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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex comes from American Express at $150/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Gold Business AmexSouthwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Annual fee$150$99
Sign-up bonus60,000 bonus miles50,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Travel)2x2x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Free checked bag
  • $200 flight credit
  • 2x on Delta + shipping
  • First year free
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex
$150/yr · 60,000 bonus miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex

A practical pick for small businesses that fly Delta. The free checked bag and priority boarding are the real perks; the 2x earning is merely okay.

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex's $150 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
At $150/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
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 Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex: no published min spend. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 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.