United Explorer Card Review

Introduction to the United Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card, issued by Chase, is one of the best airline credit cards for travelers who frequently fly United Airlines. It offers generous travel perks, including free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and travel credits.

With a strong rewards structure, exclusive United benefits, and a moderate annual fee that can be easily offset by perks, the United Explorer Card is an excellent option for both casual and frequent United travelers.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the United Explorer Card, including its rewards, benefits, fees, and how to maximize your value.

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Key Features of the United℠ Explorer Card

1. Earn Up to 50,000 Bonus Miles

• Earn 50,000 United MileagePlus® miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
• These miles can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and more.

2. 2X Miles on Key Categories

Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on:

• United Airlines purchases (tickets, in-flight purchases, baggage fees, and more)
• Dining (restaurants, takeout, delivery services)
• Hotel stays (when booked directly with the hotel)

Earn 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

3. First Checked Bag Free

• Get one free checked bag for you and a companion on United flights when using the card to purchase the ticket.
• This perk alone saves up to $140 per round trip ($35 per bag, per person, each way).

4. Two United Club℠ Passes Per Year

• Receive 2 complimentary United Club℠ lounge passes per year ($59 value per visit).
• Enjoy free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating before your flight.

5. Priority Boarding on United Flights

• Board before general passengers and secure overhead bin space.

6. Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit

• Get reimbursed for the Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck® ($85) application fee every four years.

7. No Foreign Transaction Fees

• Use the card internationally without paying extra fees (saving 3% on purchases abroad).

8. Trip Protections & Travel Insurance

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $1,500 per person)
• Baggage delay insurance (reimbursement for delayed luggage)
• Trip delay reimbursement (for delays over 12 hours)
• Rental car insurance (primary coverage on rental cars)

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How to Maximize Your United Explorer Card Benefits

1. Use the Card for United Flights

• Earn 2X miles on all United purchases.
• Get priority boarding and a free checked bag on flights.

2. Spend in Bonus Categories

• Earn 2X miles at restaurants and on hotel stays.
• This makes the card a solid choice for travel and dining spending.

3. Take Advantage of United Club Passes

• Lounge passes offer a comfortable travel experience with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
• Use them at major United Club airport lounges worldwide.

4. Get a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit

• Skip long airport security lines by using your $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

5. Book United Award Flights

• Redeem United MileagePlus miles for flights on United and Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

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United Explorer Card vs. Other Airline Credit Cards

United Explorer vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Feature	United℠ Explorer Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Bonus Offer	50,000 miles	60,000 points
Airline Perks	Free checked bag, lounge passes, priority boarding	None
Earning Rate	2X on United, dining, hotels	2X on all travel & dining
Best For	Frequent United travelers	General travel rewards

United Explorer vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Feature	United℠ Explorer Card	Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex
Bonus Offer	50,000 miles	40,000 miles
Free Checked Bag	Yes	Yes
Lounge Access	2 United Club passes per year	None
Best For	United flyers	Delta flyers

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Who Should Get the United Explorer Card?

✔ United Airlines travelers who want extra perks like free bags and priority boarding
✔ People who value airport lounge access but don’t fly enough to justify a premium card
✔ Frequent international travelers who want no foreign transaction fees
✔ Anyone looking for a strong sign-up bonus with flexible rewards

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Bottom Line: Is the United Explorer Card Worth It?

The United℠ Explorer Card is one of the best airline credit cards for United flyers, offering valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge passes, and travel protections.

With a solid 50,000-mile sign-up bonus, 2X miles on key spending categories, and no foreign transaction fees, the card provides great value for travelers.

If you frequently fly United, the perks far outweigh the $95 annual fee (waived for the first year). However, if you don’t fly United often, a more general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® might be a better fit.

Overall, for United loyalists, the United Explorer Card is a top-tier choice that offers real travel value without the high cost of a premium card.

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