Looking for Airline Rewards? The United Explorer Card Might Be Your Match

The United Explorer Card is a travel rewards credit card for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. 

It offers generous opportunities to earn miles on everyday spending and exclusive perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. 

ADVERTISEMENT

With added benefits such as lounge access and travel protections, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to enhance their journeys.

Key Features of the United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card comes packed with features that cater to travelers seeking value and convenience. 

From earning miles to exclusive travel perks, here are the card's standout features:

ADVERTISEMENT
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a substantial number of miles after meeting the initial spending requirement.
  • Earning Rates: Earn miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
  • Annual Fee Waiver: Enjoy no annual fee for the first year.
  • Free Checked Bags: Get one free checked bag for yourself and a companion on United flights.
  • Priority Boarding: Board earlier than general passengers on United flights.
  • United Club Passes: Two complimentary passes annually for United Club lounges.
  • Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, and rental car insurance.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use the card abroad without incurring extra charges.
  • Expanded Award Availability: Access more award seats on United flights than non-cardholders.

Travel Benefits

The card offers a range of travel benefits designed to enhance your journey and make flying more comfortable. Here’s what you can enjoy as a cardholder:

  • Free Checked Bags: Enjoy one free checked bag for yourself and a companion on United flights.
  • Priority Boarding: Board early and settle in comfortably ahead of other passengers.
  • United Club Passes: Receive two complimentary United Club lounge passes each year for a more relaxed airport experience.
  • Travel Insurance: Coverage includes trip cancellation, interruption insurance, and baggage delay reimbursement.
  • Rental Car Insurance: Access primary rental car coverage for collision damage and theft.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make international purchases without extra charges.
  • Expanded Award Availability: Access more seats on United flights when redeeming miles.

Redemption Options for Miles

The United Explorer Card gives you flexible redemption options for the miles you earn, allowing you to tailor rewards to your travel needs. 

Here’s how you can use your miles effectively:

ADVERTISEMENT
  • Flights on United Airlines: Redeem miles for flights with United Airlines or its partner airlines.
  • Seat Upgrades: Upgrade to premium cabins using your miles for added comfort.
  • Hotel Stays: Book hotel stays through United’s rewards portal.
  • Car Rentals: Use miles to rent cars for your trips.
  • Exclusive Experiences: Redeem miles for unique events, dining, and experiences.
  • Merchandise and Gift Cards: Exchange miles for products or gift cards through United’s online store.
  • Partner Airlines: Use miles for flights across Star Alliance member airlines.

Who Benefits Most from the Card

This travel rewards card is best suited for individuals who frequently fly and want to maximize their travel experience. Here’s who can gain the most value:

  • Frequent United Airlines Travelers: Ideal for those who often fly with United or its partner airlines.
  • Casual Travelers: Those seeking free checked bags and priority boarding without committing to premium cards.
  • Everyday Spenders: Individuals who can earn miles through dining, hotels, and general purchases.
  • International Travelers: Great for avoiding foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases.
  • Loyalty Program Enthusiasts: Perfect for members of the MileagePlus program looking to boost their miles.
  • Families and Groups: Beneficial for groups traveling together, thanks to perks like free checked bags for companions.

Pros and Cons

The card offers numerous advantages for travelers, but it’s important to consider potential drawbacks before applying. 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros

  • Generous sign-up bonus for new cardholders
  • Earn miles on everyday spending, including dining and United purchases
  • Free checked bags for the cardholder and one companion
  • Priority boarding on United flights
  • Two annual United Club lounge passes
  • Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
  • No foreign transaction fees for international use

Cons

  • The annual fee applies after the first year
  • Rewards are primarily beneficial for United Airlines flyers
  • Limited redemption options outside of travel
  • High APR for those who carry a balance
  • Miles may expire if the account is inactive for an extended period

Interest Rates and Fees

Understanding the interest rates and fees is essential when considering this card to avoid unexpected charges. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Interest Rates:

  • Purchase APR: Variable APR ranging from 20.24% to 27.24%, depending on your creditworthiness
  • Balance Transfer APR: Same as the purchase APR, ranging from 20.24% to 27.24%
  • Cash Advance APR: A higher variable APR of 29.99%
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% may apply for late or missed payments

Fees:

  • Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None, making it ideal for international use
  • Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
  • Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Comparisons with Similar Cards

When evaluating travel rewards cards, seeing how the United Explorer Card stacks up against similar options is helpful. 

Here’s a quick comparison with other travel-focused cards:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred: Offers flexible points for multiple travel partners but lacks United-specific perks like free checked bags.
  • Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express: Provides similar airline-specific benefits but is tailored for Delta flyers instead of United Airlines.
  • American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select: Perks for American Airlines flyers but less flexible outside the program.
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Card: Broader travel redemption but no airline-specific perks like priority boarding.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card: This card is good for Southwest travelers but is limited to Southwest’s routes.

Application Process

Applying for this travel rewards card is straightforward and can be completed online in a few steps. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the recommended credit score, usually in the good-to-excellent range.
  2. Gather Necessary Information: Prepare your Social Security number, income, and employment information.
  3. Visit the Official Website: Go to the card issuer’s website to start the application process.
  4. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online form with your personal and financial information.
  5. Review Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the terms, including fees, APR, and rewards details, before submitting.
  6. Submit the Application: Once completed, submit the form for a decision, which may be instant or take a few business days.
  7. Receive Your Card: If approved, your card will be sent to you within 7–10 business days.

Contact Details

If you need assistance with your United Explorer Card, here are the contact details:

  • General Correspondence: Cardmember Services, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850-5298.
  • Phone Number: 1-800-888-8756 (available 24/7).

To Conclude

The United Explorer Card is a solid choice for travelers earning miles and enjoying exclusive perks like free checked bags and lounge access. 

Its benefits are tailored to those who frequently fly with United Airlines and want to add convenience during their journeys. 

Apply today to start earning rewards and elevate your travel experience.

Disclaimer

The information provided about the United Explorer Card is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most up-to-date details. 

Always review the terms and conditions on the official Chase website before applying.

Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 03:48 pm