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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 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 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. Is the United℠ Explorer Card worth it?If you fly with United Airlines fairly often or plan to in the future, the United℠ Explorer Card should definitely be on your radar. This airline credit card gives you the chance to earn a generous bonus right away, yet you can also earn 2x miles in popular spending categories like dining, hotel stays booked directly with hotels and, of course, United purchases. The United℠ Explorer Card also comes with frequent flyer perks that can make travel more comfortable or help you save money. In addition, the card waives the annual fee for the first year, so you can try out all the benefits before you decide whether to invest in this card for the long haul. Earn up to 50,000 bonus milesEarn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. If you're able to earn the full bonus, you'll have enough in rewards for approximately $600 in airfare. This is based on a ValuePenguin valuation of 1.2 cents each for miles in the United MileagePlus program, which is slightly lower than the average value of 1.3 cents each for airline miles in general. This bonus is also slightly higher than you'll get with many other airline credit cards on the market today. Just keep in mind that, like other types of credit card offers, bonus offers for airline cards tend to go up and down over time. What it's worth: Around $600 in United airfare Who's eligible to earn this offer? According to the fine print for the United℠ Explorer Card, this card is not available to current cardmembers who already have it, as well as previous cardmembers who received a bonus on their card within the last 24 months. You should also be aware of approval rules from Chase — according to the Chase 5/24 rule, you cannot be approved for a new Chase credit card if you’ve had five or more cards or accounts opened with any issuer within the last 24 months. {"backgroundColor":"ice","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeImage--root left\" \u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeImage--image-container \"\u003E\n \u003Cimg alt=\"money icon\" class=\"ShortcodeImage--image lazyload\" style=\"width: 60px;\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/value-penguin\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_1.0,f_auto,h_1600,q_auto,w_60\/v1\/static\/icons\/svg\/money\" srx=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/value-penguin\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_2.0,e_blur:1000,f_auto,h_1600,q_1,w_60\/v1\/static\/icons\/svg\/money\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/value-penguin\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_1.0,f_auto,h_1600,q_auto,w_60\/v1\/static\/icons\/svg\/money 1x, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/value-penguin\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_2.0,f_auto,h_1600,q_auto,w_60\/v1\/static\/icons\/svg\/money 2x\"\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat it's worth\u003C\/strong\u003E: Around $600 in United airfare\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWho's eligible to earn this offer?\u003C\/strong\u003E According to the fine print for the United℠ Explorer Card, this card is not available to current cardmembers who already have it, as well as previous cardmembers who received a bonus on their card within the last 24 months. You should also be aware of approval rules from Chase \u2014 according to the \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"What's the Chase 5\/24 Rule? Everything You Need to Know\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/chase-5-24-rule\"\u003EChase 5\/24 rule\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, you cannot be approved for a new Chase credit card if you\u2019ve had five or more cards or accounts opened with any issuer within the last 24 months.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E","padding":"double"} Earn 2X miles on United, restaurant and hotel purchasesThe United℠ Explorer Card offers airline miles for each dollar you spend, and you can even earn bonus miles in several specific categories. Cardholders can Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. While it's always a plus when an airline credit card offers bonus miles in any category outside of airfare, keep in mind how this card compares with other popular travel credit cards. The list below shows the average rewards per dollar spent with various cards based on estimated earning rates and average consumer spending, which ValuePenguin sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor. You'll notice that flexible rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, tend to offer a higher rewards value for every dollar spent because their points can be transferred to a variety of airline loyalty programs. Airline credit cards, on the other hand, offer a slightly lower rewards proposition, yet they come with airline-specific benefits that tend to provide the most value for frequent flyers. Average rewards earned per $1 spent Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card What are United℠ Explorer Card miles worth?Miles in the United MileagePlus program are worth approximately 1.6 cents each, yet you may get more or less value for your miles depending on how you redeem. For example, you may be able to glean more value for your miles if you use them for international flights than you will if you mostly travel within the United States. {"backgroundColor":"ice","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhat are United℠ Explorer Card miles worth?