Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and lounge access; United Explorer Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if year-one math is your priority; take the United Explorer Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1- First-year math Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card is $645 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve earns more on its best category (8× vs 2×).
- Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $795
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $2,550
- $910
- First-year net
- +$1,755
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 8×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- 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.