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 Premier 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 Premier Business from Chase at $149/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($650 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business's. Get the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express Business CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business
Annual fee$195$149
Sign-up bonus130,000 points60,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$650-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhotelbusiness
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 Premier Business
    $149/yr · 60,000 bonus 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 Premier Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has a public bonus (130,000 points, worth roughly $650), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's $195 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier Business: $3,000 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.