Card comparison

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card vs United℠ Explorer Card

Compare fees, rewards, welcome offers, APR terms, protections, and long-term value for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card and United℠ Explorer Card.

United℠ Explorer Card

★★★★★4.6Wafacard score
Issuer page
Recommended credit
Good (670-719)

Why compare Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority and United Explorer?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card and United℠ Explorer Card belong on the same shortlist when the goal is to balance rewards with the real cost of carrying a card. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is issued by Chase and currently shows a $229 annual fee, while United℠ Explorer Card comes from Chase with a $150 annual fee. That fee difference is the first useful dividing line, but it is not the whole decision.

The comparison becomes more meaningful after matching each rewards structure to actual spending. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently reports 1x earning, and United℠ Explorer Card reports 1x. Those shorthand rates do not show category caps, redemption restrictions, transfer partners, or enrollment rules, so readers should use them as a starting point and verify the detailed issuer terms.

United℠ Explorer Card has the lower listed annual fee. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card therefore needs to return enough extra value through rewards, credits, protections, or convenience to justify its additional cost. People comparing travel benefits, everyday rewards, a welcome offer, or long-term account value should keep reading because the winner changes with the way the card will be used.

This Wafacard comparison uses the same Sanity records that power each individual review and category page. Unknown facts are marked Not Available rather than inferred. Rates and offers can change, so the final application decision should always be based on the issuer's current disclosures.

Quick winner

Overall winner

No verified winner

A overall winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best for travel

No verified winner

A travel winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best for cashback

No verified winner

A cashback winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best for beginners

No verified winner

A beginner winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best long-term value

No verified winner

A long term winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best welcome bonus

No verified winner

A welcome winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Side-by-side comparison

Every available normalized field from the two Sanity card records appears below. Not Available means Wafacard does not currently hold a verified value for that field.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit CardUnited℠ Explorer Card
IssuerChaseChase
NetworkVisaVisa
Card typetraveltravel
Annual fee$229$150
Regular APRAPR range: 19.24% - 27.74%APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%
Intro APRNot Available0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
Balance transfer APRAPR range: 19.24% - 27.74%APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%
Balance transfer feeNot AvailableNot Available
Foreign transaction feeNot AvailableNot Available
Credit score neededExcellent (720+)Good (670-719)
Rewards rate1x1x
Sign-up bonus90,000 points or cash-equivalent units60,000 points or cash-equivalent units
Welcome offerIntro value may include 90,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.
Point valueNot AvailableNot Available
Cashback structureNot AvailableNot Available
Travel benefitsRental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — IncludedRental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included
Purchase protectionPurchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — IncludedPurchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included
Extended warrantyExtended warranty protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — IncludedExtended warranty protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included
Rental insuranceRental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — IncludedRental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included
Airport lounge accessNot AvailableNot Available
Global Entry creditNot AvailableGlobal Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS credit — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included
Hotel benefitsNot AvailableNot Available
Airline benefitsChecked-bag benefit — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — IncludedChecked-bag benefit — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included
Mobile wallet supportNot AvailableNot Available
Business or personalPersonalPersonal
Intro offer expiryNot AvailableNot Available
Card imagePlaceholder artworkPlaceholder artwork
Current statusListed in Wafacard databaseListed in Wafacard database

Feature-by-feature comparison

Rewards: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For rewards structures, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Wafacard summary: this travel rewards card should be compared by its annual fee, issuer terms, reward fit, and benefit usefulness for your normal spending.. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Wafacard summary: this travel rewards card shows miles earning from 1x-9x depending on where the card is used. Confirm category definitions and caps with the issuer before applying.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Welcome bonus: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For welcome offers, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Intro value may include 90,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Annual fee: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For annual fees, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists $229. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists $150. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Travel benefits: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For travel benefits, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Rental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Rental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Cashback: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For cash-back potential, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

APR: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For purchase APR, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists APR range: 19.24% - 27.74%. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Balance transfers: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For balance-transfer terms, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists APR range: 19.24% - 27.74%. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Foreign transaction fees: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For international-use costs, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Insurance: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For insurance benefits, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Purchase protection: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For purchase protections, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Purchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Purchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Customer support: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For customer support, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Approval requirements: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For approval requirements, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Excellent (720+). By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Good (670-719). The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Business features: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer

For business tools, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Pros and cons

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card pros

  • $229 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
  • 1x earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
  • A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
  • Excellent (720+) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
  • Visa is documented for acceptance planning.
  • Included in Wafacard's travel category.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card cons

  • The $229 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
  • Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
  • Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
  • Protection claims remain subject to exclusions and claim procedures.
  • Airport lounge access is not documented.
  • Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.

United℠ Explorer Card pros

  • $150 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
  • 1x earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
  • A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
  • Good (670-719) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
  • Visa is documented for acceptance planning.
  • Included in Wafacard's travel category.

