Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, United Explorer Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
United Explorer Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card wins on earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and annual fee.
Pick the United Explorer Card 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
1 vs 2- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card is $79 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns more on its best category (4× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $229
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- $910
- First-year net
- $-229
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 4×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Gas, 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.