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMiles in the \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca class=\"ShortcodeLink--root ShortcodeLink--black\" title=\"The Ultimate Guide to United Airlines' MileagePlus Program\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valuepenguin.com\/travel\/united-airlines-mileageplus-program-guide\"\u003EUnited MileagePlus program\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E are worth approximately 1.6 cents each, yet you may get more or less value for your miles depending on how you redeem. For example, you may be able to glean more value for your miles if you use them for international flights than you will if you mostly travel within the United States.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E","padding":"double"} Redeeming milesUnfortunately, United Airlines doesn’t post an award chart that lists the exact number of miles you'll need for a specific itinerary. Instead, they use dynamic award pricing that sets flight awards at different rates based on factors such as travel dates and overall demand, with award pricing varying greatly. In our own sampling below, we found Saver economy awards for as little as 8,000 miles and Business class awards for as much as 175,000 miles. A couple of tips for finding the best deal for United miles:
The chart below shows how many miles you may need for some specific itineraries, but you should keep in mind that you may or may not find these deals if you look. Generally speaking:
Other United℠ Explorer Card benefitsWhile the airline miles you can earn are an important benefit when you're choosing an airline credit card, you should also think about other cardholder perks you might want. Fortunately, the United℠ Explorer Card comes with quite a few benefits that can help you save money or have a more comfortable, more convenient travel experience overall. When you sign up for the United℠ Explorer Card, you get important travel protections such as:
The United℠ Explorer Card also comes with auto rental coverage that lets you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and pay with your credit card instead. Note that, unlike most credit card car rental benefits, this coverage is primary and not secondary: This means you can use it first and in place of your own insurance. This coverage is also good for up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage. You can use the United℠ Explorer Card for purchases outside the United States when you travel, and you'll never pay an added foreign transaction fee. This card gives you a credit (up to $100) when you use it to pay for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership. The credit for either program is good every four years. You and companions on your itinerary will all qualify for priority boarding when you fly on United-operated flights. Just make sure you add your frequent flyer number to your reservation. The primary cardmember with the United℠ Explorer Card gets a free checked bag on United-operated flights, but only when they pay for airfare with their card. This perk is also good for one companion on the same itinerary. Pay for food, beverages and in-flight Wi-Fi on United-operated flights with your United℠ Explorer Card and you'll get a statement credit for 25% off your purchase. Cardmembers also get two one-time passes into a United Club, which are worth $100 in retail value. This benefit is applied to your United account your first year and every year thereafter on your cardmember anniversary. The United℠ Explorer Card also gives you the chance to earn Premier qualifying points (PQPs), which you accrue to earn elite status in the United MileagePlus program. Specifically, you can earn 500 PQPs for every $12,000 you spend on purchases with your card (up to 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year). Qualify for free daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi access, dining or spa credits and other privileges when you book a hotel through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection and pay with your United℠ Explorer Card. Qualify for purchase protection against damage or theft for 120 days after purchase. This coverage is good for up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per year. Cardholders are also eligible for extended warranty coverage on eligible purchases that come with a manufacturer's warranty. This coverage adds another year of warranty protection on manufacturer's warranties of three years or less. The United℠ Explorer Card also comes with one year of DashPass membership, which gets you $0 delivery fees on DoorDash orders of $12 or more (enrollment is required). What credit score do you need for the United℠ Explorer Card?The United℠ Explorer Card requires very 660 - 850 credit, which could include any FICO Score of 660 or higher. How does the United℠ Explorer Card compare to other cards?If you're considering the United℠ Explorer Card, you should also take a look at other airline and travel credit cards, including the options below. Annual Fee $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95 $95 $95 $525 More card details United℠ Explorer Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardVerdict: Flexible rewards but fewer travel perksThe Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a fairly generous bonus, along with flexible rewards. The miles you earn with this card can be redeemed to cover any travel purchase charged to your card, as well as for Amazon.com purchases or purchases made through PayPal. In the meantime, you can also transfer your Capital One miles to a handful of airline and hotel partners. However, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card doesn’t waive its annual fee for the first year, and you won't get the sweet travel perks that you get with the United℠ Explorer Card. If you’re loyal to United, the United℠ Explorer Card will provide much more value. Highlights
