United Explorer℠ Card

Earn 50,000 bonus miles

after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United℠ Explorer Card
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Quick Summary

Overall a very typical airline co-brand credit card, the United Explorer comes with one free checked bag when flying United (must purchase the flight with the card), 2x miles on United® purchases, and a nice bonus of United miles.

How to Earn Rewards

2x

2 miles per $1 spent on dining

2x

2 miles per $1 spent on hotel stays

2x

2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United®, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.

1x

1 mile per $1 on everything else.

Annual Fee

$95

$0 for your first year, then $95.

Our Take

You can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to United to top off your account if needed.

The 2 United Club passes are also a nice perk for anyone who doesn’t have a card that offers lounge access. Once you try the lounge life there really is no going back.

Benefits

Free first checked bag

Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary

Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit.

25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card.

Compared to Other Cards

United℠ Explorer Card

United Explorer℠ Card

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 50,000 bonus miles

after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual Fee:

$95 $0 for your first year, then $95.

United℠ Business Card

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual Fee:

$99 $0 for your first year, then $99.

United Quest℠ Card

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 bonus miles

plus 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual Fee:

$250

Editorial Note

Content is not provided or commissioned by credit card issuers. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuers, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuers.