Compare the Features and Benefits of Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card should be the go-to card for Southwest frequent travelers that own a small business. Don’t let the $299 annual fee scare you off. This card comes packed with perks that can easily justify that fee.

Southwest-specific perks include the ability to earn 2,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually, the ability to choose a standard or preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available and to choose a Preferred Seat right at booking when available. You will also be able to upgrade to Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available – for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

Don’t forget you get a free first checked bag for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional Passengers on the same reservation. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $360 roundtrip ($45 per bag per trip).

Plus, cardholders get premium travel perks like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit once every 4 years. This includes the option of the Canadian NEXUS program.

Cardholders earn 4x Rapid Rewards points on Southwest Airlines purchases. That’s a higher rewards earning rate on Southwest purchases than you’ll find on any other Southwest business credit card.

Cardholders will earn 2,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent on purchases annually. While you probably don’t want to put that much spending on the card, you can conceivably spend all the way to A-List Preferred status by spending alone.

The biggest downside to this card is the limited redemption options. The best way to redeem Rapid Rewards points is for Southwest flights. And since the Rapid Rewards structure is a fixed-value program, you won’t get more value from some flights than others. The good news is that means there are no blackout dates when you want to redeem points.

You can add employee cards for no additional cost, meaning you can be rewarded for employee spending.

Lastly, this card is great for getting more than halfway to a Southwest Companion Pass with the bonus offer. Read our guide on earning a Southwest Companion Pass for up to two years via new account bonuses.

Business owners who want to separate their personal and business expenses and maximize thousands of dollars in spend have no shortage of business cards to choose from. For frequent Delta flyers, the Delta Reserve Business American Express Card is among the most rewarding options out there once you can overlook the steep $650 annual fee.

Racking up Delta SkyMiles for award flights can be done effortlessly with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card. You’ll earn 3x bonus miles on eligible Delta purchases.

But the kicker is that you’ll start to earn a higher mileage accelerator once you spend $150,000 on the card annually — that’s when you’ll start to earn 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases. You’ll also earn 1.5X miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases. (If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.) Earn 1x miles per dollar spent on all other eligible non-bonus purchases.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business cardholders can save 15% when redeeming SkyMiles for all award flights operated by Delta, which can add up significantly the more you book Delta award flights.

And there are a number of Delta-related benefits that extend to you and up to eight companions on the same reservation such as your first checked bag free and Zone 5 priority boarding.

While you won’t get any free guest access, you can bring up to two guests for a $50 charge per person, or redeem one of your four guest passes you’ll get as a Delta Business Reserve cardholder every year.

You’ll receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.

Other ways to recoup the $650 annual fee include the annual companion certificate, which is valid on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Only Delta One flights are excluded.

The card features a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application statement credit and ample trip and purchase protections that will help elevate your business travels.

And you’ll also receive up to $610 in statement credits each year with up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card, up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Enrollment Required) and up to $250 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. (Terms apply)

Don’t forget the opportunity to earn MQDs!

Earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card and receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year.

The Delta Reserve Business American Express card is a solid choice for business owners who are able to reap all the excellent benefits, but note that it may take significant card spend for you to justify the $650 annual fee year after year.

Rates and Fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Credit Card