United Explorer Card Review: Best for Frequent Flyers

United Explorer Card Review: A Comprehensive Look at Benefits, Rewards, and More

Finding a credit card for frequent flyers that maximizes travel rewards can significantly enhance the flying experience. The United Explorer Card, issued by Chase in partnership with United Airlines, is a popular choice for those who frequently travel with the airline. This card is tailored for avid United Airlines passengers, offering travel-related perks, generous bonus miles, and the chance to earn double miles on specific purchases. In this United Explorer Card review, we’ll deeply dive into its features, benefits, fees, and much more to help you decide if it’s the right choice.

Quick Highlights of the United Explorer Card:

• Bonus Miles: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.
• Reward Rate: Earn 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
• Free Checked Bags: Get a free checked bag for you and one companion on the United flights.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Enjoy a statement credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees.
• Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year).
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.

In the following sections, we’ll explore these features in greater detail to help you determine whether the United Explorer Card is appropriate for your travel goals.

What Makes the United Explorer Card Stand Out?

The United Explorer Card is a standout option for United Airlines loyalists, thanks to its travel-related benefits, rewards, and exclusive perks. Whether planning a family vacation, a business trip, or a quick getaway, this card offers plenty of value to frequent flyers.

1. Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Miles

One of the United Explorer Card’s most attractive features is its generous sign-up bonus. Cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. This bonus can be redeemed for various rewards, including flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. The bonus miles alone are enough to book a domestic round-trip ticket or an international short-haul flight, making this an excellent way to kick-start your travel adventures.

2. Earning Rewards: A Steady Stream of Miles

The United Explorer Card offers double miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Whether you book a flight, enjoy a meal out, or stay at a hotel, you’ll earn 2x miles on these purchases. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar, making this card an excellent option for everyday spending.

Additionally, you can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) to help you reach MileagePlus Premier® status. For every $500 spent, you earn 25 PQP, with a maximum of 1,000 PQP per year.

3. Free Checked Bags for You and Your Companion

   
   

Traveling with luggage can be expensive, especially if you fly with a family or a companion. With the United Explorer Card, you and one companion traveling on the same reservation will receive a free first-checked bag on United Airlines flights. This perk can save you up to $140 per round-trip flight, as checked bags typically cost up to $35 each way per person.

Rates and Fees: What You Should Know

While the United Explorer Card offers a variety of perks, it’s essential to be aware of the associated costs and fees. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical rates:

• Annual Fee: The yearly Fee is $95, which is waived for the first year. This gives you a full year to test the card’s benefits without paying the annual Fee.
• Purchase APR: The APR for purchases ranges from 19.99% to 28.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfer Fee: A fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater.
• Cash Advance Fee: A fee of $10 or 5% of the amount advanced, whichever is greater.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40 for late payments.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is an excellent perk for international travelers.

Other Fees to Note

• Return Payment Fee: Up to $40.
• Return Check Fee: None.

Awareness of these fees can help you make the most of your United Explorer Card, particularly if you’re careful about paying your balance on time and avoiding cash advances.

United Explorer Card Features and Benefits

Beyond its reward structure and sign-up bonus, the United Explorer Card offers many benefits that can improve your overall travel experience.

1. Priority Boarding

The United Explorer Card lets you enjoy priority boarding on United flights. This allows you to board earlier, ensuring you settle comfortably and have a better chance of finding space in the overhead bins. Priority boarding can make your airport experience smoother and more stress-free.

2. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit

Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to airport security. The United Explorer Card helps make your experience more manageable with a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years. This can save you $100 (the cost of applying for either program), allowing you to breeze through security and customs lines on your future travels.

3. In-Flight Perks: Discounts on Food and Wi-Fi

Cardholders can also receive 25% back as a statement credit on qualifying purchases made onboard United-operated flights. This includes food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, making your flying experience more comfortable and affordable.

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees

The no foreign transaction fees perk is a huge benefit for those who travel internationally. This means that when you use your United Explorer Card to make purchases outside the United States, you won’t incur the typical 3% foreign transaction fee that many other credit cards charge.

Additional Perks: Travel Protection and Insurance

The United Explorer Card is more than just a rewards card. It also provides several travel protections to give you peace of mind while on the go.

5. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

The United Explorer Card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance if your trip is unexpectedly canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. This coverage reimburses you for eligible expenses to save money when your travel plans change unexpectedly.

6. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

When renting a car, the United Explorer Card provides primary coverage for collision damage, theft, or other damages up to the vehicle’s actual cash value. This allows you to decline the rental company’s insurance and save on extra charges.

7. Purchase Protection

New purchases made with your United Explorer Card are also protected. If a purchase is damaged or stolen within 120 days, you can be reimbursed for up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 annually.

