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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business vs Discover it Cash Back

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business comes from Chase at $299/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover at $0/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 Discover it Cash Back's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Discover it Cash Back after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards Performance BusinessDiscover it Cash Back
Annual fee$299$0
Sign-up bonus80,000 pointsCashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Bonus value (est.)$80,000$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$0 in 12 mo
IssuerChaseDiscover
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)4x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • 5% rotating categories
    • First-year match
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
    $299/yr · 80,000 points
    Read the full review
    Discover it Cash Back
    $0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)

    Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

    Editorial take: Discover it Cash Back

    The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business or Discover it Cash Back?
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
    Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's $299 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
    At $299/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business and Discover it Cash Back?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Discover) the application rules don't conflict. 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business or the Discover it Cash Back first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 spend in 3 months. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.