Is the Southwest Premier Business Card Worth Its Annual Fee?

For small business owners who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card could be a valuable addition to your wallet. With a competitive welcome bonus and appealing perks tailored for Southwest enthusiasts, this card is worth considering, especially if you meet the spending requirements.

Currently, the Southwest Premier Business card offers a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s August 2025 valuations, these points are valued at approximately $810, making this a solid offer that aligns with what we typically see for this card.

The card also features multiple earning categories, allowing you to maximize your rewards on various purchases. However, it’s essential to note that some of these earning rates will end on December 31, so if you frequently spend in these categories, it may be beneficial to evaluate your spending habits sooner rather than later.

In terms of perks, the Southwest Premier Business card offers several benefits specifically designed for Southwest travelers. TPG values the 6,000 anniversary points at around $81, and the two Early Bird check-ins can save you between $30 and $198. These two features alone can justify the $149 annual fee, especially when you consider additional benefits like status-earning opportunities and inflight purchase discounts.

Another notable benefit is the $500 transfer fee credit for transferring points to other accounts, which can be particularly useful if you often transfer points for travel. Although some perks are set to expire, you can still take advantage of them before the end of the year.

Additionally, if you fly Southwest next year, you will receive priority boarding and preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure. With Southwest’s new seat assignment policy, this benefit could help you save on ticket costs.

The card also allows you to obtain employee cards at no extra charge and does not impose foreign transaction fees. However, if you frequently travel internationally, you might want to explore other airlines, as Southwest’s international routes are limited.

While the Southwest Premier Business card is a strong option for frequent Southwest flyers, it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re looking for more extensive Southwest benefits or a more flexible rewards structure, consider the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. Although it comes with a higher $299 annual fee, it offers a more robust earning structure, 9,000 anniversary points, inflight Wi-Fi credits, unlimited extra-legroom seat upgrades, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.

For those who want to earn bonus points on both business expenses and travel, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card may be a better choice. With a similar $95 annual fee, this card earns 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases, then 1 point per dollar on other categories like travel, shipping, and advertising. Plus, it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to Southwest or other travel partners.

In summary, if you’re a small business owner who frequently travels with Southwest, the Southwest Premier Business card offers enough value—through 6,000 anniversary points, a free checked bag, and two Early Bird check-ins—to justify the $149 annual fee. However, it’s essential to assess your spending habits and travel preferences to determine if this card aligns with your business needs.

For more information and to apply for the Southwest Premier Business card, visit the official Southwest website.

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