United Explorer Credit Card: Is It Worth It for Travelers?

The United Explorer Credit Card is one of the most popular airline credit cards available, offering an impressive suite of benefits for frequent flyers of United Airlines.

Issued by Chase, this card is designed for travelers looking to earn valuable MileagePlus miles while enjoying premium perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and United Club passes.

If you frequently fly with United or are looking for a travel credit card with solid airline benefits, the United Explorer Card could be an excellent choice.

But is it the right card for you? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its rewards program, travel perks, fees, and how it compares to other popular travel credit cards.

United Explorer Credit Card: At a Glance

The United Explorer Credit Card provides a well-rounded package of benefits for United flyers, combining rewards on travel and dining with premium perks that make flying more comfortable.

Here’s a quick summary of what the card offers:

• Annual Fee:
  $95 (waived for the first year)
• Welcome Bonus:
  Typically, 50,000 MileagePlus miles after meeting the spending requirement
• Earning Rate:
  2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels
  1x mile on all other purchases
• Travel Perks:
  Free first checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club passes per year
• Other Benefits:
  TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, no foreign transaction fees

Compared to other airline credit cards, the United Explorer Card offers a balanced mix of rewards and perks, making it a great option for United loyalists.

Earning Miles with United Explorer Credit Card

One of the biggest advantages of the United Explorer Credit Card is its ability to help you earn United MileagePlus miles efficiently.

» How You Earn Miles

• 2x Miles on United Purchases:
  Flights, seat upgrades, in-flight purchases, and more.
• 2x Miles on Dining & Hotels:
  Includes both international and domestic restaurants.
• 1x Mile on Everything Else:
  Everyday spending also earns rewards.

To maximize your miles, prioritize using this card for travel and dining expenses. If you frequently fly with United, the extra miles earned from tickets and in-flight purchases can add up quickly.

Redeeming United MileagePlus Miles

Miles earned with the United Explorer Credit Card can be redeemed in several ways:

• United Flights:
  Book award tickets with United and its partners.
• Seat Upgrades:
  Use miles to upgrade your seat to a higher class.
• Other Redemptions:
  Hotels, car rentals, and even merchandise.

To get the best value, redeem miles for flights rather than gift cards or merchandise. Additionally, booking through United’s partner airlines (such as Lufthansa and ANA) can help stretch your miles further.

United Explorer Card Travel Benefits

This card provides several premium travel benefits that enhance the flying experience:

• Free Checked Bags:
  Save up to $140 per round trip for you and one companion.
• Priority Boarding:
  Board earlier and secure overhead bin space.
• United Club Passes:
  Two one-time lounge passes annually for a more comfortable airport experience.

These perks alone can make up for the card’s annual fee if you travel often with United.

Travel Protection and Insurance

The United Explorer Credit Card also comes with excellent travel protections:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance:
  Covers non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled for a covered reason.
• Baggage Delay Insurance:
  Reimburses essentials if your checked bag is delayed for more than six hours.
• Rental Car Insurance:
  Provides primary coverage on rental cars.

These protections add peace of mind and can save you money on travel-related expenses.

Dining and Everyday Perks

Beyond travel benefits, the United Explorer Credit Card also offers rewards for dining and everyday spending.

» TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Credit

One of the standout perks is the $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years. This allows you to speed through airport security, saving valuable time on your travels.

» Partner Restaurant Benefits

The card earns 2x miles on dining, making it an excellent choice for food lovers. Whether you’re grabbing coffee at a local café or dining at a five-star restaurant, every dollar spent helps you rack up MileagePlus miles.

» Everyday Spending Rewards

Although the card mainly benefits travelers, the 1x miles per dollar on all other purchases ensures that your everyday spending—groceries, gas, subscriptions—also contributes to your MileagePlus balance.

Fees and APR Details

Understanding the fees and interest rates of the United Explorer Card is crucial before applying.

» Annual Fee

• $95 annual fee (waived for the first year) – a nice incentive for new cardholders.

» APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

• Variable APR typically ranges from 21.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
• To avoid high-interest charges, it’s best to pay off your balance in full each month.

» Foreign Transaction Fees

• $0 foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travelers.

Pros and Cons of the United Explorer Credit Card

Like any credit card, the United Explorer Card has both strengths and weaknesses.

How to Apply for the United Explorer Credit Card

Applying for this card is simple:

» Eligibility Requirements

• Good to excellent credit score (typically 700+)
• U.S. residency and legal age for credit applications

» Application Process

1. Visit the Chase website and find the United Explorer Credit Card.
2. Fill out the online application with your personal and financial information.
3. Submit and wait for a decision—some applicants receive instant approval!

Tips for Maximizing Your United Explorer Card Benefits

Here’s how to get the most out of your United Explorer Credit Card:

Use It for United Purchases – Earn 2x miles and enjoy free checked bags. Take Advantage of United Club Passes – Two free passes per year can save you $100+ in lounge fees. Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry – Use the statement credit for expedited security screening. Combine with Other Chase Cards – If you have Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus.

Source: Pixabay

Conclusion

The United Explorer Credit Card is an excellent option for United Airlines loyalists who want to earn miles and enjoy premium travel perks without an excessive annual fee.

With benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and United Club lounge passes, it provides significant value for frequent flyers.

However, if you’re looking for more flexible rewards or fly with multiple airlines, you might want to consider alternatives like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum.

Final Verdict: If you frequently fly United, this card is a fantastic choice. If not, you might want to explore other travel credit card options.

FAQs

1. What credit score do I need to qualify for the United Explorer Credit Card?
   You’ll typically need a credit score of 700 or higher to be approved.
2. Do United miles expire?
   No, United MileagePlus miles never expire, so you can save them for a big redemption.
3. Can I upgrade to the United Club Infinite Card?
   Yes, Chase allows upgrades if you qualify. The United Club Infinite Card offers unlimited lounge access but comes with a higher annual fee.
4. Is this card worth it if I don’t fly often?
   If you don’t fly United at least a few times per year, you may get more value from a flexible rewards card like Chase Sapphire Preferred.
5. How do I use the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit?
   Simply pay for the application fee with your card, and Chase will automatically issue a statement credit within a few days.