Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card comes from American Express at $195/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 ($79,350 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express Business CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Annual fee$195$299
Sign-up bonus130,000 points80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$650$80,000
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Hilton)12x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 12x at Hilton
  • Free night cert after $15k spend
  • Second free night after $60k
  • Hilton Gold status
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
    $195/yr · 130,000 points
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
    $299/yr · 80,000 points

    Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

    If you stay at Hiltons, this is the underrated middle tier, the $60/quarter credit + the $15k-spend Free Night routinely cover the $195 fee, and Gold status is real value at any Hilton property.

    Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 130,000 points (~$650) on the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's $195 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    At $195/yr, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 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 Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 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 Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: $6,000 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.