Comparing Southwest Business Credit Cards: Performance vs. Premier

Deciding between the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card? Both cards come with valuable perks tailored to different types of travelers, making it essential to understand which one aligns best with your business needs.

In light of recent changes at Southwest Airlines—such as assigned seating, a new boarding process, and bag fees—a cobranded credit card can provide significant benefits for loyal customers. Here’s a detailed comparison of both cards to help you make an informed decision.

Card Value Overview

According to TPG’s October 2025 valuations, the Southwest Performance Business card is valued at approximately $1,680, while the Premier Business card stands at around $840. It’s important to note that both cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, which may affect your approval if you’ve opened five or more personal cards in the last 24 months. Additionally, if you’ve received a welcome bonus for either card in the past 24 months, you won’t be eligible for another.

Performance Business vs. Premier Business

When weighing the benefits of a premium card against a more basic option, the crucial question is whether the added perks justify the higher annual fee. The Southwest Performance Business card comes with a $150 higher annual fee compared to the Premier Business card, so let’s explore the benefits that come with each.

# Shared Benefits

Both cards offer Rapid Rewards points that can be redeemed for Southwest-operated flights, with no “sweet spots” but consistent value for redemptions. The points earned can be used for booking flights directly on the Southwest website, where you can select “Points” instead of “Dollars.” Keep in mind that additional taxes and fees apply, starting at $5.60 per way. Notably, tickets booked with points are fully refundable, with no penalties for cancellations made at least 10 minutes before departure.

# Performance Business Benefits

The Performance Business card offers a more robust set of features, particularly for frequent travelers. Some key benefits include:

– Anniversary Bonus: 9,000 bonus points upon account anniversary, valued at approximately $126, compared to 6,000 points (valued at $84) for the Premier Business card.
– Preferred Seating: Free selection of preferred seating at booking and access to unlimited extra legroom upgrades within 48 hours of departure.
– A-List Status: Accelerated path to A-List status through card spending.
– Travel Credits: Statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus.

# Premier Business Benefits

While the Premier Business card comes with a lower annual fee and appealing benefits, it lacks some of the premium features of the Performance card. Notable benefits include:

– Annual Flight Discount: A 15% discount on flights (excluding Basic fares).
– Lower Annual Fee: More budget-friendly for occasional travelers.

Earning Potential

The Performance Business card also boasts superior earning rates, making it a better option for those whose spending habits align with its bonus categories:

– Performance Business: Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, hotels, advertising, and internet services, with no cap on gas and restaurant spending.
– Premier Business: Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases but faces an $8,000 annual cap on gas and restaurant spending.

The Performance card is particularly advantageous for small-business owners who frequently spend in the bonus categories, as it also continues to earn points on local transit.

Redemption Options

When it comes to redeeming points, both cards offer the same options, primarily for Southwest flights. TPG credit card writer Chris Nelson highlights the advantage of using Southwest points for nonstop flights on routes where other airlines require layovers, such as from Portland International Airport (PDX) to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). While Southwest does offer international flights, hotels, and car rentals through its travel portal, the best value is typically found when redeeming points for Southwest-operated flights.

Conclusion: Which Card is Right for You?

For frequent Southwest travelers, the Southwest Performance Business card is the clear choice, justifying its higher annual fee through substantial benefits like the 9,000-point anniversary bonus, unlimited Wi-Fi credits, and priority boarding upgrades. If you fly Southwest often, these perks can significantly enhance your travel experience.

On the other hand, if you’re a casual Southwest flyer or prefer to keep your annual fees lower, the Premier Business card still offers solid value with its annual flight discount and a straightforward earning structure.

Switching between the two cards is possible by contacting Chase customer service, but opening both cards separately to capitalize on each welcome bonus may be a smarter strategy. Before making any changes, ensure you check for upgrade offers from Premier Business to Performance Business.

Regardless of the card you choose, both options provide valuable Southwest perks and a straightforward way to accumulate Rapid Rewards points, making your travel experiences even more rewarding. To dive deeper into the specifics, consider reading our full reviews of the Southwest Performance Business and Southwest Premier Business cards.