Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business
VS
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus
The short answer: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus delivers a bit more value for most spenders, but choose the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business if you spend more on travel.

Side-by-side comparison

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve BusinessSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus
Annual fee$550$99
Welcome offer60,000 125,000 miles (limited-time)50,000 80,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points (limited-time)
Advertising1%1%
Shipping1%1%
Office supplies1%1%
Phone & internet1%1%
Travel3%1%
Everything else1%1%
Est. yearly rewards*$546$468
Points typeLocked to Delta SkyMilesLocked to Southwest Rapid Rewards
NetworkAmexVisa

*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® Reserve Business earns about $546 a year in rewards and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus about $468, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business charges $550, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus charges $99, which you clear through its rewards and perks. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus delivers more total value, about $373 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it skips the annual fee the other charges. 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 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business currently has the larger welcome offer (a limited-time offer above its usual amount, so treat it as a one-time boost). A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.

Pick the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business if your spending leans toward travel.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus better?
On typical business spending, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus comes out ahead after its annual fee, by roughly $373 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business can be the better fit if your spending lines up with its stronger categories. Run both through the Cardocrat calculator to see your own numbers.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?
In most cases yes, as long as you meet each issuer's approval rules (for example Chase's 5/24 rule). Many people hold complementary cards to cover more bonus categories, then pool or redeem the rewards together where the program allows.
Which has the better welcome bonus, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?
As of June 2026, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business offers 125,000 miles and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus offers 80,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current offer on each card's page before applying.