United℠ Explorer Card
on Chase's website
United℠ Explorer Card
Card details
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 at restaurants and on hotel stays
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit
25% back on United inflight purchases
Check your first bag for free (a savings of up to $120 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 purchases from United, and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Rates, fees & offers
Annual fee
$0 for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1 mile per dollar
Bonus offer
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: 18.24% - 25.24% Variable APR
Cash Advance APR: 27.24%, Variable
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
None
Recommended credit score
NerdWallet review
By Erin El Issa
Rating details
3.8
Editor's overall rating
Pros and cons
Pros
Free checked bag and priority boarding
Two United Club passes annually
Miles don't expire as long as you're a cardholder
Cons
Has annual fee
Checked bag fee waived for fewer traveling partners than competitors
Best for frequent United flyers only
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: 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 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.
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