Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; 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 Premier Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 1- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is $1 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card earns more on its best category (3× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $149
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- $910
- First-year net
- $-149
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 3×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Groceries, Dining
- 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.