Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred
The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today — the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($720 more in estimated value) than the United Explorer Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the United Explorer Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 points | 60,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,500 | $780 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$95/yr · 60,000 miles
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 60k bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or United Explorer Card?
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus — 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus 60,000 miles (~$780) on the United Explorer Card.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $95/yr, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Explorer Card's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and United Explorer Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 spend in 3 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.