Issued by Chase, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and United Explorer credit cards cater to different airlines and provide unique benefits for loyal customers and cardholders.
Let's compare these cards side by side.
General Comparison
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card is tied to Southwest Airlines, allowing you to earn Rapid Rewards points that can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
On the other hand, the United Explorer Card is designed for United Airlines loyalists. Similar to the Southwest card, it typically offers a generous sign-up bonus in the form of United MileagePlus miles. Cardholders earn miles for everyday purchases, with additional rewards for spending with United, dining, and hotel stays.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main features of each card:
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Which Card Offer Higher Point Rewards Value?
When we compare how many points cardholders can earn for the same spend, there’s a noticeable difference between the two cards. Of course, the actual results can vary depending on your spending habits.
|
| |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | United Explorer Card | Rapid Rewards Premier |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 miles | 10,000 points |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| 8,000 miles | 4,000 points |
$5,000 – Airline | 10,000 miles | 15,000 points |
$5,000 – Hotels | 10,000 miles | 10,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 miles | 4,000 points |
Total Points | 42,000 points | 43,000 points |
Redemption Value (Estimated) | 1 point = ~1.2 cents
| 1 point = ~1.3 cents
|
Estimated Annual Value | $504 | $559 |
United Airlines offers a variety of redemption options for MileagePlus miles, allowing you to book flights, upgrade seats, or cover fees. Plus, miles can be used for hotel stays, car rentals, and even merchandise through the MileagePlus Shopping portal.
Southwest Airlines offers flexible redemption options for Rapid Rewards points. Use points for flight bookings without blackout dates or seat restrictions, simplifying travel planning. Additionally, points can be utilized for hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and unique experiences through the More Rewards program.
Airline Benefits And Protections: Comparison
Which Unique Benefits Each Card Offer?
Here are the unique benefits of each card:
United Explorer Card
- Global Entry/TSA Precheck® Reimbursement: You can receive up to $100 as a statement credit every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA Precheck®, or NEXUS, making your airport security process faster and more convenient.
- 25% Back on In-Flight Purchases: You'll get a 25% statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights when you pay with your Explorer Card, saving you money during your travels.
- Priority Boarding: You and your companions on the same reservation can board United-operated flights before the general boarding process.
- Earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): You can earn PQP to help you achieve MileagePlus Premier® status, enhancing your travel experience with United Airlines.
- Free First Checked Bag: You and a companion can save up to $140 per roundtrip by receiving a free checked bag when flying with United, reducing your travel expenses.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. This provides primary insurance coverage for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: You can be reimbursed for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares if your trip is canceled or cut short due to covered situations like sickness or severe weather.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed over 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging.
- Visa Concierge: Enjoy complimentary access to Visa Signature® Concierge Service 24/7, helping you find tickets to events, make dinner reservations, and more.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
- 25% Back on Inflight Purchases: Receive a 25% rebate on inflight purchases, making onboard snacks, drinks, and entertainment more affordable for travelers.
6,000 Points Annually on Cardmember Anniversary: Cardholders receive an additional 6,000 bonus points every year on their Cardmember anniversary, further enhancing the annual point accumulation and boosting the overall rewards potential.
- Unlimited Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): For every $10,000 spent, earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status, with no limit on the amount of TQPs you can accumulate, facilitating progress towards elite status and associated benefits.
- 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost: The card provides an annual boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points, bringing cardholders closer to earning the highly coveted Southwest Companion Pass.
- 2 EarlyBird Check-In® Each Year: Enjoy the convenience of two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, allowing cardholders to secure earlier boarding positions.
When You Might Want The United Explorer Card?
Here are situations when you might prefer the United Explorer over the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier:
You Want Global Network and Star Alliance Benefits: If your travel often takes you to international destinations, the United Explorer card might be preferable. United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, offering a broader global network
You Want Better Travel Insurance: the Explorer card offers broader coverage than what you can get with the Southwest Premier card, so if you are looking to maximize your coverage, it may be a better option.
You Want A Variety Of Redemption Options: If you prefer the flexibility to redeem miles for various travel options beyond flights, the United Explorer might be more suitable. United MileagePlus miles can be used for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more, providing versatility in how you use your earned rewards.
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When You Might Want The Southwest Premier Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier may be a better option if:
You Plan To Spend Mainly On Airline: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card earns 3x points on Southwest flights while the United Explorer card earns 2x miles on United purchases. If you are mainly looking to earn points on flights, the Premier card may be better.
You Need Flexible Change and Cancellation Policies: Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier if you appreciate flexibility in your travel plans. Southwest is known for its customer-friendly change and cancellation policies, allowing you to modify your travel dates without hefty fees. This flexibility can be a significant advantage, especially for those with unpredictable schedules.
You Want No Blackout Dates or Seat Restrictions: If you want to avoid blackout dates and seat restrictions when redeeming rewards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier may be more suitable. Southwest's redemption system is based on the cost of the flight, offering flexibility in choosing travel dates and availability without the limitations often associated with traditional airline loyalty programs.
Compare The Alternatives
There are other travel cards worth mentioning, here are some of our best premium travel credit cards:
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|
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|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Capital One Venture X Rewards | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates & Fees | $550 | $395 |
Rewards |
1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
| 1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
|
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| 75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. See Rates & Fees | $0 | $0
|
Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR | 21.99% – 28.99% variable APR | 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable) |
Compare Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
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