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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. Both cards offer unique benefits and features tailored to different spending habits and financial goals.
Card Overviews
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed for consumers who frequently shop at supermarkets and subscribe to streaming services. With a robust cash back rewards program, it is ideal for families and individuals looking to maximize their everyday spending.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is tailored for business owners and frequent travelers who prefer the Southwest Airlines network. It offers generous rewards on travel-related expenses and provides benefits like upgraded boardings, making it a great choice for those who travel often for business or leisure.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | $199 |
| Welcome Bonus | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months | 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% at gas stations, 3% on transit, 1% on other purchases | 4X points on Southwest purchases, 3X on hotel and car rental partners, 2X on rideshare and select services, 1X on other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | Late payment fee up to $40 | Late payment fee up to $39 |
| Additional Benefits | $84 Disney Bundle Credit, Buy Now, Pay Later feature | 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available |
Rewards Highlights
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Pros and Cons
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Pros:
- Strong cash back rewards on everyday purchases
- Introductory annual fee offer
- Additional benefits like Disney Bundle Credit
- Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Higher spending requirement for the welcome bonus
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus in points
- Excellent rewards on travel-related purchases
- Beneficial for frequent Southwest flyers
- Cons:
- Higher annual fee
- Rewards are limited to the Southwest network
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for:
- Families or individuals who spend heavily at supermarkets and on streaming services.
- Those looking for a solid cash back return on everyday expenses.
- The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is ideal for:
- Business owners and frequent travelers who often fly Southwest Airlines.
- Individuals who want to earn points to redeem for flights and travel-related perks.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card depends on your personal spending habits and financial goals. Consider where you spend the most and what benefits are most valuable to you to make an informed decision.