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Side-by-side

Chase Ink Business Cash vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Ink Business Cash comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Ink Business Cash is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($750 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's. Get the Chase Ink Business Cash first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Ink Business CashSouthwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonus$750 bonus cash back50,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$750-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 3 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Office)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5% office + internet/phone
  • $750 SUB ($900 elevated ended Nov 2025)
  • No annual fee
  • Converts to UR points
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
Read the full review
Chase Ink Business Cash
$0/yr · $750 bonus cash back
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points

Editorial take: Chase Ink Business Cash

Highest-earning no-fee business card. 5% on internet, phone, and office supplies covers most small-business overhead. Note: The elevated $900 SUB ended Nov 13, 2025; current public offer is $750/$6k/3mo.

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Ink Business Cash or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
The Chase Ink Business Cash has a public bonus ($750 bonus cash back, worth roughly $750), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Chase Ink Business Cash's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
The Chase Ink Business Cash has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's benefits to clear $99 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Ink Business Cash.
Can I have both the Chase Ink Business Cash and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
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 Ink Business Cash or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Ink Business Cash: $6,000 spend in 3 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 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.