United℠ Explorer Card
on Chase's website
United℠ Explorer Card
Card details
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee Credit
25% back on United inflight purchases
Check your first bag for free (a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip) when you use your card to purchase your ticket
Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services
Rates, fees & offers
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-2x
Bonus offer
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Intro APR
N/A
Ongoing APR
APR: 16.49% - 23.49% Variable APR
Cash Advance APR: 24.99%, Variable
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
None
Recommended credit score
Compare to other cards
Annual Fee$0 intro for the first year, then $95 | Annual Fee$95 | Annual Fee$0 intro for the first year, then $95 |
Regular APR16.49% - 23.49% Variable APR | Regular APR15.99% - 22.99% Variable APR | |
Intro APRN/A | Intro APRN/A | Intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months |
Recommended Credit Score |
Recommended Credit Score |
Recommended Credit Score |
NerdWallet review
By Erin El Issa
Rating details
5
Editor's overall rating
Pros and cons
Pros
Bonus categories
Luxury perks
New cardholder bonus offer
Free checked bag
Cons
Has annual fee
Rewards have limited flexibility
United fliers, rejoice — the United℠ Explorer Card is a fantastic card to rack up the miles on your airfare and redeem them for free flights. It offers 2 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent on purchases from United; 2 miles per dollar spent on restaurant purchases and hotel stays; and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
There's also a sign-up bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.. Miles can be used on any United flight, as well as flights on any of the other Star Alliance airlines. The United℠ Explorer Card boasts great United perks for cardholders, including a free checked bag for you and a traveling companion, priority boarding and two free United Club passes per year.
The United℠ Explorer Card has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, and no foreign transaction fees. The free checked bags could save you up to $120 per round trip, making up for the card's annual fee. This card is best for regular United fliers who check bags; otherwise, you're probably better off with a general travel card.
Want to learn more? Check out our full review of the United℠ Explorer Card for additional details.
