Is the Southwest Premier Business worth the annual fee?
Editor's Note
Small business owners who regularly fly Southwest might consider applying for one of the airline's two business cards.
If this sounds like you, now might be a good time to get the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees). This card features a solid welcome bonus and decent perks for Southwest loyalists who run a business.
Here's what else you need to know if you want to add it to your wallet.
Welcome bonus
Currently, the Southwest Premier Business card is offering 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
TPG's August 2025 valuations peg these 60,000 bonus points at $810. This is the standard offer we typically see on this card.
Related: The best time to apply for these Chase cards based on offer history
Earning
The Southwest Premier Business card earns in multiple bonus categories, including:
- 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
- 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 2 points per dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners*
- 2 points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing*
- 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else
*These earning rates end on December 31.
Beyond Southwest purchases, this card is far from the most valuable earner available. Having the gas and restaurant bonus categories added is a nice touch, but having a spending cap seems unnecessary.
If you spend a large portion of your business budget on specific business expenses beyond travel, you'll likely benefit more from the earning structure on one of our other favorite business cards.
Plus, with some bonus categories being removed at the end of the year, you want to look at where you spend the most and see if this card makes sense for you.
Related: 10 considerations for your small-business credit card strategy
Other benefits
With the Southwest Premier Business card, you'll get these Southwest-specific perks:
- 6,000 points every year on cardmember anniversary
- Free checked bag
- Two Early Bird check-ins per year*
- $500 fee credit for points transfers*
- Priority boarding**
- Preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure**
- Earn 2,000 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually
- 10,000 TQP points annually toward a Companion Pass
- 25% back on inflight purchases
- 15% flight discount code each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares)
TPG's August 2025 valuations the 6,000-anniversary points at $81, and the two Early Bird check-ins are worth at least $30 (and up to $198). These two benefits alone can make the $149 annual fee worth paying, even before you take advantage of any status-earning opportunities or inflight purchase discounts.
Plus, if you regularly transfer your points to other accounts, the $500 transfer fee credit will be especially valuable. Although many of these benefits are ending, you can still take advantage of them before the year ends
Additionally, on flights operating next year, you'll receive priority boarding and preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure. Since Southwest has announced it's implementing seat assignments, this benefit can help you save some money.
Lastly, depending on how expensive the ticket you book is, the 15% flight discount promo code can also help you recoup some of your annual fee cost.
*Benefits ending Dec. 31, 2025.
**Benefits apply to flights operating on January 27, 2026, and beyond.
Additionally, you can get employee cards at no additional cost.
This card also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, which is helpful if you find yourself abroad. Even so, given Southwest's limited international routes, you'll likely want to build loyalty with a different airline if you travel internationally often.
Related: Maximizing the Rapid Rewards program
Alternatives
Of course, no one card is right for everyone. If you want more Southwest perks or flexible rewards, a different card may better suit your business.
If you frequently fly Southwest and want a card that offers additional perks, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) might be a better choice.
It has a higher $299 annual fee but also offers a stronger earning structure and perks like 9,000 anniversary points, 365 $8 inflight Wi-Fi credits (ending December 31), unlimited extra-legroom seat upgrades within 48 hours of departure (for flights operating after January 27, 2026) and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.
For more details, check out our full review of the Southwest Business Performance card.
If you want to earn bonus points on business expenses as well as travel, you may prefer the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
It carries a similar $95 annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000, then 1 point per dollar spent yearly on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising with social media and search engines. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer to Southwest or any of Chase's other travel partners.
For more details, check out our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Ink Business Preferred
Bottom line
If you're a small-business owner who flies Southwest regularly, the Southwest Premier Business card's 6,000-anniversary points, free checked bag, and two Early Bird check-ins (ending December 31) provide enough value to offset the $149 annual fee.
For more details, please see our full review of the Southwest Premier Business credit card.
Apply here: Southwest Premier Business
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.