Southwest Premier vs United Explorer
Southwest Premier
$149/yr
6.0/10
VS
United Explorer
$150/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
Southwest Premier charges $149/yr with 1X base rewards. United Explorer charges $150/yr with 1X base rewards. Southwest Premier 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
Lower annual fee ($149 vs $150)
Rewards Earning
Southwest Premier
6 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 wins for most people
The $1 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for Southwest PremierPREMIUM 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
| Southwest purchases | 3.0X |
| Hotel & car rental partners | 2.0X |
| Local transit & commuting | 2.0X |
| Streaming services | 2.0X |
| Internet, cable, phone | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
United Explorer
| United Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Dining | 2.0X |
| Hotel stays | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |