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American Express Business Gold Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | American Express Business Gold CardAmerican Express | Southwest Rapid Rewards PlusChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $375 | $69 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in 3 months | 40,000 points plus Companion Pass after spending $5,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 4X on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each month (up to $150K/yr combined), 1X on everything else | 2X on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, and local transit & commuting, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 4X on your top 2 business spend categories automatically each month 100,000 MR point bonus transfers to airlines and hotels at 2cpp+ 25% airline bonus when you book through Amex Travel | Companion Pass with signup bonus — a friend flies free on every trip Low $69 annual fee for an airline card 25% back on in-flight purchases and 2 free checked bags (Southwest standard) |
| Cons | $375 annual fee with no offsetting credits $15,000 spend in 3 months is a high bar for the bonus $150,000 annual cap on 4X categories | Companion Pass from signup is limited-time offer Southwest flies domestically only (no international routes) 2X earn rate limited to Southwest and partner purchases |
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Verdict
Our Pick: American Express Business Gold Card
With a 4.4/5 rating, the American Express Business Gold Card edges out the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (4.2/5). At $375/yr, the value proposition is strong. The Amex Business Gold automatically 4X's your top 2 spending categories each billing cycle — no tracking, no activating. For businesses spending heavily on travel, advertising, or shipping, it's the most flexible Membership Rewards earner.