Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier business credit card overview
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is the airline’s entry-level business credit card. It offers 3 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases and 2 points per dollar on local and commuter transportation, including round-trip and Instant Rewards hotel and car rental partners. With an annual fee of $99, the Premier card is a great choice for Southwest loyalists. Card rating*: 
½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Airline-specific credit cards are not often preferred over travel credit cards as they often include limited benefits that only apply to a specific airline.
However, the Southwest Rapid Premier Business Credit Card can be a good choice for small business owners. Its low annual fees and attractive bonus categories allow you to earn points on almost all your expenses.
Approved applicants typically have a credit score above 740.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a Southwest Premier Business card for your company.
Southwest Premier Business pros and cons
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Southwest Premier Business welcome gift
Currently, new cardholders can earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. According to TPG estimates for October 2024, this offer is worth $840.
In addition to the number of points, remember that sign-up bonuses from Southwest cards count toward qualifying for the Companion Pass.
Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the year and the following year, so getting it as early in the calendar year as possible will help you get the most out of the pass.
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Related: How to use the Southwest Companion Pass
Southwest Premier Business Benefits
Southwest’s Premier Business Card has an annual fee of $99 and offers a fair share of benefits that make it the ideal card for frequent Southwest flyers.
Two Early Bird Check-Ins every year: Southwest does not offer seating but instead allows fliers to check in 24 hours before the flight to find their boarding spot. The earlier you check in, the better your chances of snagging your favorite seat when boarding. The Early Bird benefit automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, 12 hours before flyers without the perk — and you’ll enjoy this bonus twice a year with the card.
6,000 anniversary bonus points: On your account anniversary, Southwest will automatically award 6,000 anniversary bonus points (worth up to $84, based on TPG estimates for October 2024). This alone effectively covers almost the entire annual fee for the card.
Status Boost: You’ll earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent on the Premier card annually. This can help you achieve A-List or A-List Preferred Status quickly.
Free employee cards: There are no additional employee card fees, and the original cardholder will earn points on employee spending. Business owners can contact cardmember services to place a spending limit on employee cards.
$500 cash credit for points transfer: Southwest will waive up to $500 in fees associated with points transfers each year. Transferring Instant Rewards points to another member typically costs $10 per 1,000 points transferred, so you can transfer up to 50,000 points each year without paying an additional fee (after Southwest refunds).
Southwest also offers benefits to all of its flyers, regardless of whether they have a credit card with the airline or not. These benefits include two free checked bags on every flight, no change fees (fliers pay any applicable fare difference between the previous and current ticket) and free cancellation – although some tickets are non-refundable and will be refunded as flight credit.
Related: Why I always choose Southwest
Earn points on Southwest Premier Business
The Southwest Business Card benefits:
- 3 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases
- 2 points per dollar on instant rewards hotel and car rental partners
- 2 points per dollar on local transportation and commuting, including ride services
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
And for every $5,000 spent on the card during a calendar year, you’ll earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs). There’s no limit to the number of TQPs you can earn – so you can (excessively) spend your way into Southwest elite status without ever setting foot on a plane.
Redeems points on Southwest Premier Business
The main redemption option for instant rewards points is flights operated by Southwest. Southwest follows a simple redemption process: The more expensive the flight is in cash, the more it will cost in points. There is no more value than it should have, but that ensures you get an equal amount of your rewards.
Using Southwest points is as easy as booking Southwest flights online. Choose “Points” instead of “Dollars” when selecting the flight you want to book on the carrier’s website. You will then see the award price for your trip.
As with all airline award tickets, flights booked with Southwest points will still require payment of taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 each way. However, tickets booked with points are fully refundable, and there is no cancellation penalty (as long as you do it at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time).
TPG credit card editor Emily Thompson is a Southwest frequent flier with several Southwest credit cards. She often maximizes the points she earns from her Southwest Premier Business by transferring additional points to her Chase Sapphire Preferred® airline card.
The airline also offers international flights, hotels and car rentals on its travel portal, but the prices are lower compared to using your points on Southwest Airlines.
Related: How to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points
What cards compete with Southwest Premier Business?
If you’re looking for more benefits or more flexible rewards, one of these cards will be a better fit:
For more options, please see our full list of the best business and airline credit cards.
Related: Is Southwest Premier Business worth the annual fee?
Bottom line
The Southwest Rapid Premier Business Credit Card is a great option for loyal Southwest flyers, especially those who have the opportunity to earn a Companion Pass after receiving a current welcome bonus.
However, its income structure and recurring benefits are not remarkable, so many business owners will find a better fit in a separate card.
Apply here: Southwest Business Card
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