Southwest’s three consumer credit cards underwent notable refreshes last week. Those changes got all the press. But the business flavor was slightly tweaked, too.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card was already a pretty good card for regular Southwest travelers. But it got a little better.
Southwest Business Credit Card Changes
Like a couple of its personal/consumer card counterparts, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Cardnow offers cardholders the ability to earn tier points to A-List (elite) status. You can earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent on the card.
If you’re a small business owner (and remember that “small business” can encompass all sorts of ventures) who enjoys flying on Southwest and spends a decent amount on business expenses, this might be great news.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card now offers cardholders 4X Rapid Rewards points.
Plus, cardholders now receive 2X points on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
Here’s another interesting perk: cardmembers can take advantage of up to $500 in fee credit for points transfers per year. In other words, you can transfer your Rapid Rewards points to someone else’s Rapid Rewards account. This may not seem like a big deal. But let’s use Delta as an example. Delta charges one cent per SkyMiles plus a $30.00 transaction fee (and taxes) whenever you transfer points to someone else.
Other Southwest Business Credit Card Perks
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card carries a $199 annual fee. But it’s easy to earn that back.
First, cardholders receive 9,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points each anniversary year.
Plus, they enjoy up to 365 Southwest inflight WiFi credits each year. Last I checked, Southwest’s WiFi cost $10 a pop. So if you use it 20 times a year, you’ll break even on the card’s annual fee.
The card also offers up to four “Upgraded Boardings” (A1-A15) each year. That can come in mighty handy for longer flights.
Finally, you receive up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA Pre√ application statement credits every four years.
FWIW, cardholders earn 3X points per buck spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. And 2X for each dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services.
Interestingly, there’s no statement credit for inflight beverage purchases charged to the card.
Final Approach
Southwest’s three personal credit cards were recently refreshed. But the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card was also improved. Its ability to help earn A-List status, Upgraded Boardings, and WiFi credits make it a solid card for business travelers.
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