Pros? Cons? We've got you covered. Dive into our detailed United Explorer Card review and make an informed decision for your travels!
Unlocking the World of United Explorer Card
A Brief Overview The United Explorer Card is your gateway to a world of travel rewards and benefits. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this co-branded airline card offers an array of features designed to enhance your United Airlines experience.
Rewards That Take You Places At the Heart of the United Explorer Card are its rewards. With a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months, you're off to a flying start. These miles translate to a value of $720, setting the stage for exciting adventures.
Navigating the Rewards Landscape
Welcome Bonus: Your First Step to Exciting Adventures Upon acquiring the United Explorer Card, you'll be greeted with a generous welcome bonus. By spending $3,000 within the initial 3 months, you'll secure 60,000 bonus miles—an offer valued at $720. This bonus propels you towards unforgettable travel experiences from the get-go.
Earn Double Miles: Fueling Your Travel Dreams The rewards continue to flow with the United Explorer Card's 2x miles on United Airlines purchases. For every dollar spent, you earn 2 valuable miles. But it doesn't stop there—earn 2x miles at hotels and restaurants as well, making your dining and lodging experiences doubly rewarding. With a potential value of $150, this perk lets you indulge while you accumulate.
2x Miles at Hotels and Restaurants: Indulge and Earn Your journeys extend beyond flights. With the United Explorer Card, you earn 2x miles per dollar spent at hotels and restaurants. This benefit, valued at around $400, makes your staycations and dining escapades even more enticing.
Access Extra MileagePlus Award Space: Turning Dreams into Reality Picture this: you're ready to redeem your hard-earned miles for your dream vacation, but award availability is limited. Fear not—with the United Explorer Card, you gain access to extra economy class award space, increasing your chances of securing that coveted seat. Additionally, standard-level awards become accessible, offering you flexibility and convenience. While these benefits hold an estimated value of $200, they unlock possibilities beyond measure.
Travel Perks That Elevate Your Experience:
Free Checked Bag With United Airlines: Pack and Fly Hassle-Free Travel light and stress-free with the United Explorer Card's free checked bag benefit. When you use your card to purchase a flight on United, you and a companion on your itinerary enjoy a complimentary checked bag. Valued at $100 per round-trip flight, this perk ensures you're ready to explore without excess baggage fees weighing you down.
2 United Club Passes per Year: Embrace Lounge Luxury Airports can be bustling and overwhelming, especially during peak travel times. Enter the United Explorer Card's offering of 2 single-use United Club passes per year. These passes, with a value of around $118, grant you access to airport lounges where you can unwind, recharge, and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere before your flight.
Get Priority Boarding: A Smooth Start to Your Journey Begin your journey with ease through priority boarding—a perk valued at approximately $50. Say goodbye to the stress of finding overhead space for your carry-on, ensuring a seamless and relaxed start to your adventure.
25% Back on Inflight Purchases: Enhancing In-Flight Comfort Inflight comfort gets a boost with the United Explorer Card's 25% back on United Inflight Wi-Fi, food, and drinks. For travelers who appreciate connectivity and indulgence, this benefit offers an annual savings of around $25.
Elite Status Spend Waiver: Fast Track to Elite Travel Benefits Earning elite status with United just got more attainable. The United Explorer Card enables you to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) through annual credit card spending. With the potential to earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 spent, up to 1,000 PQP per year, you can accelerate your journey to Premier 1K status. Unlock privileges like Star Alliance business class lounges and other travel enhancements, potentially valued at $100 annually.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Application Fee Credit:
Expedite Your Way Through Security Streamline your travel experience by taking advantage of the United Explorer Card's credit of up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS enrollment or renewal. Every 4 years, this benefit ensures swift passage through security, saving you time and hassle.
Travel Protections for Peace of Mind:
Trip Delay Insurance: A Lifesaver When Plans Go Awry When travel plans are derailed by delays of 12 hours or more, the United Explorer Card's trip delay insurance comes to the rescue. This coverage, valued at approximately $100, reimburses you for essential expenses, such as accommodations and meals, providing peace of mind when the unexpected occurs.
Baggage Delay Insurance: Smooth Transition Even When Bags Don't Baggage delay? No problem. With the United Explorer Card, delays of 6 hours or more trigger baggage delay insurance, offering up to $100 per day (up to $500) for necessary items. This safeguard ensures you're equipped while awaiting your belongings, adding an extra layer of convenience and comfort.
Lost Luggage Coverage: Safeguarding Your Belongings Losing luggage is a traveler's nightmare, but with the United Explorer Card, you're covered. Reimbursement of up to $3,000 per passenger for lost checked or carry-on bags provides a safety net during unfortunate incidents. While we hope you never need it, this benefit offers peace of mind, valued at around $50.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Unforeseen Events, Covered Unforeseen circumstances can disrupt your travel plans, but the United Explorer Card's trip cancellation and interruption insurance have you covered. With potential coverage of up to $6,000 for canceled or interrupted trips due to qualifying events, you can journey with confidence. This protection, valued at approximately $50, ensures your investments remain secure.
Pros and Cons
Pros of the United Explorer Card:
- Generous Welcome Bonus: The United Explorer Card offers a substantial welcome bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, which can be worth up to $720 in travel.
