Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase United Explorer?
Chase Sapphire Preferred returns $455 over its fee and Chase United Explorer returns $230, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | SAPPHIRE PREFERRED | UNITED EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| 🍽️Food & Dining | $240 | $120 |
| 🌎Travel | $100 | $200 |
| 🎭Entertainment & Media | $180 | — |
| 🚗Transportation | — | $60 |
| Total credits | $550 | $380 |
| Annual fee | $95 | $150 |
| Net value | +$455 | +$230 |
You use food & dining, entertainment & media. Entertainment & Media alone is worth $180 here and nothing on the United Explorer.
You use travel, transportation. Transportation alone is worth $60 here and nothing on the Sapphire Preferred.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is better with $455 net annual value compared to the Chase United Explorer at $230. The Chase Sapphire Preferred wins by $225/year.
What's the difference between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase United Explorer?
The key differences: Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $550 in annual benefits, while Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $55.
Which has a lower annual fee, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee at $95 compared to the Chase United Explorer at $150. However, the Chase United Explorer offers $380 in total annual benefits.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it compared to the Chase United Explorer?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers better value with $455 net annual value compared to $230 for the Chase United Explorer. It also has a lower annual fee.
Which card is better for entertainment_and_media?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is better for entertainment_and_media with $180 in annual entertainment_and_media benefits compared to $0 for the Chase United Explorer.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
If you're deciding between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase United Explorer, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the better choice with $455 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.
Other comparisons
NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACHMORE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey