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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card review: Enough perks for $149?
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
Chris Nelson is a credit cards writer for TPG. He specializes in budget travel, hotels, earning elite status through minimal spending and redeeming points for maximum value.
also contributed to this story
August 4, 2025 • 10 min read
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
This entry-level business card is designed for those who frequently fly with a specific airline, offering perks tailored to that carrier.
Recent updates introduced new travel benefits and modified earning categories, but also raised the annual fee to $149.
Key perks include anniversary bonus points, Early Bird Check-Ins, priority boarding, preferred seat selection and a flight discount code.
The card is best suited for small-business owners loyal to this airline, especially those aiming for a Companion Pass.
What to consider
Some benefits, such as Early Bird Check-Ins and fee credits for point transfers, are set to expire at the end of the year.
Eligibility is subject to restrictions, including how recently you have received a welcome bonus and broader application rules.
Points are most valuable when redeemed for flights with the airline, with consistent value per TPG's July 2025 valuations.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of competing business cards and a breakdown of how each benefit can offset travel costs.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card overview
The (see rates and fees) is the airline’s entry-level business credit card. It offers solid earnings rates and multiple perks when flying Southwest. With an annual fee of $149, the Premier card is a great pick for thrifty Southwest business loyalists. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Airline-specific credit cards aren’t often the first picks for travel credit cards since they tend to feature limited benefits that only apply to a specific airline.
However, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can be a good choice for small-business owners who occasionally fly Southwest.
The card was recently refreshed, featuring new day-of-travel benefits and modified earnings. However, these changes increased the annual fee by 50% to $149.
Southwest is currently in the middle of sweeping changes, including implementing bag fees, updating its boarding process and adding assigned seating, making now a great time to hold a Southwest credit card.
Approved applicants typically have credit scores above 670, but it's not unheard of to be approved with a lower score.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering the Southwest Premier Business card for your company.
Southwest Premier Business pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Bonus anniversary points each year
Two Early Bird Check-ins annually (through Dec. 31)
Unlimited tier qualifying points
Credit for point transfer costs (through Dec. 31)
No statement credits
$149 annual fee
Losing some benefits at the end of the year
Southwest Premier Business welcome offer
Right now, new cardholders can earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
According to TPG’s July 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $840. This is the standard welcome offer we typically see on this card, so it may be worth waiting for an elevated offer.
THE POINTS GUY
In addition to the points value, remember that welcome bonuses from Southwest cards count toward Companion Pass qualification.
Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year and the following year, so earning it as early into the calendar year as possible will help you receive the maximum benefit of the pass.
However, before you go submit an application, be sure to check your eligibility. This card, just like most Chase cobranded cards, is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule.
Plus, there are restrictions on how often you can earn a Southwest welcome bonus. For example, if you've earned a welcome bonus on this card in the past 24 months, you may not be eligible.
Southwest Premier Business benefits
The has a $149 annual fee and offers a fair share of perks that can make it a worthwhile card for occasional Southwest flyers. These include:
Two Early Bird Check-Ins: Cardholders receive two Early Bird Check-Ins each year. (For flights operating in 2025, ends Dec. 31)
6,000 anniversary bonus points: On your account anniversary, Southwest will automatically award you 6,000 anniversary bonus points (worth up to $84, according to TPG’s July 2025 valuations). This alone effectively covers more than half of the card’s annual fee.
Free first checked bag: Receive a free first checked bag for you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. (A standard first checked bag costs $35, which would save a family of four $280 on a round-trip itinerary.)
Priority boarding: Receive group 5 priority boarding for you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026 and beyond). If you have A-list status, you can board with an earlier group.
Preferred seat selection: When available, you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation can select preferred seating within 48 hours of departure (for flights operating in 2026 and beyond). This is a valuable perk considering Southwest will begin charging for seat selection on flights operating next year.
KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Flight discount code: Cardholders receive one promotional 15% flight discount code each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares)
Status Boost: You will earn 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent on the Premier card in a year (with no cap on the number of TQPs you can earn). This can help you earn A-List or A-List Preferred status faster.
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually: Cardholders receive 10,000 points toward a Companion Pass each year. This, combined with the points earned from the welcome offer, will put you well over halfway toward earning a companion pass.
Free employee cards: There are no fees for additional employee cards, and the original cardholder will earn points on employee spending. Business owners can contact cardmember services to put a spending limit on employee cards.
$500 fee credit for point transfers: Southwest will cover up to $500 in fees associated with point transfers each year, although this benefit will end Dec. 31. Transferring Rapid Rewards points to another member typically costs $10 per 1,000 points transferred, so you can transfer up to 50,000 points every year without paying additional fees after Southwest’s reimbursement.
No foreign transaction fee: This card is a viable option to use for business travel abroad.
In the midst of all the changes at Southwest, these perks afforded by the Southwest Premier Business card can help you save some money every time you fly.
Earning points on the Southwest Premier Business
The earns:
3 points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases (4.2% return based on TPG's July 2025 valuations)
New: 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year. (2.8% return)
2 points per dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners (2.8% return; ends Dec. 31)
2 points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing (2.8% return; ends Dec. 31)
1 point per dollar for all other eligible purchases (1.4% return)
It's important to note that current cardholders will have access to both the new and expiring bonus categories.
DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
Unless you need to earn Southwest points, you're better suited putting your everyday business spending on a card like the (see rates and fees) or the .
