{"id":1325,"date":"2025-04-02T23:59:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T23:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=1325"},"modified":"2026-05-22T16:59:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:59:16","slug":"united-explorer-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-explorer-card\/","title":{"rendered":"The United\u2120 Explorer Card Review: Lots of Perks and a $0 Annual Fee for the First Year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=a9b1f16b241494ef771713e11f8c83a1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>) offers a great lineup of benefits. It's a valuable card for most United travelers \u2014 even those who only fly the airline a couple of times per year. And even with a recently increased annual fee, the card should save you more money annually than it costs to keep it in your wallet.<\/p>\n<p>Here's a balanced look at the United Explorer Card to help you decide if it's right for you.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048117\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/ff6d0beb-04a7-4cc5-9bf4-50bc3f5e5883.png\" alt=\"United\u2120 Explorer Card\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United\u2120 Explorer Card' data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=a9b1f16b241494ef771713e11f8c83a1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The United\u2120 Explorer Card is Chase's mid-tier United card, providing an excellent mix of functional benefits and value. Notable perks include a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, or NEXUS fees\u200b\u200b, priority boarding\u200b\u200b, and a free first checked bag for the cardmember and a traveling companion on the same reservation, offering up to $200 in savings. Additionally, cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights\u200b\u200b, and two one-time United Club\u2120 passes annually\u200b\u200b.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles<\/li><li>$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150<\/li><li>NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United&#xAE; purchases.<\/li><li>2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.<\/li><li>Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $200 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United&#xAE; flights.<\/li><li>2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value<\/li><li>Over $500 in partner credits each year<\/li><li>NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>*<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*9X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/UnitedExplorer\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-225dd03297#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#United_Explorer_Card_Pros\">United Explorer Card Pros<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Explorer_Card_Cons\">United Explorer Card Cons<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Explorer_Card_Welcome_Bonus\">United Explorer Card Welcome Bonus<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Explorer_Card_Benefits\">United Explorer Card Benefits<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Waived_annual_fee_for_the_first_year\">Waived annual fee for the first year<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Check_your_first_bag_for_free\">Check your first bag for free<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Expanded_MileagePlus_award_availability\">Expanded MileagePlus award availability<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Priority_boarding\">Priority boarding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Up_to_120_credit_for_application_to_security_programs\">Up to $120 credit for application to security programs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#25_back_on_United_in-flight_purchases\">25% back on United in-flight purchases<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Club_visitor_passes\">United Club visitor passes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_elites_are_eligible_for_upgrades_on_award_tickets\">United elites are eligible for upgrades on award tickets<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Earn_Premier_Qualifying_Points_PQPs_toward_elite_status\">Earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) toward elite status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Earn_more_benefits_with_minimum_spend\">Earn more benefits with minimum spend<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Travel_partner_perks\">Travel partner perks<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Instacart_membership_and_discounts\">Instacart+ membership and discounts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Travel_and_insurance_protections\">Travel and insurance protections<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Explorer_Card_Earning_Rates\">United Explorer Card Earning Rates<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Redeeming_Miles_With_the_United_Explorer_Card\">Redeeming Miles With the United Explorer Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Application_Restrictions\">Application Restrictions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Alternatives_to_the_United_Explorer_Card\">Alternatives to the United Explorer Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"United_Explorer_Card_Pros\">United Explorer Card Pros<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>$0 intro annual fee for the first year<\/li>\n<li>Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee waiver of up to $120<\/li>\n<li>Free first checked bag<\/li>\n<li>Access to additional United saver award space<\/li>\n<li>Receive two one-time United Club passes per year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Explorer_Card_Cons\">United Explorer Card Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Issued by Chase, so it's subject to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-5-24-rule\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase's 5\/24 policy<\/a><\/li>\n<li>United doesn't have an award chart with fixed prices, so it's hard to know what you can do with your miles<\/li>\n<li>Limited earning rates compared to other cards with similar annual fees<\/li>\n<li>Long-term annual fee of $150<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Explorer_Card_Welcome_Bonus\">United Explorer Card Welcome Bonus<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a new applicant for the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a>, you can score up to 60,000 bonus miles \u2013 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open, and an additional 10,000 miles after you add an authorized user account in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/p>\n<p>This is among the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-credit-card-offer-history\/\" rel=\"noopener\">best offers we've ever seen<\/a> on the United Explorer Card. And it's worth around $1,200 towards award travel \u2014 based on <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/point-mile-values\/United\" rel=\"noopener\">recent AwardWallet user redemptions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_165890\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-165890 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/United-Airlines-737-Featured-Chris-Leipelt-Unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial photo of a United Airlines 737.