The Chase Sapphire Preferred edges out the United Explorer for most cardholders — it wins on 3 of 4 comparison categories and offers 75,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 5x vs 3x). The United Explorer is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
Comparison Method
CardCurator compares measurable differences first: annual fee, current welcome offer, top-end earning, and recurring credits. If the cards are close, the right answer depends on spending pattern and perk usage rather than headline prestige.
- Chase Travel 5x
- Dining 3x
- Streaming 3x
- United Purchases 3x
- Restaurant Purchases 2x
- Hotel Stays 2x
- hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel. $50
- DoorDash Credit $10
- United Travel Credit $100
- United Hotels Credit $50
- United Hotels Credit $50
- +4 more
- DoorDash Dashpass (~$100/yr)
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- British Airways Executive Club
- Flying Blue
- +9 more
Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred edges out the United Explorer for most cardholders — it wins on 3 of 4 comparison categories and offers 75,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 5x vs 3x). The United Explorer is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem. On raw upside, Chase Sapphire Preferred tops out at 5x versus 3x for United Explorer. Current signup bonus values are roughly $1500 for Chase Sapphire Preferred and $800 for United Explorer. Updated May 30, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/chase-sapphire-preferred-vs-united-explorer
- Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 3 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: Chase Sapphire Preferred reaches 5x; United Explorer reaches 3x.
- Annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred is $95/yr; United Explorer is $150/yr.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $1500 and $800.
Common Questions: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs United Explorer
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred or United Explorer better for dining?
Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on dining; United Explorer earns 2x on dining. Chase Sapphire Preferred wins for dining.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Chase Sapphire Preferred currently offers 75,000 pts signup bonus (spend $5,000 in 3 months). United Explorer offers 80,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Chase Sapphire Preferred has the larger bonus.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for international travel.
Can I hold both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the United Explorer?
In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Both cards are from Chase, so check their specific application rules.