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. Plus, an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 in the first 6 months.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, on hotel stays, and on 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 at restaurants and eligible delivery services
Rates, fees & offers
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-2x
Bonus offer
40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 in the first 6 months
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 |
Wondering if this card is the best match for you?
Wondering if this card is the best match for you?
Wondering if this card is the best match for you?
Just tell us some details and see which card matches your needs most.
Just tell us some details and see which card matches your needs most.
NerdWallet review
By Erin El Issa
Rating details
5
Editor's overall rating
Pros and cons
Pros
Free checked bag and priority boarding
Two United Club passes annually
Primary rental car coverage
Cons
Has annual fee
Checked bag fee waived for fewer traveling partners than competitors
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. Plus, an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 in the first 6 months. 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.
