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Side-by-side

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business from Chase at $149/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,500 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Sapphire PreferredSouthwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business
Annual fee$95$149
Sign-up bonus75,000 points60,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500-
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytravelbusiness
Best earning category (Travel)5x1x
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 Premier Business
    $149/yr · 60,000 bonus 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 Premier Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business?
    The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a public bonus (75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Premier Business's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier Business: $3,000 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.