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/United-Airlines-737-Featured-Chris-Leipelt-Unsplash.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/United-Airlines-737-Featured-Chris-Leipelt-Unsplash-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/United-Airlines-737-Featured-Chris-Leipelt-Unsplash-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/United-Airlines-737-Featured-Chris-Leipelt-Unsplash-325x260.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Chris Leipelt\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-card-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Credit Card Offers This Month<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Explorer_Card_Benefits\">United Explorer Card Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally speaking, airline cards with moderate annual fees typically don't offer many benefits. But the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a> bucks the trend; you'll find a significant list of benefits on this card.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Waived_annual_fee_for_the_first_year\">Waived annual fee for the first year<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cardholders will enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 starting on the first day of the month after your cardholder anniversary. This gives you a year to check out the card's benefits without paying an annual fee, see if they're right for you, and then decide what to do when it's due in the second year.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Check_your_first_bag_for_free\">Check your first bag for free<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you typically pay for checked bags, the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a> can pay for itself with a single round-trip flight for two passengers. United charges up to $50 per bag each way for your first checked bag, so you're looking at up to $200 in potential savings on bags alone just from that one round-trip. Better yet, this benefit even applies if you book a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/basic-economy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United basic economy<\/a> ticket.<\/p>\n<p>The most important thing to know about this benefit is that you must use your card to pay for the flight to get your free bags. The benefit also works for flights booked with miles, so long as you use your United Explorer Card to cover the taxes and fees.<\/p>\n<p>The requirement to pay with your card is unique to the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United co-branded credit cards<\/a>. Most other airline cards provide a free checked bag benefit even if you use a different card to pay. This restriction also means that you won't be able to use the free checked-bag benefit on flights you've already booked before applying for the card.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_138054\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-138054 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Calle-Macarone-Unsplash-baggage-handlers-featured.png\" alt=\"baggage handlers load luggage onto carts, as seen from a plane window\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Calle-Macarone-Unsplash-baggage-handlers-featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Calle-Macarone-Unsplash-baggage-handlers-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Calle-Macarone-Unsplash-baggage-handlers-featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Calle-Macarone-Unsplash-baggage-handlers-featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Calle Macarone\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Expanded_MileagePlus_award_availability\">Expanded MileagePlus award availability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you have the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a>, you\u2019ll get access to more flights bookable with miles than the general public. Access to this extra award space can mean the difference between scoring a great deal with miles or paying cash for a flight. This perk alone can potentially save you tens of thousands of United miles each year.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more, check out our dedicated post on <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-card-award-space\/\" rel=\"noopener\">unlocking United's hidden award space for card members<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Priority_boarding\">Priority boarding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With priority boarding, you and your travel companions booked on the same reservation will board before the non-elite crowd. That gives you early access to overhead bins and a chance to settle in, rather than standing in line. This even applies if you book a basic economy ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Up_to_120_credit_for_application_to_security_programs\">Up to $120 credit for application to security programs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It's hard to overstate the convenience of expedited airport security and U.S. immigration screening. With this benefit, you'll get a credit of up to $120 every four years to reimburse the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS when you charge it to your card.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/expedited-airport-security-programs\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Expedited Security Screening Programs: How To Get Them for Free<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"25_back_on_United_in-flight_purchases\">25% back on United in-flight purchases<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you pay with your <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a>, you can get 25% back as a statement credit for purchases of food and drinks on United-operated flights. This benefit also covers in-flight Wi-Fi so you can stay productive en route to your destination, and it even applies to premium drinks at the United Club.