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United Explorer Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Not credit advice. Facts and math from issuer pages and the CFPB, each with its date. Offers change; approval depends on your credit. Verify on the issuer's site.

Rubric: Chase Sapphire Preferred leads by 8.0 pts. Scores: United Explorer Card 65.4%, Chase Sapphire Preferred 73.4%.

At a sample $1,920/month (groceries $500, dining $300, gas $150, travel $150, online $200, other $400 …): United Explorer Card nets −$8/yr, Chase Sapphire Preferred nets $233/yr after annual fees. Use your own numbers →

Criterion scores (0–10)

• Annual feeCard: 5.0 · Preferred: 8.0
• Rewards rateCard: 4.5 · Preferred: 6.0
• Sign-up bonusCard: 9.3 · Preferred: 10
• Intro 0% APRCard: 0.0 · Preferred: 0.0
• Regular APRCard: 7.0 · Preferred: 7.4
• Foreign transaction feeCard: 10.0 · Preferred: 10.0
• Regulatory record (CFPB)Card: 10.0 · Preferred: 10.0

Downsides

• United Explorer Card65.4%
  Chase · travel
  Annual fee $150 ($0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150)APR 19.99%–28.49% variableRewards 1% base; 2% dining; 2% travelCredit 620–719, 720+ (CFPB TCCP targeted tiers)

  ⚠ $150 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150) · APR up to 28.49% if you carry a balance · Penalty APR up to 29.99%

• Chase Sapphire Preferred73.4%
  Chase · travel
  Annual fee $95APR 19.49%–27.74% variableRewards 5x Chase Travel; 3x dining, gas/EV, streaming & online groceries; 2x other travel; 1x otherCredit 720+ (CFPB TCCP targeted tiers)

  ⚠ $95 annual fee · APR up to 27.74% if you carry a balance · Penalty APR up to 29.99%

No paid placement. No issuer pays VaultRubric for inclusion or rank; links go to the issuer's own page. Ranks come only from the published rubric below.

FAQ

Which is better, United Explorer Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred?

On VaultRubric's rubric: Chase Sapphire Preferred scores higher. The better card for you depends on where you spend; the calculator shows net value for your spending.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.