Unpacking the Southwest Performance Business Credit Card Benefits

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is Southwest Airlines’ premier offering for frequent business travelers. With competitive earning rates across various categories and a suite of travel benefits, this card is designed to enhance the flying experience for Southwest’s most loyal customers.

The Performance Business card stands out from its predecessor, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, by offering a more attractive rewards structure and additional perks tailored for business travelers. The recent refresh of Southwest’s credit card lineup has introduced new benefits and modified earning categories, making the Performance card a compelling choice for those who travel often.

It’s important to note that the annual fee for the Southwest Performance Business card has increased from $199 to $299, reflecting a 50% hike. However, for frequent flyers, the card’s benefits may outweigh this cost. A recommended credit score of 670 or higher is suggested for applicants.

As Southwest Airlines undergoes significant changes—including a new boarding process, the introduction of bag fees, and assigned seating—holding a Southwest credit card has never been more advantageous.

Key Features and Benefits

Currently, the Southwest Performance Business card offers a generous welcome bonus of 120,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s September 2025 valuations, these points are worth approximately $1,620, making this the most lucrative welcome bonus the card has ever offered.

Before applying, it’s crucial to check your eligibility, as the card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule and has restrictions on earning welcome bonuses. Specifically, applicants must not have received a welcome bonus for this card in the past 24 months.

Earning and Redeeming Points

With an annual fee of $299, the card’s perks can justify the cost if utilized effectively. The Performance Business card offers a higher earning rate compared to other Southwest cards, allowing cardholders to earn Rapid Rewards points more quickly. While two new everyday spending categories have been added, the removal of two key business-oriented categories at the end of the year is a downside for some users.

For general travel spending beyond Southwest Airlines, consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which offers superior point accrual in broader travel categories.

Points earned with the Southwest Performance Business card can be redeemed for award travel on Southwest, which is the most beneficial way to use them. The redemption process is straightforward: log into your account, search for flights, and follow the prompts to complete your booking. Be aware that additional taxes and fees may apply to international routes, but Southwest provides transparency throughout the booking process.

While there are options to redeem points for hotels, car rentals, or merchandise, it’s generally recommended to focus on award flights to maximize value. For instance, TPG senior writer Tarah Chieffi redeemed 37,000 points to offset part of her travel costs for a trip to Orlando, showcasing how combining cash and points can be an effective strategy.

Is the Performance Business Card Right for You?

If you’re a business owner who frequently flies with Southwest Airlines, the Performance Business card could be a valuable asset. The card’s specific perks and welcome bonus can provide significant value. However, if you only fly Southwest occasionally or spend most of your business budget outside the card’s bonus categories, you may want to explore other credit card options.

For a comprehensive look at the best business credit cards and airline credit cards, be sure to check our detailed listings.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Performance Business Credit Card is a robust option for frequent Southwest flyers, offering a wealth of benefits designed to enhance your travel experience. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your travel habits and spending patterns to determine if this card aligns with your needs.

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