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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs United Explorer Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier comes from Chase at $149/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 United Explorer Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,040 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's. Get the United Explorer Card first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PremierUnited Explorer Card
Annual fee$149$150
Sign-up bonus55,000 bonus points70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Bonus value (est.)-$1,040
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Southwest
  • 6k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • 15% anniversary promo code
  • Free checked bag
  • 2 United Club passes/year
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
$149/yr · 55,000 bonus points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

The middle tier of the Southwest portfolio after the 2025 refresh. Doubles the anniversary points and bumps the promo code from 10% to 15% vs Plus. Sweet spot for occasional Southwest flyers who don't need the Priority card's $75 travel credit or upgraded boardings.

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 Premier or United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card has a public bonus (70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's $149 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
At $149/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier or the United Explorer Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: $1,500 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.