Travel

Is Southwest Performance Business worth the annual fee?

The best choice among Southwest contract options, Southwest® RapidRewards® Performance Business Credit Card (See rates and fees) The annual fee is $299.

While this is significantly less than what you see on most quality options on other airlines, this is a significant increase compared to that Southwest® RapidRewards® Premier Commercial Credit Card (See rates and fees) and three personal cards in the Southwest.

Additionally, as part of the operator’s Shanda business model, the Southwest Performance Business (and all Southwest Cards) has been refreshed in 2025. These changes include the end of open seating, the introduction of checked baggage fees and a restructuring of the fast reward loyalty program.

If you are a business owner who likes flying Southwest Airlines and want to know if you should add Southwest performance business to your wallet, you need to know its value.

Southwest Performance Business Welcome Offer

this Southwest performance business card Currently, welcome bonuses of 120,000 bonus points are currently being offered, after purchasing $10,000 from account opening in the previous three months.

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TPG’s September 2025 valuation will value the Southwest Mile at 1.35 cents, making this bonus worth $1,620, the best welcome bonus we’ve ever seen on the card.

But be sure to check your eligibility before applying. As a Chase Card, Southwest Performance Business is subject to the 5/24 rules of Chase and the Southwest Bonus Qualification Limit.

Related: Southwest Quick Rewards: Guide to Income and Redemption Points, Elite Identity, and more

Rewards through Southwest Performance Business

this Southwest Performance Business A high-quality business card as a loyal Southwest fan offers high yields.

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This is what the current cardholder can expect:

  • 4 points per dollar purchased at Southwest Airlines
  • Spend 4 points per dollar on Southwest*
  • Spend 3 points per dollar on Quick Reward Hotels and Car Rental Partners*
  • Spend 2 points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants
  • 2 o’clock per dollar for hotel accommodation booked directly in hotels
  • Spend 2 points per dollar on local transportation and commuting, including ride service
  • Spend 2 points per dollar on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable and telephone services*
  • Spend 1 point per dollar to spend on all other qualified purchases

*End on December 31.

BNA's Southwest Aircraft
Zach Griff/The Points Guy

Current cardholders will access both new and vocational bonus categories.

As expected, what the best version of Concrombrand Card expects is that the Southwest Performance business will earn more in Southwest purchases than you can earn in any other common Southwest card.

However, by the end of the year, the card will lose its business-specific bonus category. Instead, it will leave behind more categories for everyday purchases (such as gas stations and restaurants).

This can be a negative change for business owners who often spend on fees like advertising and internet services.

Related: How to earn Southwest Companion Pass quickly

Southwest Performance Business Benefits

and Southwest performance business cardyou will get these Southwest-specific privileges:

  • The first inspection bag is free: Since the Southwest began collecting bags on May 28, the standard first-check bag price is $35.
  • On-board discount: Cardholders receive 25% return on spontaneous food and beverage or Wi-Fi purchases.
  • Preferred seating options for booking: Cardholders and up to eight passengers who book the same trip can choose their preferred seat when booking (for flights operated in 2026 and beyond).
  • Priority boarding: Cardholders and up to eight passengers on the same booking trip will receive 5 sets of priority boarding (for flights operated in 2026 and beyond). A-list status members can take part in earlier groups.
  • Unlimited long-term upgrades: Passengers traveling on the same booking can choose to travel within 48 hours before departure (for flights operated in 2026 and beyond) and postal seats are available.
  • Up to 2500 qualifying matches $5,000 a year spent on $5,000 a year
  • 9,000 bonus points Each year on your card’s anniversary, each TPG is worth $122 in September 2025
  • 10,000 companions are promoted every year through qualifying: Cardholders only need to earn more than 45,000 partner eligibility points to receive this enhanced dream comperion pass.
Southwest Airlines Traveler
southwest

The following privileges will expire on December 31, as these benefits are more suitable for Southwest’s previous business model:

  • Four upgraded boarding If available
  • $500 fee Transfer points every year
  • Up to 365 on-board Wi-Fi points each year

Additionally, cardholders’ global entry, TSA Precheck or Nexus application fee, receive a stated credit of up to $120 and do not pay foreign transaction fees.

Business owners don’t have to pay for additional employee cards and earn quick reward points on employee spending. Spend limits can be set on employee cards by calling the CardMember service.

The Southwest Performance Business has added several privileges to help cardholders provide value to cardholders in multiple changes to the shipping experience, such as seating tasks and the cost of checked bags.

If you fly the Southwest regularly, these benefits may quickly pile up and offset the $299 annual fee.

Related: How to Get Free Check Bags on Southwest Flights

Southwest Performance Business Alternatives

If you want a Southwest-specific privilege with a lower annual fee, you might prefer Southwest Prime Minister’s Business Card.

Its anniversary, free check bags, preferred seating options for bookings, and more, charges are lower annually. To learn more, read our full review of Southwest Priority Business Card.

Inside the new cabin of Southwest Airlines.
Stephen Keller/Southwest Airlines

If you spend more of your budget on business and general travel expenses, you might prefer Ink Business First Choice® Credit Card.

Revenue per dollar is 3 points per dollar per year on travel, transportation, internet, cable, telecommunications, telephone services and travel through social media and search engines. It comes with a lower $95 annual fee and earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer to Southwest or other travel partners in Chase. To learn more, read our full review of the ink business preferred.

The preferred information for ink business is collected independently by partners. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Southwest Performance and Prime Minister: Which fast reward business credit card is right for you?

Bottom line

If you are a business owner who flies over Southwest, you may get enough value from the anniversary point, checking bags, seat selection and priority boarding benefits on the Southwest Performance Business Card to justify its $299 annual fee.

Plus, the current welcome bonus is the best we’ve seen in card history. If you want to take advantage of these benefits and earn Southwest points, this is a great time to apply.

For more information, read our full review of Southwest Performance Business Card.


Apply here: Southwest Quick Reward Performance Business Card


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