Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Side-by-side comparison
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $229 |
| Welcome offer | ||
| Advertising | 2% | 1% |
| Shipping | 2% | 1% |
| Office supplies | 1% | 1% |
| Phone & internet | 1% | 1% |
| Travel | 2% | 1% |
| Everything else | 1% | 1% |
| Est. yearly rewards* | $654 | $492 |
| Points type | Locked to Delta SkyMiles | Locked to Southwest Rapid Rewards |
| Network | Amex | Visa |
*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.
The verdict
On a typical year of business spending, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business earns about $654 a year in rewards and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority about $492, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business charges $150, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority charges $229, but carries about $75 in annual statement credits that offset it for anyone who uses them. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business delivers more total value, about $204 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on advertising and travel. Neither leans on transferable points, so the deciding factors are the welcome offer, the card network, and which everyday perks you will actually use. On the sign-up bonus, the two are currently comparable in size. Note that Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority are running a limited-time offer above the usual amount, so that edge may not last. A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business if your spending leans toward advertising, shipping, travel.