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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits and rewards structures tailored to different travel preferences and spending habits.
Card Overviews
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is designed for small business owners who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines. It offers an attractive rewards system for purchases made on the airline, as well as other business-related expenses.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is aimed at travelers who prefer United Airlines. With a variety of benefits that enhance the travel experience, including priority boarding and free checked bags, this card is ideal for frequent United flyers and those who dine out often.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $99 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. |
| Rewards Structure | 3X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases, 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, 2X points on rideshare, 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel; 1x mile on all other purchases. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | 6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary; 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year. | Priority boarding privileges; 2 United Club℠ one-time passes; free first checked bag; up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit. |
Rewards Highlights
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Pros:
- High points earning potential on Southwest purchases.
- Additional points after Cardmember anniversary.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Cons:
- Annual fee starts at $99.
- Limited to Southwest Airlines rewards.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year.
- Multiple travel benefits, including free checked bags.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Cons:
- Annual fee of $150 after the first year.
- Lower rewards on non-United purchases.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Ideal for small business owners who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines and want to earn points on a variety of business-related purchases.
- The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best suited for travelers who prefer United Airlines, value dining rewards, and want additional travel perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card depends on your individual travel habits and spending patterns. Consider which airline you fly with most often and the types of rewards and benefits that will best serve your travel needs.