Have you ever dreamed of jetting off with a friend or loved one, knowing you’re barely paying for their ticket? I know I have. There’s something exhilarating about scoring a great travel deal, especially when it feels like you’re gaming the system in the best way possible. That’s exactly what the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers right now—a chance to unlock incredible travel perks, including a massive 120,000-point bonus and the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. Let’s dive into why this card is a game-changer for small business owners who love to travel smart.
Why the Southwest Performance Business Card Stands Out
For anyone running a small business—whether it’s a side hustle like freelancing or a full-fledged company—this card is designed to make your travel dreams a reality. The current offer is one of the most generous we’ve seen, and it’s packed with benefits that go beyond just points. From free checked bags to priority boarding, this card helps you navigate Southwest’s recent policy changes while maximizing value. Let’s break down how you can make the most of it.
Unpacking the Welcome Bonus
The headline feature of this card is its jaw-dropping welcome bonus: 120,000 Southwest points after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months. That’s enough to cover roughly $1,500 in Southwest flights, depending on how you redeem your points. But here’s where it gets really exciting: if you play your cards right (pun intended), you can double that value by earning the Companion Pass. This perk lets you bring a travel buddy on every Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees—often as low as $5.60 one-way.
The Companion Pass is like getting a buy-one-get-one-free deal on every Southwest flight you take.
– Travel rewards expert
I’ve always found that the best travel rewards are the ones that feel effortless. With this bonus, you’re not just earning points—you’re unlocking a way to make every trip more affordable and enjoyable. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a business trip, having a companion join you for next to nothing is a serious win.
How to Earn the Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is often called the holy grail of travel rewards, and for good reason. To earn it, you need to accumulate 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Sounds daunting, right? But the Performance Business Card makes it surprisingly achievable. Here’s how it works:
- The 120,000-point welcome bonus counts toward the Companion Pass.
- The points from your $10,000 minimum spend also qualify.
- The card includes an annual 10,000-point boost specifically for the Companion Pass (though these points aren’t redeemable for flights).
By the time you meet the spending requirement, you’ll likely have over 140,000 qualifying points—more than enough to secure the pass. The trick is timing. Earn the bonus early in the year, and you’ll enjoy the Companion Pass for nearly two full years. For example, if you open the card in late 2025 and finish your spending in early 2026, your pass will be valid through the end of 2027. That’s a lot of trips with a plus-one!
Timing Your Application for Maximum Value
Timing is everything when it comes to the Companion Pass. The pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following year. To stretch its value, aim to meet the spending requirement early in the year. For instance, if you apply in October 2025 and complete your $10,000 spend by January 2026, your bonus will post in 2026, giving you almost two years of use.
One thing to watch out for: points earned from spending in 2025 won’t count toward a 2026 Companion Pass. If you’re strategizing for maximum value, pace your spending to ensure the bonus lands in the new year. It’s a small effort for a big payoff.
Navigating Southwest’s Policy Changes
Southwest has made some big changes recently, and not all of them have been warmly received. The airline ditched its iconic two-free-checked-bags policy and open seating model, which left many loyal customers grumbling. But here’s the good news: the Performance Business Card softens the blow with perks that preserve some of Southwest’s classic benefits.
- Free Checked Bags: Cardholders get their first checked bag free for themselves and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.
- Priority Boarding: Enjoy Group 5 boarding, ensuring plenty of overhead bin space and better seat choices.
- Seat Upgrades: Select a Preferred or Standard seat at booking, or upgrade to an Extra Legroom seat 48 hours before departure (if available).
These perks make the card a lifeline for frequent Southwest flyers. Even with the airline’s shift to assigned seating starting in 2026, you’ll still feel like a VIP with these benefits. It’s like having a backstage pass to the Southwest experience of old.
