Chase Sapphire Preferred vs United Explorer: Which Is Better In 2025?

United Explorer Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the United℠ Explorer Card a strong contender for travelers.

• Cardholders receive valuable travel perks like a free first checked bag for two, priority boarding, and two annual United Club℠ passes.
• The card offers an application fee credit of up to $120 for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every four years, plus 25% back on inflight United purchases.
• The free checked bag benefit for you and a companion can offset the card's annual fee with just one round-trip flight per year (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• A strong suite of travel benefits for United flyers, including a free first checked bag for two, priority boarding, and annual United Club℠ passes.
• Excellent travel protections like primary auto rental coverage and no foreign transaction fees, plus a statement credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.
• Earn miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, which can be redeemed for flights on United and its many Star Alliance partner airlines.

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Cons

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• An annual fee applies after the first year, which may not be ideal for infrequent travelers.
• The card’s best benefits are highly concentrated around United Airlines, offering limited value if you’re not loyal to the carrier.
• Earning rates on general purchases are lower than some competing travel cards, and key perks like lounge access come with limitations.

United Explorer vs Chase Sapphire Preferred®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or United Explorer, depends entirely on your travel habits and loyalty to a specific airline.

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a top choice for those new to travel rewards, offering strong benefits and flexibility without the high cost of a premium card.
• United Explorer is designed for frequent United Airlines flyers who can take full advantage of airline-specific perks to enhance their travel experience.

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Redemption

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred®: You earn flexible Ultimate Rewards® points that can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel through the Chase portal.
• United Explorer: This card earns MileagePlus miles, which are primarily redeemed for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners, as well as for seat upgrades.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred®:
  • Cardholders gain access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal, where points can be worth more when redeemed for travel.
  • You won't encounter foreign transaction fees when making purchases abroad.
  • This card does not come with complimentary airport lounge access.
• United Explorer:
  • The card's ecosystem is built around United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners, with bookings and redemptions handled through United's platform.
  • Like the Sapphire Preferred, it also waives foreign transaction fees.
  • Cardmembers receive two one-time United Club passes each year.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To take the guesswork out of the equation, a tool like Kudos lets you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards using your own spending data.

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• Use the 'Test Drive' feature to simulate your potential earnings with any card based on your actual spending history, all without a hard credit pull.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Benefit from a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months of approval.
• Stack rewards by earning extra through Kudos Boost on top of your regular card rewards when you shop.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers looking for a strong entry-level travel rewards card without a premium annual fee. It's best suited for those who spend regularly on dining, travel, online groceries, and select streaming services, allowing them to maximize point earnings. Cardholders who value robust travel protections and flexible redemption options, including transferring points to airline and hotel partners, will get the most out of its benefits.

Who Should Choose the United Explorer?

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The United℠ Explorer Card is tailor-made for frequent United Airlines flyers who travel several times a year and want to maximize their benefits. These cardholders value practical perks like a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and access to travel protections. It's also a strong choice for international travelers due to its lack of foreign transaction fees and for those seeking statement credits for programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, as detailed in this card review.

Alternatives to Consider

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Deciding between the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the United℠ Explorer Card comes down to whether you prefer flexible travel points or airline-specific benefits. If neither card feels like the perfect match, several other top-tier travel cards are worth considering.

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Tips for Application Success

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Applying for a new travel rewards card is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring you’re approved and can maximize its value from day one.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score: Most premium travel cards require good to excellent credit. Knowing where you stand before applying is a crucial first step.
• Plan your spending: Welcome offers typically require meeting a minimum spending threshold in the first few months. Ensure you can reach this target organically through your normal spending without overextending your budget.
• Review the eligibility rules: Issuers often have specific restrictions. For instance, you might not be eligible for a new cardmember bonus if you’ve received one for the same card or its family within the past few years.
• Have a goal for your rewards: Whether you’re saving up flexible points for transfer partners or co-branded miles with a specific airline, having a redemption plan helps you choose the right card for your wallet.

Application Strategy:

• Time your application: If you have a large purchase on the horizon—like new furniture or a vacation—applying beforehand can help you meet the spending requirement with ease.
• Be mindful of application velocity: Many banks limit how many cards you can open in a certain timeframe. Researching an issuer’s unwritten rules can significantly improve your approval odds.
• Don’t be discouraged by a pending status: If you aren’t approved instantly, it doesn’t always mean you’ve been denied. Sometimes, a quick call to the bank’s reconsideration line is all it takes to get an approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the rewards programs for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and United Explorer Card differ?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that are transferable to various airline and hotel partners. The United Explorer Card earns United MileagePlus® miles, which are best for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners.

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Can I use Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for United flights?

Yes, points earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be transferred to the United MileagePlus® program at a 1:1 ratio. This gives you the flexibility to book award flights directly through United.

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Which card offers better perks for flying on United Airlines?

The United Explorer Card is tailored for United flyers, offering benefits like a free first checked bag and priority boarding on United flights. The Sapphire Preferred® Card does not offer these airline-specific perks but provides broader travel protections and credits.

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What are the annual fees for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and United Explorer cards?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee. The United Explorer Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.