Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs. United℠ Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Chase
4.3
50,000 bonus points. 7,500 anniversary points. $75 travel credit.
Full review →United℠ Explorer Card
Chase
4.2
Free 1st + 2nd checked bags. 60,000-mile bonus. 2x on United, dining, hotel.
Full review →WealthSpott Verdict
United℠ Explorer Card wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority may still win for your wallet depending on your spending patterns.
Feature
Southwest Rapid Rewards®
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee
$149/yr
$95/yr Best
Sign-up Bonus
50,000 points
60,000 miles
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
1x-2x
Rewards Type
Points
Miles
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Regular APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable Best
22.49%-29.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fee
Yes
None Best
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Pros
- 7,500 anniversary points each year
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
- Path to Companion Pass with enough spending
Cons
- $149 annual fee
- Only valuable for Southwest flyers
- Foreign transaction fee
United℠ Explorer Card
Pros
- Free first and second checked bags on United
- 60,000-mile sign-up bonus
- Two United Club passes per year
- 2x on United, dining, and hotels
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Miles tied to United/Star Alliance
- Standard 1x earning on non-bonus purchases
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