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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Unlimited's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedSouthwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Annual fee$0$299
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$200$80,000
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x4x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
    Read the full review
    Chase Freedom Unlimited
    $0/yr · $200 bonus
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
    $299/yr · 80,000 points

    Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

    The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

    Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom 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 $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
    Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Unlimited.
    Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Unlimited or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $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.