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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card vs The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
This comparison aims to help users decide between the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Both cards offer unique benefits and cater to different business needs, so understanding their features can assist you in making an informed decision.
Card Overviews
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is tailored for business owners who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines. It offers robust rewards on Southwest purchases and additional points on hotel and car rental partners, making it a great choice for those who are loyal to the airline.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for businesses that seek extensive travel perks and premium benefits. With a higher annual fee, it provides a wealth of rewards, lounge access, and statement credits on various business expenses, appealing to frequent travelers and larger businesses.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $99 | $695 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. | Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 3 months, plus a $500 statement credit on qualifying flights. |
| Rewards Structure | 3X on Southwest purchases, 2X on hotel and car rentals, 1 point per $1 on other purchases. | 5X on flights and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel, 1.5X on select categories, 1X on other purchases. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | $200 Airline Fee Credit, various statement credits available. |
| Additional Benefits | 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year, bonus points on anniversary. | Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, various statement credits, business-related perks. |
Rewards Highlights
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases.
Pros and Cons
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Pros:
- Lower annual fee compared to competitors.
- Generous rewards on Southwest Airlines purchases.
- Bonus points after the first year.
- Cons:
- Limited to Southwest Airlines for maximum rewards.
- Fewer premium travel benefits compared to other cards.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits, including lounge access and statement credits.
- High welcome bonus potential and rewards on various purchases.
- Multiple premium travel perks available.
- Cons:
- High annual fee that may not be justified for all users.
- Complex rewards structure that may be difficult to navigate.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is ideal for:
- Business owners who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
- Users looking for a lower annual fee with solid rewards on airline purchases.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is better suited for:
- Frequent travelers who value premium benefits and lounge access.
- Businesses with higher spend in travel and entertainment who can leverage the card's extensive benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer valuable benefits tailored to different types of users. Consider your individual needs, travel habits, and spending patterns to choose the card that best aligns with your financial goals.