United Explorer Card is offering 60,000 after spending $3000 in 3 months with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.. That's up 10,000 points over their standard offer of 50,000 after spending $3000 in 3 months. Offer expires 1/29/25.
United Explorer Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The United Explorer credit card is a solid choice for several reasons. If you want to earn United points quickly via a sign-up bonus, the 80,000 points can be quite valuable. We especially value United points for international and business class flights, and it’s easy to extend their worth by topping them off with Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you fly United once or twice a year and want to keep a co-branded card in your wallet, this card can serve you well long-term. As one of two mid-range United cards, it’s also a good option for travelers who want lounge access at airports that have a United Club.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
You can earn 80,000 United points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. The 150 annual fee is waived for the first year, giving it an advantage over the Quest Card (the other mid-range United card). Even if you keep the card beyond the first year, two perks alone can cover the annual fee:
- A free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and one companion (a $160 value per round-trip)
- Two United Club one-time passes per year (over $100 value)
Additional benefits and credits make it tempting to keep the card:
- $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS every four years
- $5 per month credit on rideshare purchases
- $10 per month credit on Instacart
- Two $25 credits per year on Avis or Budget
- $100 credit on flight purchases through JSX
- $100 credit on prepaid hotel stays booked through United Hotels (issued as two separate $50 credits)
- Priority boarding, plus 25% back on in-flight and club premium drink purchases, and in-flight Wi-Fi
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- Your home airport is not a United hub or has a United Club
- You fly United more than a couple times per year and would get more value out of the United Club Infinite card (see “Where the United Explorer Fits in This Point Ecosystem” section below)
What to Know About United MileagePlus
United is our favorite point system for international flights, especially for business class.
- United has ample cards for collecting large sums of points.
- International business class seats can be found for as low as 120,000 points.
- They’re a partner in our favorite rewards system, making top offs from Chase Ultimate Rewards both easy and a good value.
- United is also a decent option for domestic flights and standard international fares, but we generally use Southwest, American or Delta for those.
- We save our United points for those long international flights where business class is a difference maker.
How The United Explorer Credit Card Fits In The United MileagePlus Ecosystem
There are various United cards to consider. The United Quest Card is comparable to the Explorer: it has a higher $350 annual fee, but offers a $200 United travel credit that effectively reduces its cost to $150. You’ll need to compare the remaining benefits to see which card is best for you. It often comes down to whether you value lounge access (Explorer Card) or two checked bags per person (Quest).
The United Club Card is aimed at those who travel United multiple times per year and will frequently use the United Club membership (a $750 value). However, it has a $695 annual fee. The United Gateway Card has no annual fee but offers a smaller welcome bonus and fewer benefits, so a card with an annual fee often provides better long-term value.
If you’re close to your 5/24 limit, the United Business Card might be an option. It has a 125,000-point welcome bonus and a $150 annual fee, along with perks such as two United Club passes per year and a free first checked bag. The United Club Business Card is a bigger step up, with a $695 annual fee but includes full United Club membership (worth $750) and several other statement credits.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,000 | $3,000 | 1.3 ¢ | $50 | $0 |
$1129
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Int. Biz Class | 2 United Club Passes Annually, Free Bag for you and a companion, Priority boarding | 24 from Bonus , 5/24 , Chase 2/30 , Chase 4/6 |
Spend Categories
Airfare - »
7X points
9.1¢ Per Dollar Spent
All Other = »
1X points
1.3¢ Per Dollar Spent
Hotels = »
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
Restaurants = »
2X points
2.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Lounge Access »
Get 2 free one-time passes annually to the United Club lounge. After which, the fee is $59 per visit.
Get 2 free one-time passes annually to the United Club lounge. After which, the fee is $59 per visit.
TSA Pre Check »
Get up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry
Get up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry
Preferred Boarding »
The Primary Cardmember and companions on the same reservation will be invited to board United-operated flights prior to general boarding.
The Primary Cardmember and companions on the same reservation will be invited to board United-operated flights prior to general boarding.
Airline Incidentals »
25% back on food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases onboard United- and United Express-operated flights
25% back on food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases onboard United- and United Express-operated flights
Car Rental Insurance »
Using this card gives you primary car rental insurance, providing reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
Using this card gives you primary car rental insurance, providing reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
No Foreign Transaction Fees »
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Concierge »
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Free Checked Bag »
The primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free.
The primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free.
Hotel Perks »
Chase Luxury resort collection: Includes room upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late checkout, and other amenities at more than 900 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.
Chase Luxury resort collection: Includes room upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late checkout, and other amenities at more than 900 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.
Purchase Protection »
Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim, and $50,000 per year.
Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim, and $50,000 per year.
Extended Warranty »
Eligible warranties of 3 years or less can be extended up to 1 additional year.
Eligible warranties of 3 years or less can be extended up to 1 additional year.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System United MileagePlus
Transfers In From
Chase Ultimate Rewards
1:1 81% value retained
Marriott Bonvoy
3:1.1 68% value retained
World of Hyatt
5:2 33% value retained
United Explorer Application Rules
If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus.
Your application will be declined if 5 new cards are reported on your personal credit report in the past 24 months
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days
Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months
Ranking of Cards Offering United MileagePlus
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
3rd
Rank
3rd
Breaking Points
November 15, 2024
United Explorer Card
June 18, 2024
Time to stock up on United Points
- United Explorer Chase Card - 60,000 miles after spending $3000 in 3 months - Annual fee waived first year, then $95/year.
- United Quest Chase Card - 70,000 miles + 500 PQP after spending $4000 in 3 months - $250/annual fee.
- United Club Infinite Card - Up to 100,000 miles after spending $5000 in 3 months, using your promotional code & adding an authorized user - $525/annual fee.
November 14, 2023
Mini Points - December 2023
Limited Time Offers Going on NOW:
- United Explorer Chase Card - 60,000 Miles after spending $3000 in 3 Months - $95 Annual fee (waived the first year).
- United Quest Chase Card - 70,000 Miles after spending $4000 in 3 Months - $250 Annual fee (card comes with 5000 PQP).
- United Club Infinite Chase Card - 90,000 Miles after spending $5000 in 3 Months - $525 Annual fee (card comes with lot's of extras to off-set the annual fee).
November 10, 2022
United Sign Up Bonus on 3 different Cards
Chase United Cards have 3 Limited Time offers:
1. United Explorer - 60,000 Bonus miles after spending $3000 in 3 months, $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.
2. United Quest Card - 80,000 Bonus miles after spending $5000 in 3 months, $250 annual fee.
3. United Club Infinite Card - 100,000 Bonus miles after spending $5000 in 3 months, $525 annual fee.
Remember the higher the annual fee the more the card has to offer, so before you get scared away by that, look into if it makes sense for your upcoming travel plans.