Editorial take: American Express Business Gold
The 4x on your top two categories each month is uniquely flexible, if your business spend varies, this auto-adapts. The credits need active use to offset the fee.
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Side-by-side
American Express Business Gold vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business from Chase at $299/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($78,200 more in estimated value) than the American Express Business Gold's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the American Express Business Gold after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Business Gold | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $375 | $299 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 Membership Rewards points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,800 | $80,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $15,000 in 3 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | business | travel |
| Best earning category (Top_two_categories) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Business Gold
$375/yr · 100,000 Membership Rewards points
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
$299/yr · 80,000 points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Business Gold or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 100,000 Membership Rewards points (~$1,800) on the American Express Business Gold.
- Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- At $375/yr, the American Express Business Gold is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Business Gold and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Business Gold or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 spend in 3 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.