Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
US
Chase
Chase United Explorer
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $550 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 740 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.7/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on 2 criteria, Chase United Explorer on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Sapphire Reserve for its best categories, Chase United Explorer for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.