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"United_Club_visitor_passes\">United Club visitor passes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You'll receive two one-time passes each year to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-club-access\/\" rel=\"noopener\">access the United Club<\/a> \u2014 United's airport lounges. Most United Club locations charge $59 per person for a walk-in entry, making this one perk potentially worth over $100.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_137003\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-137003 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub.jpg\" alt=\"2 people talk at the bar in the United Club lounge at San Francisco (SFO)\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub-325x260.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>The United Club in San Francisco (SFO). Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"United_elites_are_eligible_for_upgrades_on_award_tickets\">United elites are eligible for upgrades on award tickets<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United flights are typically limited to tickets purchased with money. Elite flyers can get a free first-class upgrade on paid tickets if the cabin doesn't fill up. With the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a>, you\u2019ll be eligible for these upgrades on tickets booked with miles as well! This benefit also extends to one companion on the same reservation.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Earn_Premier_Qualifying_Points_PQPs_toward_elite_status\">Earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) toward elite status<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>PQPs are the currency needed for qualifying for United MileagePlus elite status each year. With the United Explorer Card, you can earn 1 PQP for each $20 of qualifying spending \u2014 up to a maximum of 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-card-pqp\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Guide To Earning United Premier Qualifying Points Through Credit Card Spending<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Earn_more_benefits_with_minimum_spend\">Earn more benefits with minimum spend<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cardholders who spend $10,000 on their card in a calendar year will earn a $100 United TravelBank credit. Additionally, those who spend $20,000 in a single calendar year will earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Travel_partner_perks\">Travel partner perks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cardholders can earn travel or statement credits for making purchases through some of United's travel partners. They include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>United Hotels credits:<\/strong> Up to $100 statement credit annually when you use your card to book hotel stays through United Hotels. This is broken up into two $50 statement credits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avis\/Budget credits:<\/strong> Up to $50 in United TravelBank credit (two $25 credits) when you pay for an eligible car rental through Avis or Budget with your card.<\/li>\n<li><strong>JSX credits:<\/strong> Up to $100 in statement credits each year when you book a flight directly with JSX, a hop-on semi-private jet service.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rideshare credits:<\/strong> Up to $60 per year when you pay for rideshare services with your card ($5 per month).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_184438\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-184438 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hotel-Resort-Featured-Tholaal-Mohamed-Unsplash.png\" alt=\"Aerial view of a blue-water resort.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hotel-Resort-Featured-Tholaal-Mohamed-Unsplash.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hotel-Resort-Featured-Tholaal-Mohamed-Unsplash-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hotel-Resort-Featured-Tholaal-Mohamed-Unsplash-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hotel-Resort-Featured-Tholaal-Mohamed-Unsplash-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Tholaal Mohamed\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Instacart_membership_and_discounts\">Instacart+ membership and discounts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Receive a three-month Instacart+ membership with a 25% annual membership discount thereafter. Plus, cardholders will receive up to $120 in Instacart credits annually.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Travel_and_insurance_protections\">Travel and insurance protections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The United Explorer Card also provides several protections on purchases made with the card. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Primary auto rental coverage<\/strong> \u2014 Offers reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles (with an MSRP of $125,000 or less).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Baggage delay insurance<\/strong> \u2014 Reimburses you up to $100 a day for up to three days for essential purchases when your baggage is delayed for over six hours.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lost luggage reimbursement<\/strong> \u2014 Provides reimbursement of up to $3,000 per covered traveler for the cost to repair\/replace luggage lost, damaged, or stolen during a covered trip.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trip cancellation and interruption insurance<\/strong> \u2014 Get reimbursed for up to $1,500 per covered traveler and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares if your trip is canceled or interrupted by a covered situation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trip delay reimbursement<\/strong> \u2014 If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you are covered for unreimbursed expenses of up to $500 per covered traveler.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purchase protection<\/strong> \u2014 Covers eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $10,000 per item.