Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business if you spend more on travel.

Side-by-side comparison

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance BusinessSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus
Annual fee$299$99
Welcome offer80,000 points50,000 80,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points (limited-time)
Advertising1%1%
Shipping1%1%
Office supplies1%1%
Phone & internet1%1%
Travel4%1%
Everything else1%1%
Est. yearly rewards*$636$468
Points typeLocked to Southwest Rapid RewardsLocked to Southwest Rapid Rewards
NetworkVisaVisa

*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 Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business earns about $636 a year in rewards and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus about $468, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business charges $299, 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 $32 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 two are currently comparable in size. Note that Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus is 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business if your spending leans toward travel.

Read the full reviews

Frequently asked questions

Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance 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 $32 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?
As of June 2026, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business offers 80,000 points 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.