United℠ Explorer Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardVerdict: More valuable rewards for those who prefer flexibilityThe Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is definitely worth considering if you want more flexibility in how you redeem your rewards. United is a Chase transfer partner, so you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to your United account (and to other airline and hotel programs) at a 1:1 ratio. However, you can also redeem your rewards for travel through Chase, gift cards, merchandise, statement credits and cash back. This card also comes with a much more generous bonus offer, and you earn 2x points on dining and all travel purchases. On the downside, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will be less beneficial for flying: You don't get any specific frequent flyer perks or fee credits for Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership. Highlights
United℠ Explorer Card vs. United Club℠ Infinite CardVerdict: Best airline perks for the frequent United flyerIf you’re a serious United flyer who wants as many perks as possible, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers more benefits, though for a higher $525 annual fee. This card offers a similar suite of travel insurance benefits as the United℠ Explorer Card — plus, you also get a United Club membership (a $650 value), a first and second checked bag free and Premier Upgrades on award tickets. The initial bonus is higher on this card than on the United℠ Explorer Card, and you also have the potential to earn more miles on your spending. With the United Club℠ Infinite Card, you Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Highlights
Should you apply for the United℠ Explorer Card?The United℠ Explorer Card is definitely worth applying for if you want the chance to earn miles in the United MileagePlus program. This airline credit card also comes with quite a few perks that can come in handy whenever you travel, including primary auto rental coverage, trip cancellation and interruption coverage and more. However, you'll get even more bang for your buck if you fly with United often and can take advantage of perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag. Either way, it never hurts to compare other airline credit cards and travel credit cards to find the right fit. How to use the United℠ Explorer Card
{"backgroundColor":"butter","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"use\"\u003EHow to use the United℠ Explorer Card\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Use your card to pay for all your United flights, hotel stays booked with hotels and restaurant purchases in order to maximize bonus miles.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Add your frequent flyer number to your United flights to ensure you earn miles and qualify for benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Pay for Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership with your credit card, then see your fee automatically reimbursed \u2014 plus, receive that reimbursement every four years when you renew.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Pay your credit card in full each month to avoid the high APR for purchases.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n","padding":"double"} How long does it take to get the United℠ Explorer Card?While timelines vary, it could take up to two weeks to get your Chase credit card in the mail after you're approved. How do you get TSA Precheck with the United℠ Explorer Card?To get TSA Precheck membership, head to TSA.gov to apply. Pay the membership fee for TSA Precheck with your United℠ Explorer Card, and you’ll see your membership fee reimbursed. You can use this benefit every four years. Does the United℠ Explorer Card cover car rental insurance?The United℠ Explorer Card comes with primary auto rental coverage good for up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental agreements in most countries. Does the United℠ Explorer Card have foreign transaction fees?The United℠ Explorer Card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Does the United℠ Explorer Card have travel insurance?The United℠ Explorer Card comes with quite a few travel insurance benefits: These include primary auto rental coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement coverage, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and travel accident insurance. Does the United℠ Explorer Card pay for Global Entry?Yes, the United℠ Explorer Card reimburses your Global Entry application fee. To get Global Entry membership with your credit card, head to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to apply. Pay the membership fee for Global Entry with your United℠ Explorer Card, and you’ll see your membership fee reimbursed. You can use this benefit every four years. How do you get United Club passes with the United℠ Explorer Card?The United℠ Explorer Card automatically comes with two United Club passes each year you have the card. What credit score do you need for the United℠ Explorer Card?You'll need 660 - 850 credit to qualify for this airline credit card, which usually entails a FICO Score of 660 or higher. Can you add an authorized user to the United℠ Explorer Card?Yes, you can add an authorized user to your United℠ Explorer Card without any additional charge. You may even be able to earn bonus miles for doing so. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Can I use my Chase card internationally?You may also be able to use your credit card to withdraw cash at most ATMs overseas, which may come along with fees. Depending on your credit card issuer, you may need to notify them that you're traveling abroad. Chase, however, no longer requires cardmembers to set up travel notifications.
Does United Club card cover global entry?The card also grants you: Complimentary United Club lounge access (which normally retails for up to $650) A Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit (up to $100) Two free checked bags for you and a companion (worth at least $30 each way)
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