending requirements within the initial months of account opening. These bonus points can be used for flights with Southwest.
Rapid Rewards Earning: Cardholders earn Rapid Rewards points on every purchase, with additional points for Southwest purchases and eligible hotel and car rental partners. This makes it an ideal card for frequent Southwest flyers.
Anniversary Bonus: Every year upon card renewal, you receive bonus points as an anniversary gift. The value of this bonus can help offset the card's annual fee.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: The card provides a credit for the application fee of either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can expedite the security and immigration process for travelers.
In-Flight Wi-Fi Credits: Cardholders receive statement credits for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases on Southwest Airlines, ensuring you can stay connected during your flights.
Four Upgraded Boardings per Year: With this perk, you can secure upgraded boarding positions on Southwest flights when available, increasing your chances of a better seat.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: The card is suitable for international travel, as it does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Companion Pass Potential: Earning points with this card can help you qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) for the remainder of the year in which you earn it and the entire following year.
Considerations:
Annual Fee: The Southwest Business Card typically comes with an annual fee, which you should weigh against the card's benefits and rewards to ensure it's a good fit for your business.
Southwest Loyalty: To maximize the card's value, you should be a loyal Southwest Airlines customer, as it is tailored for travelers who frequently choose Southwest for their flights.
Changing Terms: Credit card terms, rewards, and benefits can change over time, so it's essential to review the most up-to-date card details before applying.
Credit Requirements: Ensure your credit score aligns with the card's requirements before applying. A good to excellent credit score is typically necessary.
In summary, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is an excellent choice for business owners who are dedicated Southwest Airlines travelers and want to maximize their rewards and travel benefits. The card offers valuable perks such as the annual bonus, in-flight Wi-Fi credits, and the potential to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. However, the annual fee should be considered to ensure it aligns with your travel habits and spending.
Assessing the benefits and rewards of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card..
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers a number of benefits and rewards to business travelers, including:
Rewards:
- 4 points per dollar on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases
- 3 points per dollar on U.S. office supply stores and local transit and commuting expense
- 2 points per dollar on internet, cable and phone services
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. That's enough for 2-4 round trip flights within the continental U.S.!
- Up to 35% points back when you redeem them for Southwest flights
- Get 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for each $10,000 spent in purchases annually, up to 15,000 TQPs per calendar year.
Travel benefits:
- Southwest® Companion Pass® after you meet your spending threshold
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
- Up to 4 upgraded boardings per year
- 20% back on inflight purchases with Southwest® Airlines
- 2 free checked bags
- Priority boarding
- $100 travel credit to offset TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fees
Other benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty protection
- Travel accident insurance
- $199 annual fee
Overall, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is a good option for business travelers who frequently fly Southwest Airlines and want to earn rewards on their spending. It offers a generous welcome bonus, a number of valuable travel benefits, and a variety of rewards options.
Here is a more detailed examination of some of the key benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card:
Southwest Companion Pass: The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable benefits offered by Southwest Airlines. It allows you to bring a companion on any Southwest flight for free, plus taxes and fees. To earn the Companion Pass, you must earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card can help you earn the Companion Pass quickly, thanks to its generous rewards structure.
In-flight purchases: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers a 25% discount on in-flight purchases. This can save you money on food, drinks, and other items purchased on Southwest flights.
Upgraded boardings: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers up to 4 upgraded boardings per year. This allows you to board the plane early and get a better seat.
Checked bags: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers 2 free checked bags. This can save you up to $60 per round-trip flight.
Priority boarding: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers priority boarding. This allows you to board the plane early and get a better seat.
Travel credit: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers a $100 travel credit to offset TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fees. These programs can expedite your travel through airport security.
Other benefits: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card also offers a number of other valuable benefits, including:
- No foreign transaction fees: You won't be charged foreign transaction fees when using this card abroad.
- Purchase protection: This benefit covers your new eligible purchases for 120 days against damage or theft.
- Extended warranty protection: This benefit extends the original manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases for up to one additional year.
- Travel accident insurance: This benefit provides coverage for you and your authorized users in the event of a travel accident.
Overall, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is a good option for business travelers who frequently fly Southwest Airlines and want to earn rewards on their spending. It offers a generous welcome bonus, a number of valuable travel benefits, and a variety of rewards options.