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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs United Business Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/yr; the United Business Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

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

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PlusUnited Business Card
Annual fee$99$150
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Bonus value (est.)-$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytravelbusiness
Best earning category (Travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
  • $125 credit after 5 UA flights $100+
  • $50 hotel credit 2x/year
  • Free checked bag (you + 1)
  • 2 United Club passes/yr
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Read the full review
United Business Card
$150/yr · 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

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.

Editorial take: United Business Card

Strong United business card. The free checked bag for two travelers, two club passes, and the under-the-radar $50/twice-per-year hotel credit help cover the $150 AF for any United-leaning small business. The 100k + 2,000 PQP bonus is the sweetener. Post-2025 refresh swapped the old $100/$10k-spend credit for a $125 travel credit unlocked by 5 United flight purchases of $100+.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or United Business Card?
The United Business Card has a public bonus (100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP, worth roughly $1,500), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the United Business Card?
At $99/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Business Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and United Business Card?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or the United Business Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 spend in 3 months. United Business Card: $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.