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

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/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

Both cards come from Chase and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business costs $204 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureChase Sapphire PreferredSouthwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Annual fee$95$299
Sign-up bonus75,000 points80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$80,000
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x4x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
    Read the full review
    Chase Sapphire Preferred
    $95/yr · 75,000 points
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
    $299/yr · 80,000 points

    Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

    The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

    Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 75,000 points (~$1,500) on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
    Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    At $95/yr, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred 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 Sapphire Preferred or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.