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.
United Explorer Card
ANNUAL FEE: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
REWARDS RATES: 1x-2x miles
INTRO OFFER: 50,000 miles
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
(Good – Excellent)
Pros
- Bonus categories
- Luxury perks
- New cardholder bonus offer
- Free checked bag
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Rewards have limited flexibility
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)
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.
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 |
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
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.
