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: too close to call (under 3 pts). Scores: United Explorer Card 65.4%, Chase Sapphire Reserve 63.9%.
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 Reserve nets −$439/yr after annual fees. Use your own numbers →
Criterion scores (0–10)
Annual feeCard: 5.0 · Reserve: 1.0
Rewards rateCard: 4.5 · Reserve: 6.5
Sign-up bonusCard: 9.3 · Reserve: 10
Intro 0% APRCard: 0.0 · Reserve: 0.0
Regular APRCard: 7.0 · Reserve: 7.2
Foreign transaction feeCard: 10.0 · Reserve: 10.0
Regulatory record (CFPB)Card: 10.0 · Reserve: 10.0
Penalty APRup to 29.99% Chase's CFPB-filed agreements list a penalty APR of 'up to 29.99%'; agreements are not labeled by product, so this is issuer-level consumerfinance.gov, 2026-06-30
Penalty APRup to 29.99% Chase's CFPB-filed agreements list a penalty APR of 'up to 29.99%'; agreements are not labeled by product, so this is issuer-level consumerfinance.gov, 2026-06-30
⚠ $795 annual fee · APR up to 28.24% 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 Reserve?
On VaultRubric's rubric: too close to call. 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.