If you travel frequently with Southwest Airlines, whether for client meetings, conferences, or team travel, the right credit card can save you thousands of dollars a year. Southwest business cards are designed to help professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate travel managers turn every dollar spent into Rapid Rewards points, free flights, and exclusive perks.
This guide will help you decide whether a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards business card is the right fit for you, compare it with other options, and explain how to maximize rewards for both personal and business travel.
Why Southwest Business Cards Matter For Professionals
Business travelers often face three common challenges:
- High travel costs from frequent flights
- Difficulty managing employee travel expenses
- Missed opportunities to earn rewards on everyday spending
A Southwest business credit card solves these pain points by combining generous sign-up bonuses, Rapid Rewards points, and unique perks like Companion Pass eligibility.
Types Of Southwest Business Cards
Currently, Southwest partners with Chase to offer business credit cards tailored to different spending levels.
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Best For |
| Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | $99 | Earn points on Southwest purchases, employee cards at no extra cost | Small businesses with moderate travel needs |
| Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card | $199 | Higher earning potential, 9,000 points anniversary bonus, Wi-Fi credits | Frequent travelers and corporate teams |
| Chase Ink Business Cards (Comparison) | $95 | More flexible rewards (transfer partners, not airline-specific) | Businesses seeking broad travel redemption |
Expert Note: According to The Points Guy, the Performance Business Card is one of the best airline business cards for small businesses due to its rich perks and ability to accelerate Companion Pass qualification.
Southwest Business Credit Card Benefits
Whether you’re a sales executive flying weekly or a small business owner booking occasional travel, here’s what you can expect:
- Rapid Rewards Points: Earn on flights, hotels, car rentals, and everyday spending.
- Employee Card Management: Add employee cards for free and earn points on their purchases.
- Free Checked Bags: A major cost saver for frequent flyers.
- Anniversary Points: 3,000–9,000 points every cardholder anniversary.
- Travel Protection: Baggage delay insurance and travel assistance services.
According to NerdWallet, Southwest credit card perks for businesses can offset the annual fee quickly if you fly more than a few times per year.
Southwest Business Cards Vs. Personal Cards
Many entrepreneurs ask: Southwest business card vs personal card — which is better?
- Business Cards: Better for tracking employee expenses, earning more points, and higher bonuses.
- Personal Cards: Simpler to manage, but limited on perks like employee accounts.
Pro Tip: You can hold both a personal and business Southwest card to maximize points and qualify faster for the Companion Pass.
How Southwest Business Cards Earn Rapid Rewards Points
Every purchase adds up. Here’s the breakdown:
- Southwest purchases → Up to 3X points
- Travel & advertising purchases → Up to 2X points (Performance card)
- Everyday spending → 1X point per dollar
These points can be redeemed for:
- Free flights
- Seat upgrades
- Gift cards and merchandise
Companion Pass: The Hidden Gem
One of the most powerful benefits is the Southwest Companion Pass, which lets a companion fly with you for free (plus taxes & fees) for up to two years.
Yes, Southwest business credit cards include Companion Pass eligibility, and your spending + sign-up bonuses can get you there faster.
Example: A Southwest business card sign-up bonus can contribute 50,000+ points toward the Companion Pass qualification.
Costs: Annual Fees & Value
- Southwest Premier Business Card: $99 annual fee
- Southwest Performance Business Card: $199 annual fee
At first glance, these fees may seem high. But when you factor in free flights, Wi-Fi credits, anniversary points, and employee travel rewards, most business travelers recoup the cost within 1–2 trips.
Forbes Advisor reports that frequent business flyers often earn 10x the annual fee value in points and perks.
How To Qualify For A Southwest Business Card
You don’t need a large corporation to apply. Requirements include:
- Proof of business income (can be freelance, consulting, or side business)
- Good to excellent credit score (typically 670+)
- Business EIN or Social Security Number (for sole proprietors)
Even solo consultants or entrepreneurs can qualify.
Maximizing Rewards For Employee Travel
Corporate travel managers often ask: How to use Southwest business cards for employee travel?
- Assign employee cards at no extra cost
- Track expenses in one statement
- Earn Rapid Rewards points on all company purchases
- Redeem points for group flights or client trips
Final Thoughts
If you’re a frequent Southwest traveler, small business owner, or corporate travel manager, a Southwest business card can be a game-changer. From free flights and employee travel perks to Companion Pass eligibility, these cards offer value that far exceeds their annual fees.
FAQ’s
What is the best Southwest business card for frequent flyers?
The Performance Business Card offers the most perks for frequent travelers, including anniversary points, in-flight Wi-Fi credits, and faster Companion Pass qualification.
How do Southwest business cards earn Rapid Rewards points?
They earn points on flights, travel expenses, advertising, and everyday purchases — redeemable for free flights and upgrades.
Do Southwest Airlines business cards come with free flights?
Yes, points can be redeemed for flights, and large sign-up bonuses often cover one or more round trips.
What are the annual fees for Southwest business cards?
$99 for the Premier Business Card and $199 for the Performance Business Card.
Do Southwest business credit cards include Companion Pass?
Yes. Your spending and sign-up bonus points count toward the Companion Pass, one of the most valuable perks in the airline industry.
How many points do you need for a free flight with Southwest business card?
Typically, domestic flights start around 5,000–10,000 points, depending on destination and demand.
