The United Explorer edges out the Southwest Plus for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 80,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 3x vs 2x). The Southwest Plus is the better choice if you want no or lower annual fee.
Southwest Plus 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.
- Southwest Purchases 2x
- Gas Stations and Grocery Stores 2x
- All Other Purchases 1x
- United Purchases 3x
- Restaurant Purchases 2x
- Hotel Stays 2x
- United Travel Credit $100
- United Hotels Credit $50
- United Hotels Credit $50
- +4 more
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year
Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The United Explorer edges out the Southwest Plus for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 80,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 3x vs 2x). The Southwest Plus is the better choice if you want no or lower annual fee. On raw upside, United Explorer tops out at 3x versus 2x for Southwest Plus. Current signup bonus values are roughly $800 for Southwest Plus and $800 for United Explorer. Updated May 30, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/southwest-plus-vs-united-explorer
- United Explorer wins 2 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: United Explorer reaches 3x; Southwest Plus reaches 2x.
- Annual fee: United Explorer is $150/yr; Southwest Plus is $99/yr.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $800 and $800.
Common Questions: Southwest Plus vs United Explorer
Is the Southwest Plus or United Explorer better for dining?
Southwest Plus has no dining bonus; United Explorer earns 2x on dining.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Southwest Plus currently offers 80,000 pts signup bonus (spend $1,000 in 3 months). United Explorer offers 80,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Both bonuses are roughly equal in value.
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 Southwest Plus 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.