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extended warranty protection<\/strong> \u2014 Extends the time period of the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Visa Concierge<\/strong> \u2014 Get complimentary Visa Signature Concierge Service 24 hours a day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No foreign transaction fees<\/strong> \u2014 Swipe this card abroad without paying foreign transaction fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For policy particulars, please refer to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/guide-to-benefits-list\/\" rel=\"noopener\">your card's Guide to Benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Explorer_Card_Earning_Rates\">United Explorer Card Earning Rates<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Outside the welcome bonus, you'll primarily earn miles from your daily spending and United purchases. Here are the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a>&#8216;s earning rates:<\/p>\n<ul>\r\n<li>3X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>*<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*9X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights\n<p>These aren't impressive earning rates by any stretch. You may fare better by analyzing your spending habits and choosing a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-cards-for-bonus-spending-categories\/\" rel=\"noopener\">credit card optimized for bonus earnings in those categories<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136482\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136482 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view.jpeg\" alt=\"Looking up a United economy cabin, showing the backs of the seats\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view-768x614.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view-325x260.jpeg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Redeeming_Miles_With_the_United_Explorer_Card\">Redeeming Miles With the United Explorer Card<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The process is quick and straightforward when it comes time to redeem your miles for travel rewards. United is a member of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/airline-alliances-and-partnerships\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Star Alliance<\/a>, so you can use your United miles for award flights on all alliance member airlines &#8212; including Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, ANA, Air Canada, and SWISS.<\/p>\n<p>While United awards don't always have the lowest mileage rates, MileagePlus is one of our favorite programs because it's relatively easy to book a ticket \u2014 and there's a solid number of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/best-way-to-use-united-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">valuable MileagePlus sweet spots<\/a>. Plus, the taxes and fees you'll pay out of pocket are often much lower than the competition.<\/p>\n<p>And if you don't want to redeem for award flights, you can also put your miles towards upgrades, covering the cost of seats or bags, a United Club membership, and more. You can also put them towards unique experiences. Generally, these redemptions won't provide the best value for your miles, but they're still worth keeping in mind.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-book-with-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Basics of Booking an Award Flight with United<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Application_Restrictions\">Application Restrictions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let's start with restrictions that are clearly stated and then move to unwritten rules because there are a few that you should know about on the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a>. First, the card's application terms state:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;This product is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of this credit card who received a new Cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months.&#8221;<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Thus, if you currently have this card or earned a bonus on it in the past 24 months, you won't be eligible.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the United Explorer Card is issued by Chase, so it's subject to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-5-24-rule\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase\u2019s 5\/24 policy<\/a>. If you have opened five or more credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months, you likely won't be approved for a Chase credit card.<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, there are no restrictions on the number of United cards one can hold at one time. And earning a bonus on another United credit card won't affect your eligibility for this card. However, depending on your credit card strategy, it might not make sense to hold multiple United cards.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136477\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136477 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin.jpeg\" alt=\"United Polaris cabin\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin-768x614.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin-325x260.jpeg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/rewards-card-application-rules\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Alternatives_to_the_United_Explorer_Card\">Alternatives to the United Explorer Card<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For a lot of United travelers, the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a> makes a lot of sense. But if it's not for you, consider these options instead:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>If you're a regular United flier and want a card that earns more miles and PQPs,<\/strong> consider the <a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedQuestCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=96685fd393e20252ebca90448dcadcc0&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>). The $350 annual fee United Quest Card offers higher earning rates. Plus, you can enjoy free first and second checked bags, up to 18,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (1 PQP for every $20 you spend on purchases), a variety of travel statement credits, and more. Our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-quest-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Quest Card review<\/a> has all the details.