What To Know
- The United Explorer Card is a popular travel rewards credit card that offers a variety of benefits to frequent United flyers.
- The United Explorer Card is an annual-fee credit card that earns miles on United purchases and everyday spending.
- The 60,000-mile welcome bonus is a significant perk for frequent travelers, as it can be redeemed for a round-trip flight to many domestic destinations.
The United Explorer Card is a popular travel rewards credit card that offers a variety of benefits to frequent United flyers. But is it worth the annual fee? This comprehensive guide will delve into the card’s features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
Card Overview
The United Explorer Card is an annual-fee credit card that earns miles on United purchases and everyday spending. Cardholders receive a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses.
Key Benefits
1. Generous Welcome Bonus: The 60,000-mile welcome bonus is a significant perk for frequent travelers, as it can be redeemed for a round-trip flight to many domestic destinations.
2. Unlimited 2X Miles on United Purchases: Cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all United purchases, including flights, inflight purchases, and baggage fees. This can add up quickly for frequent flyers.
3. 1 Mile per $1 on Other Purchases: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases, making it a versatile card for everyday spending.
4. Free First Checked Bag: Cardholders and up to four companions receive their first checked bag free when flying on United-operated flights. This perk can save you up to $100 per round-trip flight.
5. Priority Boarding: Enjoy priority boarding on United-operated flights, ensuring you have extra time to settle in and choose your seat.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel abroad without worrying about additional fees on purchases made in foreign currencies.
Potential Drawbacks
1. Annual Fee: The United Explorer Card has an annual fee of $95. This fee may not be worthwhile if you don’t fly United frequently enough to maximize the benefits.
2. Limited Transfer Partners: United miles can be transferred to a limited number of airline partners, which may restrict your redemption options.
3. High Interest Rates: The card’s interest rates are relatively high compared to other travel rewards cards. Avoid carrying a balance to minimize interest charges.
Who Benefits from the Card?
The United Explorer Card is most beneficial for frequent United flyers who:
- Fly United multiple times per year
- Want to earn miles quickly for free flights and other travel rewards
- Value the free checked bag and priority boarding perks
- Don’t mind paying an annual fee
Who Should Consider Other Cards?
If you don’t fly United frequently or prefer a card with more flexible redemption options, consider the following alternatives:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Offers a generous welcome bonus and earns 2X points on travel and dining.
- American Express Gold Card: Provides access to American Express Centurion Lounges and offers 4X points on dining and groceries.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Features an annual travel credit, unlimited 2X miles on all purchases, and access to Capital One airport lounges.
Is the United Explorer Card Worth It?
Ultimately, whether the United Explorer Card is worth it depends on your individual travel habits and spending patterns. If you fly United frequently and value the card’s benefits, it can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you don’t fly United often or prefer more flexible redemption options, there are other travel rewards cards that may be a better fit.
Maximizing the Value of the Card
To get the most out of the United Explorer Card, consider the following tips:
- Take advantage of the welcome bonus: Meet the spending requirement to earn the 60,000-mile bonus, which can significantly boost your miles balance.
- Use the card for all United purchases: Earn 2X miles on all United expenses, including flights, inflight purchases, and baggage fees.
- Maximize everyday spending: Earn 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases, turning your everyday expenses into valuable miles.
- Utilize the free checked bag perk: Save up to $100 per round-trip flight by checking your first bag for free.
- Prioritize boarding: Enjoy priority boarding to secure a better seat and avoid the rush.
- Avoid foreign transaction fees: Travel abroad without worrying about additional charges on purchases made in foreign currencies.
What People Want to Know
1. What is the annual fee for the United Explorer Card?
The annual fee is $95.
2. How many miles can I earn with the welcome bonus?
You can earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
3. What other benefits come with the card?
Cardholders receive free first checked bags, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees.
4. Can I transfer United miles to other airlines?
Yes, but there are a limited number of transfer partners.
5. What is the interest rate on the card?
The interest rate is typically 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR.
