The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (view rates and fees) represents the premier cobranded option from Southwest, with an annual fee of $299.
This fee is notably lower than those of similar premium cards from other airlines, yet is a significant bump from the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (view rates and fees) and the three Southwest personal options.
The Southwest Performance Business card underwent updates in 2025 as part of major changes to the airline’s business strategy. These include the elimination of open seating, the introduction of checked bag fees, and a full overhaul of the Rapid Rewards loyalty program.
If you own a business and favor flying Southwest Airlines, here’s what you should consider regarding the Southwest Performance Business card’s value.
Welcome Offer for Southwest Performance Business Card
Currently, the Southwest Performance Business card offers a welcome bonus of 120,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.
According to Flying Frugal’s September 2025 valuations, Southwest miles are valued at 1.35 cents each, making this bonus worth approximately $1,620, the best welcome offer ever seen for this card.
Before you apply, check your eligibility. As a Chase card, the Southwest Performance Business is governed by Chase’s 5/24 rule and Southwest bonus eligibility regulations.
Rewards Structure for Southwest Performance Business
The Southwest Performance Business delivers exceptional earning potential for Southwest loyalists.
Here’s what current cardholders can earn:
- 4 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases
- 4 points per dollar on Southwest Cruises*
- 3 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners*
- 2 points per dollar on gas and restaurant expenses
- 2 points per dollar on direct hotel bookings
- 2 points per dollar on local transit, including ride-hailing services
- 2 points per dollar on online advertising, internet, cable, and phone services*
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible expenses
*These offers will end on December 31.
Holders of the card will have access to both ongoing and soon-to-expire bonus categories.
As expected for a premium cobranded card, the Southwest Performance Business rewards substantially on Southwest purchases compared to other Southwest cards.
However, beginning next year, the card will lose its business-specific bonus categories, shifting the focus toward everyday spending categories like gas stations and restaurants, which may be disadvantageous for businesses frequently incurring expenses on advertising and internet services.
Benefits of the Southwest Performance Business Card
Owning the Southwest Performance Business card grants you distinctive Southwest-related benefits:
- First checked bag free: This typically incurs a fee of $35 since Southwest began charging for baggage on May 28.
- Inflight discounts: Cardholders receive 25% back on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi onboard.
- Preferred seating at booking: Cardholders can choose preferred seating for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation (for flights in 2026 and later), depending on availability.
- Priority boarding: Cardholders and up to eight companions can board in Group 5 (for flights in 2026 and later), with A-List status holders boarding earlier.
- Unlimited upgrades for extra-legroom seats: Cardholders and their companions can request these upgrades within 48 hours before departure (for flights in 2026 and later).
- Up to 2,500 tier qualifying points towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually.
- 9,000 bonus points each year on the cardholder’s anniversary, valued at $122 according to Flying Frugal’s September 2025 estimates.
- 10,000 points boost towards the Companion Pass annually: Just 45,000 more qualifying points will be needed to earn this highly coveted Companion Pass.
The following benefits will end on December 31, as they align more with Southwest’s earlier business model:
- Four Upgraded Boardings when available
- $500 credit for point transfers each year
- Up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits annually
Furthermore, cardholders receive a credit of up to $120 for applications related to Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus, with no foreign transaction fees.
There are no additional fees for employee cards, and businesses can rack up Rapid Rewards points from employee spending. You can also set spending limits for employee cards by contacting cardmember services.
The Southwest Performance Business card offers multiple benefits designed to enhance value amid the airline’s changes to its inflight experience.
If you frequently fly Southwest, these advantages can quickly accumulate, helping to offset the $299 annual fee.
Alternatives to Southwest Performance Business
If you prefer Southwest-specific benefits for a lower annual fee, consider the Southwest Premier Business card.
With a $149 annual fee, it offers great value through anniversary points, a free checked bag, and preferred seat selection among other perks. For additional details, check out our comprehensive review of the Southwest Priority Business card.
If your budgeting is focused more on business or general travel expenses, the earning capabilities of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card may suit you better.
It offers 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising via social media and search engines. With a lower $95 annual fee, this card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to Southwest or other travel partners. For a detailed review, explore the full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Information for the Ink Business Preferred has been independently gathered by The Points Guy. The card specifics on this page have not been verified or provided by the card issuer.
Final Thoughts
For business owners who frequently travel with Southwest, the anniversary points, complimentary first checked bag, seating choice, and priority boarding benefits make the Southwest Performance Business card a worthwhile investment given its $299 annual fee.
With the current welcome offer being the most generous in the card’s history, there hasn’t been a better time to apply and take advantage of these benefits while accruing significant Southwest points.
For further details, check out our complete review of the Southwest Performance Business card.
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card