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you want a non-co-branded card that earns transferable points (that transfer to United),<\/strong> consider the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a>  (<a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005147&type=3&subid=0cd428133405ff6f792f9175a9e6c96cb&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>). The Sapphire Preferred carries a $95 annual fee and is one of our favorite travel cards. You can earn up to 5X Ultimate Rewards points on purchases and transfer your points to 14 travel partners \u2014 including United at a 1:1 ratio. Learn more in our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-sapphire-preferred\/\" rel=\"noopener\">full Sapphire Preferred review<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you're over 5\/24 and want a card that offers point transfers to United,<\/strong> consider <a data-ccid=\"260\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-blue-card\/\">Bilt Blue Card<\/a>. This $0 annual fee  card earns up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments and 1X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases. And Bilt Points transfer to several partners, including United MileagePlus. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-blue-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about the Bilt Blue Card in our full review<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-bilt\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/4a0f5eb9-f9b0-42ec-86be-4f4cf1af0205.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"United Quest\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United Quest\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"4048245\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedQuestCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a> <\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$350<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=96685fd393e20252ebca90448dcadcc0&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>4X miled per $1 spent on United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases*<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per $1 spent at Renowned Hotels and Resorts<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent at restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on select streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*10X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/7e0262fd-5b61-413b-8b01-c8feec5b1d04.png\" alt=\"Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card\" width=\"150\"\/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card' data-ccid=\"2061159\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005147&type=3&subid=0cd428133405ff6f792f9175a9e6c96cb&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on eligible streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CardArt-BiltBlueCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Bilt Blue Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Bilt Blue Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Bilt Blue Card' data-ccid=\"260\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BiltBlueCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$0<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--0\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments<\/li>\r\n<li>1X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Which United Credit Card Is Right for You?<\/a><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a> is a fantastic travel rewards card for anyone who flies with United at least a few times a year. This card should quickly pay for itself with free checked bags, a 25% inflight discount, priority boarding, and access to extra flights with your miles. It's one of our favorites in United's credit card lineup.<\/p>\n<p>However, there is something to be said about its new long-term $150 annual fee. For some travelers, this might be too steep a fee to pay every year \u2014 and if you can't take full advantage of the card's new statement credits, then it'll be difficult to justify. Just be sure to do the math and thoroughly review the new benefits before you apply to ensure it'll work for you.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048117\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/ff6d0beb-04a7-4cc5-9bf4-50bc3f5e5883.png\" alt=\"United\u2120 Explorer Card\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United\u2120 Explorer Card' data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=a9b1f16b241494ef771713e11f8c83a1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The United\u2120 Explorer Card is Chase's mid-tier United card, providing an excellent mix of functional benefits and value. Notable perks include a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, or NEXUS fees\u200b\u200b, priority boarding\u200b\u200b, and a free first checked bag for the cardmember and a traveling companion on the same reservation, offering up to $200 in savings. Additionally, cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights\u200b\u200b, and two one-time United Club\u2120 passes annually\u200b\u200b.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles<\/li><li>$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150<\/li><li>NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United&#xAE; purchases.<\/li><li>2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.<\/li><li>Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $200 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United&#xAE; flights.<\/li><li>2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value<\/li><li>Over $500 in partner credits each year<\/li><li>NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>*<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*9X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/UnitedExplorer\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-225dd03297#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If United is your airline of choice, carrying a co-branded credit card will give you a bunch of perks often associated with elite status. Early boarding, free checked bags and lounge access can be yours. And it&#8217;s possible to get those without a high annual fee, thanks to the United\u2120 Explorer Card.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":188016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12055],"tags":[12620,12786,12772],"coauthors":[36432],"class_list":["post-1325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-credit-cards","tag-card-reviews","tag-chase","tag-united-mileageplus"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1325"}],"version-history":[{"count":132,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":263817,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1325\/revisions\/263817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/188016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1325"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}