Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 3 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 3 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Chase Sapphire Preferred leads on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling, while United Explorer Card only ties the rest.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 0- First-year math Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred is $55 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,275
- $910
- First-year net
- +$1,180
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Chase Travel Portal, Dining, Travel
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.