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UnitedSM Explorer Card
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Chase

UnitedSM Explorer Card

TravelAirlineDiningHotelIntro OfferNo Foreign Transaction Fees

Key Features

Annual Fee$150.00
Sign-up BonusUp to 60,000 bonus miles
Rewards Rate1x-3x Miles on Purchases
Regular APR
19.74Min. of (6.75+12.99) and 29.99%–28.24Min. of (6.75+21.49) and 29.99% variable APR.
NetworkVisa
Read the full review
Best for those with
Very Good Credit

About this card

The UnitedSM Explorer Card earns a strong overall rating of 3.8, placing it firmly in the "Good" to "Excellent" category, especially for its target demographic of frequent United Airlines travelers. The card excels in its Rewards (4.5) and Fees (4.5) categories, which are critical for a co-branded travel card. Its comprehensive rewards program offers high earning rates on United purchases and a generous welcome bonus, but its true strength lies in the substantial value derived from its travel benefits. Perks like free checked bags, annual United Club passes, priority boarding, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits, and numerous statement credits for travel and lifestyle expenses (Instacart, rideshares, hotels, etc.) easily outweigh the $150 annual fee (after the first year), making the card a strong value proposition for those who utilize these benefits. The absence of foreign transaction fees further solidifies its appeal as a travel companion. The card also benefits from an excellent reputation and a clear fit for its niche, frequently recommended by financial experts and praised by users for its tangible perks. However, the card's single most significant drawback is its "Poor" APR Rating (1.2). With a high variable APR (19.74%-28.24%) and no introductory APR period, carrying a balance on this card would be extremely costly. This makes the card ill-suited for anyone who cannot pay their statement in full each month, significantly impacting its value for that segment of cardholders. While this high APR is a notable detractor, for the majority of responsible travel card users who prioritize benefits and pay their balances, the overwhelming value delivered through its rewards and perks justifies the rating. Therefore, for United loyalists who manage their finances by avoiding interest charges, the UnitedSM Explorer Card remains a highly recommended and valuable product.

3.8
Overall Rating

Pros & Cons

What's great

  • Generous sign-up bonus
  • High rewards rate on travel and dining
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Valuable airline travel perks including free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge passes
  • Statement credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and various travel/lifestyle expenses
  • Comprehensive travel and purchase protection benefits

Things to consider

  • Annual fee applies after the first year
  • No introductory APR period
  • High regular APR
  • Rewards are primarily focused on a single airline

What this card offers

Sign-up bonuses

  • Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities.
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after you add an authorized user to your account in the first 3 months your account is open.

Rewards

  • NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights - 6x miles on the Primary Cardmember’s fare from United as a MileagePlus member, plus 3x miles on entire United purchase with United Explorer Card. Mileage earning differs for Basic Economy or base option tickets. Premier members earn even more.
  • NEW! 3x miles on all other eligible United purchases
  • 2x miles on hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
  • 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services.
  • 1x mile on all other purchases.

Other features

  • NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
  • Free first checked bag - the primary Cardmember and one companion can each check a first standard bag for free - save up to $200 per roundtrip.
  • Priority boarding - the primary Cardmember and companions on the same reservation will be invited to board United-operated flights prior to general boarding.
  • 2 United Club one-time passes per year - Over a $100 value.
  • Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year to use toward an eligible award flight.
  • Up to $120 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee for either program when charged to your card.
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card.
  • $100 United travel credit - Earn after you spend $10,000 with your UnitedSM Explorer Card within a calendar year.
  • Up to $100 in credits annually - Receive on prepaid hotel stays purchased directly through United Hotels with your UnitedSM Explorer Card.
  • Up to $60 in credits each calendar year - Enroll to receive on rideshare purchases when paying with your UnitedSM Explorer Card.
  • Up to $50 in United travel credits annually - Receive when you book Avis or Budget car rentals directly through cars.united.com and pay with your UnitedSM Explorer Card.
  • Up to $120 in Instacart credits each calendar year - Receive for purchases made directly through Instacart with your UnitedSM Explorer Card. Terms apply.
  • Up to $100 in credits on JSX purchases annually - Get up to $100 back as a statement credit each anniversary year when you book flights directly with JSX using your United℠ Explorer Card.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Earn up to 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) - You’ll earn 1 PQP for every $20 you spend on purchases with your Explorer Card, up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year.
  • Premier upgrades on award tickets.
  • United Card Events from Chase and United MileagePlus Exclusive Events.
  • Auto Rental Coverage - Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less.
  • Baggage Delay Insurance - Reimburses you up to $100 a day for up to 3 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when baggage is delayed over 6 hours.
  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement - Provides reimbursement up to $3,000 per covered traveler for the cost to repair or replace checked or carry-on baggage that is lost, damaged or stolen during a covered trip.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance - You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per covered traveler and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares, if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or other covered situations.
  • Trip Delay Reimbursement - If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per covered traveler.
  • Purchase Protection - Covers your eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $10,000 per item.
  • Extended Warranty Protection - Extends the time period of the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less, up to four years from the date of purchase.
  • Visa Concierge - Get complimentary Visa Signature Concierge Service 24 hours a day.
  • Contactless - Just Tap To Pay.
  • Apply for a card, use it the same day - Receive instant access to your card by adding it to a digital wallet, like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

Additional Notes

United Explorer Card from Chase, NerdWallet's 2026 Best-Of Awards winner for Best Credit Card Airline Benefits.

Ratings

4.5
4.5
4
1.2
4.5