United℠ Explorer Card cons

  • The $150 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
  • Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
  • Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
  • Protection claims remain subject to exclusions and claim procedures.
  • Airport lounge access is not documented.
  • Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.

Who each card is best for

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is best for

  • People whose spending matches its travel positioning.
  • Applicants comfortable with a $229 annual fee and Excellent (720+) credit guidance.
  • Cardholders who can use its documented 1x earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
  • People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.

United℠ Explorer Card is best for

  • People whose spending matches its travel positioning.
  • Applicants comfortable with a $150 annual fee and Good (670-719) credit guidance.
  • Cardholders who can use its documented 1x earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
  • People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.

Winner by category

Best rewards

No verified winner

A overall winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best cashback

No verified winner

A cashback winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best travel

No verified winner

A travel winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best balance transfer

No verified winner

A balance transfer winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best students

No verified winner

A beginner winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best business

No verified winner

A business winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best premium

No verified winner

A premium winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best no annual fee

No verified winner

A no fee winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best dining

No verified winner

A dining winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best grocery

No verified winner

A grocery winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best gas

No verified winner

A gas winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best lounge access

No verified winner

A lounge winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best purchase protection

No verified winner

A protection winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best international travel

No verified winner

A international winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Similar cards to consider

Related comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Which card is better overall: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority or United Explorer?

No verified winner is the current overall Wafacard pick because a overall winner will be shown after both card records pass wafacard's comparison review That verdict is not universal. A cardholder who spends in different categories, values a particular issuer ecosystem, or can use a specific protection may reasonably prefer the other card. Compare the annual fee against rewards and benefits you can realistically use, then confirm the issuer's live terms before applying.

Which card earns more rewards?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card currently shows 1x, while United℠ Explorer Card shows 1x. Headline rates are only part of the answer because category definitions, caps, redemption values, and transfer options can change the realized return. Estimate rewards using a normal month of spending rather than an idealized maximum. If neither published structure clearly matches your expenses, the simpler or lower-fee card may produce better long-term value.

Is Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority harder to get than United Explorer?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is associated with Excellent (720+) guidance, compared with Good (670-719) for United℠ Explorer Card. These ranges are directional rather than approval guarantees. Issuers can also evaluate income, existing debt, recent applications, account history, and identity information. Applicants should avoid treating a score range as a promise and should use issuer prequalification tools when available.

Which card has the better welcome bonus?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card lists Intro value may include 90,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer., while United℠ Explorer Card lists Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. A larger number is not automatically more valuable because points, miles, and cash rewards can have different redemption values. Check the required spending, qualifying purchase window, eligibility restrictions, and whether the reward can be used for your intended redemption before naming a personal winner.

Which card is better for travel?

No verified winner has the stronger documented travel fit in this comparison. A travel winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review Travelers should also check foreign transaction fees, acceptance network, rental coverage, trip protections, baggage benefits, lounge rules, and transfer partners. Any benefit marked Not Available should be treated as absent until the issuer confirms it in the current guide to benefits.

Which card is better for cashback?

No verified winner has the stronger documented cash-back fit. A cashback winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review The useful comparison is the net cash earned after annual fees, category caps, activation requirements, and excluded purchases. A flat-rate card can outperform a higher category rate when most spending falls outside bonus categories, while a category card can win for concentrated household spending.

Which card has lower fees?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card lists an annual fee of $229 and United℠ Explorer Card lists $150. Annual fees are only one cost. Review purchase APR, balance-transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, cash-advance charges, and late-payment terms. Paying in full and avoiding fee-triggering transactions matters more than a small rewards difference for many cardholders.

Can I have both Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority and United Explorer?

It may be possible to hold both cards, subject to each issuer's approval rules and any product-family restrictions. Holding both makes sense only when their reward categories and benefits complement one another enough to justify the combined complexity and annual fees. Consider application timing, credit inquiries, minimum-spending requirements, and whether splitting purchases would make rewards harder to manage.

Which card is better for everyday spending?

For everyday spending, compare Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card's 1x summary with United℠ Explorer Card's 1x summary across groceries, dining, gas, transit, utilities, and uncategorized purchases. Use actual statements to estimate the result. The card with the highest maximum rate may not win if that rate applies to a narrow or capped category, so simplicity and broad earning can be valuable.

Should I upgrade or switch later?

A later product change can be useful when spending, travel frequency, or willingness to pay an annual fee changes. Issuer rules determine whether an upgrade, downgrade, or new application is available and whether it earns a welcome offer. Revisit this comparison before renewal, calculate the value received during the year, and ask the issuer how a product change would affect account age, benefits, and existing rewards.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs United Explorer: final verdict

United℠ Explorer Card has the lower annual fee, while Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card may justify its fee for the right user. The overall score favors No verified winner, but the right choice depends on which documented rewards and benefits will actually be used. Compare the annual fee against realistic yearly value, avoid carrying interest for the sake of rewards, and confirm every current term with the issuer before applying.