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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs United Gateway Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/yr; the United Gateway Card from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

Both cards come from Chase and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus costs $99 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PlusUnited Gateway Card
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points30,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)-$390
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
  • 2x on United + transit + gas
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
  • 25% inflight rebate
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

Editorial take: United Gateway Card

The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or United Gateway Card?
The United Gateway Card has a public bonus (30,000 miles, worth roughly $390), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the United Gateway Card?
At $99/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Gateway Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and United Gateway 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 Plus or the United Gateway Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 spend in 3 months. United Gateway Card: $1,000 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.