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Side-by-side
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business comes from Chase at $299/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($78,960 more in estimated value) than the United Explorer Card's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the United Explorer Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $299 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $80,000 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
$299/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business or United Explorer Card?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus (~$1,040) on the United Explorer Card.
- Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's $299 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $299/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Explorer Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business and United Explorer Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 spend in 3 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.