The Southwest Premier 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 Premier 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 3x
- Grocery Stores and Restaurants 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
- 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List statusAfter $5,000 spend
Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The Southwest Premier 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. On raw upside, Southwest Premier tops out at 3x versus 3x for United Explorer. Current signup bonus values are roughly $850 for Southwest Premier and $800 for United Explorer. Updated May 30, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/southwest-premier-vs-united-explorer
- Southwest Premier wins 2 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: Southwest Premier reaches 3x; United Explorer reaches 3x.
- Annual fee: Southwest Premier is $149/yr; United Explorer is $150/yr.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $850 and $800.
Common Questions: Southwest Premier vs United Explorer
Is the Southwest Premier or United Explorer better for dining?
Southwest Premier earns 2x on dining; United Explorer earns 2x on dining. Southwest Premier wins for dining.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Southwest Premier currently offers 85,000 pts signup bonus (spend $2,000 in 3 months). United Explorer offers 80,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Southwest Premier 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 Premier 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.