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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/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 ($78,500 more in estimated value) than the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $295 | $299 |
| Sign-up bonus | $1,500 cash back | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,500 | $80,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $50,000 in 6 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | business | travel |
| Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Read the full review
American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
$295/yr · $1,500 cash back
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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus $1,500 cash back (~$1,500) on the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited.
- Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 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.