The Southwest Plus edges out the United Explorer for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 85,000 pts signup bonus. The United Explorer is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.
Southwest Plus vs United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
- Southwest Purchases 2x
- Gas Stations and Grocery Stores 2x
- All Other Purchases 1x
- United Purchases 2x
- Restaurant Purchases 2x
- Hotel Stays 2x
- Statement Credit $5
- Statement Credit $50
- Statement Credit $50
- +1 more
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year
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 85,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). United Explorer offers 85,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Southwest Plus 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 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.