Additional Card Perks That Add Value
Beyond the welcome bonus and Companion Pass, the Southwest Performance Business Card is packed with extras that make it worth keeping long-term. Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
| Perk | Details | Value |
| Anniversary Points | 9,000 Southwest points each year | ~$135 in flights |
| Inflight Discounts | 25% back on inflight purchases | Varies |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Up to $120 credit every 4 years | $120 |
These benefits add up quickly, especially if you fly Southwest often. The anniversary points alone can cover a round-trip flight, and the TSA PreCheck credit saves you time at the airport. I’ve always appreciated cards that reward you year after year, and this one delivers.
Who Qualifies for This Card?
Not everyone can snag this card, so let’s talk eligibility. First, you need to be a small business owner. But don’t worry—you don’t need a corner office or a team of employees. If you run a side gig like driving for a rideshare service, selling crafts online, or freelancing, you likely qualify. Here are the key requirements:
- Chase 5/24 Rule: You can’t have opened five or more credit cards from any bank in the past 24 months (excluding most business cards).
- Southwest Card Restrictions: You’re ineligible if you currently hold this card or received its welcome bonus in the last 24 months.
- Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score (670–850) is typically required.
If you meet these criteria, you’re in a great position to apply. Just make sure you can handle the $10,000 spending requirement without stretching your budget too thin. Responsible spending is key to making the most of any rewards card.
Other Ways to Earn Southwest Points
Want to keep the Southwest points rolling in? You can earn flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which transfer to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio. While these points don’t count toward the Companion Pass, they’re perfect for topping off your account for extra flights. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ offer generous bonuses and transferable rewards.
Flexible points give you options, but the Companion Pass gives you freedom.
– Business travel strategist
For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in three months, with a modest $95 annual fee. It’s a great complement to the Southwest card, especially if you want to diversify your rewards strategy.
Is the Annual Fee Worth It?
The Southwest Performance Business Card comes with an annual fee (terms apply), but the benefits often outweigh the cost for frequent travelers. Between the welcome bonus, Companion Pass, free checked bags, and annual points, the card can easily deliver thousands in value. If you fly Southwest at least a few times a year, the math checks out.
Here’s a personal take: I’ve always believed that the best credit cards are the ones that fit your lifestyle. If Southwest is your go-to airline, this card is a no-brainer. But if you rarely fly with them, you might want to explore other travel rewards cards instead.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards
To get the most out of this card, you need a strategy. Here are some practical tips to ensure you’re squeezing every ounce of value from your points and perks:
- Plan Your Spending: Spread out your $10,000 spend to avoid financial strain, and aim to complete it early in the year for maximum Companion Pass value.
- Use the Companion Pass Strategically: Book expensive flights to maximize savings, since your companion flies for nearly free.
- Leverage Perks: Use the TSA PreCheck credit and inflight discounts to stretch your travel budget further.
- Combine with Other Cards: Pair this card with a Chase Sapphire card to earn flexible points for additional Southwest flights.
Perhaps the most exciting part is how versatile this card is. Whether you’re a small business owner traveling for work or someone who loves spontaneous getaways, the Southwest Performance Business Card fits seamlessly into your plans.
Why This Card Matters for Small Businesses
Running a small business is no small feat, and every dollar counts. The Southwest Performance Business Card isn’t just about travel rewards—it’s about making your business expenses work harder for you. By using the card for everyday purchases like office supplies, advertising, or client meetings, you’re earning points that translate into real savings on travel.
Plus, the card’s perks—like free checked bags and priority boarding—make business trips smoother and more cost-effective. It’s like having a financial co-pilot, helping you navigate the complexities of travel while keeping your budget in check.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is more than just a credit card—it’s a ticket to smarter, more affordable travel. With a massive 120,000-point bonus, the potential for a Companion Pass, and a suite of travel-friendly perks, it’s a must-have for small business owners who fly Southwest. By timing your application and spending strategically, you can unlock nearly two years of near-free companion travel. Isn’t that worth a closer look?
So, what’s your next step? If you’re ready to take your business travel to the next level, this card could be your secret weapon. Just make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have a plan to maximize those points. Happy travels!
