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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs United Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chase Sapphire PreferredChase | United Explorer CardChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $95 |
| APR | 19.24% - 27.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 5X on Chase Travel, 3X on dining & streaming & online groceries, 2X on travel, 1X on everything else | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 5X on Chase Travel and 3X on dining, streaming, and online groceries 10% anniversary bonus points on prior year's spend No foreign transaction fees | Free first checked bag saves $70+ per round trip for 2 travelers Two United Club one-time passes per year 25% back on United in-flight purchases |
| Cons | $95 annual fee No airport lounge access Limited premium perks vs. Reserve | $95 annual fee 2X earning rate is low compared to general travel cards Best value only if you fly United regularly |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred
With a 4.8/5 rating, the Chase Sapphire Preferred edges out the United Explorer Card (4.3/5). At $95/yr, the value proposition is strong. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the gold standard for everyday travel rewards. With flexible Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to 14+ airline and hotel partners, it's the card that started the travel rewards revolution.