Southwest Premier Business vs United Explorer
Southwest Premier Business
$149/yr
6.0/10
VS
United Explorer
$150/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
Southwest Premier Business charges $149/yr with 1X base rewards. United Explorer charges $150/yr with 1X base rewards. Southwest Premier Business offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.
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Winner by Category
Annual Fees
Southwest Premier Business
Lower annual fee ($149 vs $150)
Rewards Earning
Southwest Premier Business
4 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
See card details
Visit each card's review for full benefits list
Statement Credits
United Explorer
$100 in annual credits
Flexibility
Tie
Both cards have similar redemption flexibility
OUR PICK
Southwest Premier Business wins for most people
The $1 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for Southwest Premier BusinessPREMIUM PICK
United Explorer wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for United ExplorerRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
Southwest Premier Business
| Southwest purchases | 3.0X |
| Hotel & car rental partners | 2.0X |
| Rideshare | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
United Explorer
| United Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Dining | 2.0X |
| Hotel stays | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |