Top Southwest Business Credit Cards for 2026: Boost Your Company Travel Rewards

For the Frequent Business Southwest Traveler

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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

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How To Redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards

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You can redeem Rapid Rewards points in a number of ways. You’ll get the most value from points when you use them to book flights with Southwest Airlines.

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You can also redeem your points to:

• Book hotel stays at more than 400,000 Rapid Rewards partner properties

• Book car rentals

• Pay for experiences such as spa packages, rafting and hiking

• Get gift cards or merchandise

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Score Requirements

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While Southwest doesn't publicize a specific credit score requirement for their Rapid Rewards business credit cards, your odds of approval generally increase with a higher credit score.

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Here's a quick breakdown:

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• Good to Excellent Credit (700+): Best chances of approval

• 740+: Even stronger likelihood of getting the green light

• Below 700: Approval possible, but less likely

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Keep in mind, credit score isn't the only factor. Southwest also considers your overall creditworthiness, including income, existing credit lines, and business financials.

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Kudos Tip: Even with a stellar credit score, approval isn't guaranteed. Conversely, a lower score doesn't automatically mean rejection. Southwest looks at the bigger picture of your financial health when making decisions. Remember, every application is unique. If you're on the fence, it might be worth a shot – just be mindful of the potential hard inquiry on your credit report.

The Better Way To Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

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If you're on a mission to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points but aren't necessarily on a mission for the Companion Pass or A-List status, consider a business credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards. Southwest Airlines is a travel partner of Chase, meaning that you can transfer those points at a 1:1 ratio from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest.

These three cards fit the bill and offer: 

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• Faster Earning: These cards often offer higher earning rates in various business categories compared to Southwest's co-branded cards.

• Flexibility: In addition to Southwest, you can transfer these points to 13 other travel partners.

• Mix and Match: Combine these cards to maximize earnings across different spending categories.

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While Southwest's business cards shine for those chasing Companion Pass or A-List status, this Chase Ultimate Rewards strategy can be a game-changer for pure point accumulation. It's all about matching your credit card strategy to your specific travel goals.

Bottom Line

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offer compelling value for frequent Southwest flyers, especially with the generous sign-up bonus, anniversary points, and accelerated earning on Southwest purchases can quickly offset the annual fees. The cards' ability to earn towards earning the coveted Companion Pass is a standout feature, potentially saving travelers thousands on flights.

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However, the cards' value diminishes for those who don't regularly fly Southwest or prefer more flexible rewards programs. For Southwest devotees, these cards can transform your travel game. But if Southwest isn't your main airline, you might find better value elsewhere. Remember, the key to maximizing these cards is flying Southwest frequently and leveraging their unique perks.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Businesss Credit Cards FAQs

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Do the rewards I earn with my Southwest business card count as income?

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No, your business credit card rewards are not considered income and, therefore, they are not taxable. Unlike money earned through traditional work, credit card rewards are considered rebates on items you purchased with a credit card.

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Do I need to own a business to get a Southwest business card? 

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No. It is possible to get a business credit card without owning a business if you earn money independently, such as through freelance writing or driving for rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. Typically, on your business card application, you can list yourself as the sole proprietor in the business tax identification number section.

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What is the Southwest Companion Pass and how do I get it? 

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The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring a partner, friend, or family member on any flight for just the taxes and fees, which are only $5.60 per person for one-way flights within the U.S. This benefit applies whether you pay for your ticket with cash or points and is valid for both domestic and international flights with Southwest. You can use the pass as many times as you like during its validity period. Additionally, you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, so you don’t have to bring the same person each time. The main restriction is that your companion cannot fly without you.

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Southwest requires you to either fly 100 qualifying flight segments or earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year to earn it. Luckily, the points you earn from signing up for one of the three personal Southwest cards gets counted toward the qualification requirement. In this case, with 120,000 points, you're 90% there already!

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Does a Southwest business card count towards a Companion Pass?

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Yes! All points earned with your Rapid Rewards business card count toward the Companion Pass.