- Travel Benefits: Cardholders enjoy priority boarding, 25% back on United in-flight purchases, and two United Club passes per year ($118 value), enhancing the overall travel experience.
- Free Checked Bag: The card provides a free checked bag benefit for the cardholder and a companion on the same reservation, resulting in potential savings of up to $100 per roundtrip flight.
- 2x Miles Categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, allowing for a faster accumulation of miles for future travel.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to $100 credit every 4 years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees, streamlining the airport security process.
- Elite Status Spend Waiver: Cardholders can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) through spending, contributing towards achieving higher elite status levels and associated benefits.
- Travel Protections: The card provides valuable travel protections, including trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage coverage, and trip cancellation coverage.
Cons of the United Explorer Card:
- Annual Fee: While the card's $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, it may be a consideration for those seeking a card with no annual fee.
- Limited Lounge Access: While the card offers two United Club passes per year, it falls short compared to the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which provides United Club membership for unlimited lounge access.
- Earnings Rate: The card's earnings rate of 2x miles on United purchases may be lower compared to other premium travel cards that offer higher multipliers for travel-related expenses.
- No Introductory APR: The card does not offer an introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers, potentially impacting cardholders who carry a balance.
- Baggage Delay Limit: While the baggage delay insurance provides coverage for delayed luggage, the limit of up to $100 per day (up to $500) may not fully cover certain travel expenses.
- No Priority Pass: Unlike some premium travel cards, the United Explorer Card does not offer access to the Priority Pass lounge network, limiting lounge options at non-United airports.
- Elite Status Benefit Value: The value of the elite status spend waiver and associated benefits may vary depending on the cardholder's travel patterns and elite status goals.
Comparing the United Explorer Card:
United Explorer Card vs. United Club℠ Infinite Card For travelers seeking premium benefits, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers elevated perks, including enhanced miles earning, lounge access, and generous travel protections. However, the United Explorer Card presents a compelling option with its robust rewards and affordability, making it an ideal choice for those seeking value without compromising on benefits.
United Explorer Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Comparing the United Explorer Card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card reveals distinct offerings. While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card excels in flexible point redemptions, the United Explorer Card focuses on optimizing United Airlines-related benefits. Choosing between these two depends on your travel preferences and loyalty to United Airlines.
11 Best Airline Credit Cards Comparison: Fly High with These Top Picks
| Features | United Explorer Card | United Club℠ Infinite Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 intro 1st year, $95 thereafter | $525 | $95 |
| APR (Variable) | 21.49% - 28.49% | 16.49% - 23.49% | 15.99% - 22.99% |
| Welcome Bonus | 80,000 miles after $5,000 spent | 60,000 points after $4,000 spent | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend |
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free Checked Bag Benefit | Yes (for cardholder + 1 companion) | Yes | No |
| Lounge Access | 2 United Club passes/year | United Club membership | None |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Up to $100 every 4 years | Up to $100 every 4 years | Up to $100 every 4 years |
| Elite Status Spend Waiver | Yes (Premier Qualifying Points) | Yes (Premier Qualifying Points) | No |
| 2x Miles Categories (United) | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2x Miles Categories (Dining & Hotels) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Protections | Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, Lost Luggage, Trip Cancellation & Interruption | Same as United Explorer | Same as United Explorer |
| Trip Delay Insurance | Up to $500 reimbursement | Up to $500 reimbursement | Up to $500 reimbursement |
| Baggage Delay Insurance | Up to $100 per day (up to $500) | Up to $100 per day (up to $500) | Up to $100 per day (up to $500) |
| Lost Luggage Coverage | Up to $3,000 per passenger | Up to $3,000 per passenger | Up to $3,000 per passenger |
| Trip Cancellation Coverage | Up to $6,000 for qualifying events | Up to $6,000 for qualifying events | Up to $10,000 for qualifying events |
FAQs: Answering Your United Explorer Card Queries:
What is the United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card is a co-branded airline credit card offered by Chase in partnership with United Airlines. It offers a range of rewards, travel benefits, and protections designed to enhance your travel experience.
How can I earn the welcome bonus?
To earn the welcome bonus of 60,000 miles, you need to spend $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account. This bonus is valued at $720 and can jumpstart your journey toward exciting travel opportunities.
Is the annual fee worth it?
Despite the $95 annual fee (waived for the first year), the United Explorer Card's benefits far outweigh the cost. With perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access, the card offers significant value to frequent travelers.
How do I access the United Club lounge?
Cardholders receive 2 single-use United Club passes annually, providing access to United Club lounges. These spaces offer a respite from the airport hustle, with amenities to make your pre-flight experience more enjoyable.
Can I use the card for international travel?
Absolutely. The United Explorer Card is your travel companion worldwide, with benefits like no foreign transaction fees and Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit to expedite international travel.
Conclusion
The United Explorer Card isn't just a credit card—it's your ticket to an elevated travel experience. From generous rewards and travel perks to invaluable protections, this card empowers you to explore the world with confidence and ease. Whether you're jet-setting across continents or embarking on weekend getaways, the United Explorer Card is your ultimate ally in unlocking a world of possibilities.
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