Editorial take: Chase Freedom Flex
Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.
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Side-by-side
Chase Freedom Flex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/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 ($79,800 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Freedom Flex | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $299 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | $80,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Rotating) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 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, Chase Freedom Flex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's $299 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's benefits to clear $299 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Chase Freedom Flex or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 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.