CardRewardsEditorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.
The United Explorer Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card ($229/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Purchases | 3X |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 3.
Southwest Purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X
Rapid Rewards Partners
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
Internet Cable Phone
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
Gas Stations
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
United Purchases
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
Hotels
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
United Airlines
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card costs $229/yr — that's $79 more than the United Explorer Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $79 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers free checked bags. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.
The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $229), making it the more accessible option.
Choose the United Explorer Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The United Explorer Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card ($229/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Purchases | 3X |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 3.
Southwest Purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X
Rapid Rewards Partners
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
Internet Cable Phone
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
Gas Stations
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
United Purchases
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
Hotels
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
United Airlines
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card costs $229/yr — that's $79 more than the United Explorer Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $79 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers free checked bags. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.
The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $229), making it the more accessible option.
Choose the United Explorer Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The United Explorer Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card ($229/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Purchases | 3X |
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 3.
Southwest Purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X
Rapid Rewards Partners
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
Internet Cable Phone
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
Gas Stations
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 2X vs 1X
United Purchases
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
Hotels
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
United Airlines
United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card costs $229/yr — that's $79 more than the United Explorer Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $79 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers free checked bags. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.
The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $229), making it the more accessible option.
Choose the United Explorer Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
| 1X |
| Dining | 2X | 2X |
| Gas Stations | 2X | 1X |
| Hotels | 1X | 2X |
| Internet, Cable & Phone | 2X | 1X |
| Rapid Rewards Partners | 2X | 1X |
| United Airlines | 1X | 2X |
| United Purchases | 1X | 2X |
| Everything Else | 1X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Bottom line: The $79 difference is small enough that the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.
Choosing Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card means losing:
Get the United Explorer Card if you:
| 1X |
| Dining | 2X | 2X |
| Gas Stations | 2X | 1X |
| Hotels | 1X | 2X |
| Internet, Cable & Phone | 2X | 1X |
| Rapid Rewards Partners | 2X | 1X |
| United Airlines | 1X | 2X |
| United Purchases | 1X | 2X |
| Everything Else | 1X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Bottom line: The $79 difference is small enough that the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.
Choosing Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card means losing:
Get the United Explorer Card if you:
| 1X |
| Dining | 2X | 2X |
| Gas Stations | 2X | 1X |
| Hotels | 1X | 2X |
| Internet, Cable & Phone | 2X | 1X |
| Rapid Rewards Partners | 2X | 1X |
| United Airlines | 1X | 2X |
| United Purchases | 1X | 2X |
| Everything Else | 1X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Bottom line: The $79 difference is small enough that the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.
Choosing Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card means losing:
Get the United Explorer Card if you:
