Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card review: The premier business card for Southwest enthusiasts
Snapshot
4.7
Bankrate rating
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bottom line
Thanks to an impressive rewards rate for Southwest purchases and generous perks, small-business owners who frequently fly Southwest have a lot to gain with this card. But the high annual fee may be hard to justify if you don’t fly often and don’t take advantage of the card’s additional benefits.
Intro offer
Earn 80,000 points.
Rewards Rate
1X - 4X
Annual fee
$199
Regular APR
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
4.1
Cardholder rating
4.1 / 5
Extra perks
4.1 / 5
Online tools
4.3 / 5
Rewards value
4.1 / 5
Customer service
4.0 / 5
4.7
Bankrate score
4.7 / 5
Rewards value
5.0 / 5
APR
4.0 / 5
Rewards flexibility
4.0 / 5
Features
4.0 / 5
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Overview
If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer who owns your own business, flies for business purposes or has employees who book travel with a credit card you provide them, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card could be just the card you need. It comes loaded with features, including a terrific welcome bonus, anniversary points, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership and frequent flyer perks like four upgraded boardings per year.
However, if you aren’t one of Southwest Airline’s most loyal customers, or you don’t plan to become a frequent Southwest frequent flyer, then you might want to opt for another airline’s card or a general business travel rewards card with more flexible points or miles redemptions.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
-
Generous sign-up bonus easily offsets the card’s high annual fee for the first year
-
An excellent rewards rate for Southwest purchases and a range of other popular business expenses make this Southwest card better than ever
-
Qualify for elite perks like in-flight Wi-Fi credits, early boardings, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and free employee cards
-
9,000 points on your cardmember anniversary—the best yearly bonus on a Southwest card
Cons
-
High $199 annual fee may be difficult to offset for anyone not taking advantage of the perks and benefits
-
Limited redemption options
-
Not as good for general travel if you’re not primarily a Southwest flyer
-
Doesn’t offer the strongest travel protections and benefits
-
No airport lounge access perks
Expert experience
The Southwest Performance Business card comes with perks regular Southwest flyers will appreciate, according to The Points Guy credit cards writer Emily Thompson:
In addition to earning bonus rewards on Southwest and common business purchases, this card comes with 9,000 anniversary points and four upgraded boardings each year. Cardholders also get up to 365 inflight wi-fi credits annually and a credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus every four years, easily offsetting the card’s annual fee.
— Emily Thompson, Writer, The Points Guy
What cardholders think
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
4.1
29
ratings
In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers.
76% of customers recommend this card
Score breakdown
5 stars
38%
4 stars
38%
3 stars
21%
2 stars
3%
1 star
0%
Score by category
Overall
4.1
/ 5
Extra perks
4.1
/ 5
Privacy and security
4.2
/ 5
Customer service
4.0
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4.1
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4.2
/ 5
Rewards value
4.1
/ 5
In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are based on individual cardholder’s product details, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. User ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers, nor do these ratings reflect Bankrate’s own reviews of these cards.
Community Reviews
Explore Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card reviews from certified cardholders.
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
I transferred it to customers account
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
The Southwest Performance Business Credit Card is loaded with an arsenal of benefits, but comes at a hefty price. Is this card worth the fee?
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
The one I use the most. The point rewards are the best
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It depends on the rewards and credit limits.
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
It gives you many options and rewards to choose from so it is nice
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Because it helps you be better at managing your money
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
I got some cash back on gas items and it took like 60 cents off.
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
got a free flight for 10,000 points
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No I use it to make small purchases every month
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Great rewards
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No, I don’t use it very often as it has a high interest rate
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
3
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
I would say using shopping miles to help
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
3
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
easy to use
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Use it quite frequently- easy to use and good customer support
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
4
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
They also have a good cash back rewards program
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
2
/ 5
Customer service
2
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes, I use it frequently to accumulate points to buy Southwest tickets. I also charge some items on other cards for cash back
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
4
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
3
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
I redeemed points to use toward my traveling and hotel expenses for vacations throughout the year.
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
2
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I can use anywhere
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
2
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
I’ve had no problem, transferring my points for travel.
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes I love the rewards and the app is easy to use
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
4
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
Yes I did to take a flight
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
3
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
4
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No, it is for business flights only.
Score by category
Extra perks
4
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
5
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
3
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I don’t use it everyday
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
3
/ 5
Rewards value
3
/ 5
Customer service
3
/ 5
Privacy and security
3
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
3
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
southwest points have become less valuable
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
2
/ 5
Customer service
3
/ 5
Privacy and security
4
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
This card I have not found the rewards to be as good, partly because I no longer enjoy flying on Southwest Airlines the way that I used to several years ago.
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
3
/ 5
Customer service
4
/ 5
Privacy and security
5
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If you have redeemed points/miles for anything, tell us about that redemption? What did you get to do and how many points/miles did you redeem for it?
I got many free flights that I made good use out of.
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
3
/ 5
Rewards value
3
/ 5
Customer service
3
/ 5
Privacy and security
3
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
3
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Do you have any experience transferring points or miles with this card? If so, where did you transfer to and how would you describe this experience?
Yes more miles to transfer and that’s it
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
4
/ 5
Rewards value
4
/ 5
Customer service
5
/ 5
Privacy and security
3
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
4
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
This is part of my everyday life to earn airline miles
Score by category
Extra perks
5
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
3
/ 5
Rewards value
5
/ 5
Customer service
2
/ 5
Privacy and security
4
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
5
/ 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Not very secure and not the best benefits
Score by category
Extra perks
3
/ 5
Online portal or mobile app
2
/ 5
Rewards value
3
/ 5
Customer service
3
/ 5
Privacy and security
2
/ 5
Ease of rewards redemption
3
/ 5
Score by category
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