Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business vs United Gateway Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business comes from Chase at $149/yr; the United Gateway Card from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business | United Gateway Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $149 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 bonus points | 30,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $390 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | business | travel |
| Best earning category (Southwest) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business or United Gateway Card?
- The United Gateway Card has a public bonus (30,000 miles, worth roughly $390), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business's $149 annual fee worth it compared to the United Gateway Card?
- At $149/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Gateway Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business and United Gateway 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 Premier Business or the United Gateway Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business: $3,000 spend in 3 months. United Gateway Card: $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.
