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Earn up to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points with a Southwest business card
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
September 29, 2026 • 10 min read
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Quick summary
Several Southwest Airlines business and personal cards are currently offering sizable welcome bonuses, with varying spending requirements and annual fees.
Business cards provide the highest bonus values, but require higher spending thresholds compared to personal cards.
All cards include notable travel perks such as free checked bags for the cardholder and up to eight companions, priority boarding and inflight discounts.
TPG's September 2026 valuations estimate the value of these welcome offers, helping travelers assess which card best fits their needs.
What to consider
Business cards require higher initial spending to unlock the full bonus value.
Personal cards may offer lower bonuses, but also have lower spending requirements and annual fees.
Southwest uses dynamic award pricing, so the value of points can fluctuate depending on flight demand.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the current welcome offers, perks and redemption tips for each Southwest card.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
For Southwest Airlines loyalists, a cobranded Southwest credit card is a great way to earn points toward travel.
Right now, the carrier's two business cards are offering the same bonus, but with different spending requirements.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
$625
$99
*Welcome offer value is based on TPG's September 2026 valuations.
The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Southwest business cards
If you qualify for a business credit card and fly Southwest frequently, consider one of the carrier's cobranded business cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Best for: Business owners who are loyal Southwest flyers
Annual fee: $299
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
This offer is worth $1,000, based on TPG's valuations. This is the standard welcome offer we see on this card, so if you can, we'd recommend waiting in order to get a larger stash of points.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Dec. 31, 2027)
4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
2 points per dollar spent on commuting and local transit, at gas stations and restaurants (no annual cap) and on hotel stays booked directly
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
Preferred seat selection at booking (when available)
Unlimited ability to earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent annually
Unlimited upgrades to an extra-legroom seat 48 hours prior to departure at no charge (when available)
Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus credit (every 4 years)
Whether you fly Southwest just a couple of times each year or it’s your exclusive airline, consider one of the carrier's cobranded credit cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Best for: Southwest loyalists who can take advantage of day-of-travel perks
Annual fee: $229
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
The points offered in this bonus are worth $750, according to TPG's valuations. This does not meet our threshold for when to apply, so it's worth waiting for a higher bonus.
THE POINTS GUY
Earning rates:
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Dec. 31, 2027)
4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants, with no annual cap
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
Preferred seat selection at booking (when available)
Unlimited ability to earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent annually toward A-List status
Unlimited upgrades to extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of departure at no charge (when available)
25% discount on inflight purchases
7,500-point anniversary bonus
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually
2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year (on the first $5,000 in combined spending) and on Southwest purchases and Lyft (through Dec. 31, 2027)
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notable perks:
Free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions
Group 5 priority boarding
No foreign transaction fees
One promotional 10% flight discount each anniversary year (excludes Basic fares)
Standard seat selection 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
25% discount on inflight purchases
3,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually
Southwest has fans who love the airline’s personality.
Credit card holders can check one bag for free (for themselves and up to eight companions on the reservation), avoiding the $45 per bag fee each way. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred and Business Select members receive two free checked bags (A-List members only receive one checked bag; weight and size limits apply).
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Southwest uses dynamic award pricing, which means redemption rates can be higher or lower depending on flight demand. Plus, only certain fare types qualify for waived fees.
Free same-day standby is also limited to certain fare types.
Bottom line
If you frequently fly solo or place more value on Rapid Rewards points than a Companion Pass, these offers may excite you. Southwest’s current credit card offers deliver decent value, especially for those looking to boost their Rapid Rewards balance.
If you’re not in a rush, it may be worth holding out for the return of a Companion Pass offer. But if you’re ready to earn points now and have a redemption in mind, one of these cards could definitely make sense.
