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.
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Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $229/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $229 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | 60,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $840 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $2,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$229/yr · 60,000 points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit help offset the annual fee, and the 4x earning on Southwest is class-leading among airline cards.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Gateway Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority has the bigger bonus, 60,000 points, worth roughly $840, versus 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority's $229 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority's benefits to clear $229 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- 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 United Gateway Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 spend in 3 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $2,000 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.