Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card vs. United Explorer Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and United Explorer Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card wins on annual fee; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is $51 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $99
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- $910
- First-year net
- $-99
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Gas, Groceries
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Southwest Rapid 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.