MMatchYourSaaS
Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States

Chase United Explorer vs Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

US
Chase
Chase United Explorer
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
US
Capital One
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
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

CriterionChase United ExplorerCapital One Spark Cash Plus
Annual fee
$95
·
$150
Joining fee
=
None
=
None
Top reward rate
=
2% (travel)
=
2% (general)
Base reward rate
·
1%
2%
Forex markup
=
No FX fee
=
No FX fee
Welcome bonus
=
60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months
=
$1,200 cash bonus after $30,000 spend in first 3 months
Fee waiver threshold
=
No waiver
=
No waiver
Min income
=
—
=
—
Min credit score
700
·
720
Editorial rating
·
4.2/5
4.5/5
Apply for Chase United Explorer Apply for Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Benefits compared

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

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

  • Unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase
  • 5% on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
  • No preset spending limit
  • Annual fee refund of $150 if you spend $150K/year
  • No foreign transaction fees

FAQ

›Chase United Explorer vs Capital One Spark Cash Plus: which is better?

It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase United Explorer wins on 2 criteria, Capital One Spark Cash Plus on 2.

›Can I get both?

Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase United Explorer for its best categories, Capital One Spark Cash Plus for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.

›Which one has the better welcome bonus?

Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months. Capital One Spark Cash Plus: $1,200 cash bonus after $30,000 spend in first 3 months.