United Explorer Card Application and Approval Process

If you’re interested in applying for the United Explorer Card, it’s essential to understand the application process and the factors that will affect your approval. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide:

Eligibility Criteria for the United Explorer Card

Before applying, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. These factors include:

• Age: You must be 18 to apply for the United Explorer Card.
• Residency: You must be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a physical U.S. address.
• Income: You should have a stable income to ensure you can make the minimum monthly payments on the card.
• Credit Score: While Chase doesn’t set an official credit score requirement, it’s generally recommended to have a good to excellent credit score (around 700 or above) for the best chances of approval.

How to Apply for the United Explorer Card

You can easily apply for the United Explorer Card online via Chase’s website or mobile app. The application process requires you to provide personal information such as your:

• Full name
• Address
• Employment details
• Income information

Chase will use this information to evaluate your application and creditworthiness.

Application Review and Decision

Once you submit your application, Chase will review your provided details and check your credit history using experian. They may conduct a hard credit inquiry, which could lower your credit score quickly.

You’ll typically receive a decision within 7 to 10 business days. If you’re approved, you’ll be notified and can start enjoying the benefits of your new United Explorer Card. You can also check the status of your application online or by contacting Chase customer service.

What Affects Your Approval Chances?

Several factors influence your approval for the United Explorer Card. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Credit Score: A score of 670 or higher gives you a better chance of approval. However, the higher your score, the better.
2. Income: Demonstrating a reliable income that matches your potential credit limit is essential for approval.
3. Debt-to-Income Ratio: A low debt-to-income ratio shows good financial management, improving approval chances.
4. Employment History: A stable and long-term employment history strengthens your application.
5. Credit History: A history of responsible credit use, with few or no delinquencies, is a positive factor.

By ensuring you meet these criteria and provide accurate details on your application, you can increase your chances of being approved for the United Explorer Card.

Customer Care/Support

• Helpline Number: 1-800-888-8756 or 1-804-673-1691
• Official Website: Chase Bank

Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card vs United Explorer Card: Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing a travel credit card, the right choice depends on your airline preferences and the benefits that matter most to you. Let’s take a closer look at two popular cards — the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card and the United Explorer Card — and compare their key features to help you decide which one suits your travel needs best.

Comparison Table: Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card vs United Explorer Card

Key Differences

• Sign-Up Bonus: Both cards offer 60,000 miles as a sign-up bonus after meeting a $3,000 spend requirement. However, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card also provides the Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 + taxes) after meeting the spending threshold, making it a unique offer if you travel with a companion often.
• Rewards Rate: The Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card earns 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, and 2x miles on gas, streaming, and transit, while the United Explorer Card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels. If you’re a frequent flyer with Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Visa may offer higher rewards for airline-related purchases.
• Free Checked Bags: Both cards offer free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion. The Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card extends this benefit to up to 6 companions on the same itinerary, which is a significant advantage for group travelers.
• Companion Fare: One of the most valuable perks of the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card is the Companion Fare™, which allows you to book a second ticket for just $99 (plus taxes) when you meet the annual spending requirement. The United Explorer Card does not offer a similar benefit.
• Lounge Access: If lounge access is important to you, the United Explorer Card offers 2 one-time United Club passes each year, giving you access to United’s airport lounges. The Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card provides a $100 discount on an Alaska Lounge+ membership, which offers access to Alaska’s lounges and over 90 partner lounges.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Both cards offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit every few years, helping you skip the lines and enjoy faster airport security.

Which Card is Better for You?

• Choose the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card if:
  • You frequently fly with Alaska Airlines and want to earn 3x miles on their purchases.
  • You want to take advantage of the Companion Fare™ for cheaper flights with a travel companion.
  • You’re interested in earning 2x miles in categories like gas, streaming, and transit.
  • You can benefit from the lounge membership discount and priority boarding on Alaska flights.
• Choose the United Explorer Card if:
  • You regularly fly with United Airlines and want to earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels.
  • You prefer United Club passes and priority boarding on United flights.
  • You like the sign-up bonus and the convenience of no annual fee for the first year.

Both cards offer significant travel perks, but the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Card is ideal for those who fly with Alaska Airlines and want to maximize their rewards with benefits like the Companion Fare™ and discounted lounge access. The United Explorer Card, on the other hand, is a great option for loyal United customers looking for solid travel rewards and United-specific perks. Choose the one that fits your travel style and needs!

Is the United Explorer Card Worth It?

The United Explorer Card is a strong contender for frequent United Airlines flyers, thanks to its substantial rewards and travel-related perks. If you fly United often and value benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access, this card could provide significant value. If you have any other credit card for your daily usage then this can be your second credit card for your flying needs.

However, if you don’t frequently travel with United or prioritize flexibility over airline-specific rewards, consider other credit card options offering more versatile rewards programs. After the first year, the $95 annual fee (after the first year) is a consideration, mainly if you still need to utilize the card’s benefits fully.

In conclusion, the United Explorer Card offers solid value for United Airlines fans and regular travelers with its 60,000-mile sign-up bonus, free checked bags, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. It’s especially beneficial for those who travel often with United and want to maximize their rewards and travel experience.