Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Both are well-respected travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 ($79,520 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Traveler | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $299 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $480 | $80,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $2,000 in 3 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | travel |
| Best earning category (Ihg) | 17x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
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, IHG One Rewards Traveler or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Can I have both the IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.