United℠ Explorer Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
• APR: 19.74%-28.24% variable
• Rewards: 2X on United, dining, and hotels; 1X on everything else
• Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Best For: Regular United flyers who value free checked bags and priority boarding
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The United Explorer Card is the go-to credit card for United Airlines loyalists, combining solid mile earning with high-value perks that save money on every flight. The free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation saves $70-$140 per round trip alone, and priority boarding ensures you always have overhead bin space.

With 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, plus 1X on everything else, the earning structure covers the categories most relevant to travelers. The 60,000-mile welcome bonus after $3,000 in spending is worth approximately $780-$900 based on average United mile valuations, enough for a domestic round-trip or a one-way international redemption.

Cardmembers receive two one-time United Club passes per year, 25% back on United in-flight purchases, and expanded award availability that is not accessible to non-cardholders. After the first year's $0 intro fee, the $150 annual fee is easily offset by the checked bag savings alone if you fly United even two to three times per year. The card also carries no foreign transaction fees, making it a natural travel companion.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 19.74%-28.24% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 19.74%-28.24% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. The $0 intro annual fee applies for the first year only.

Benefits Overview

United Flight Perks

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation
• Priority boarding on all United and United Express flights
• 25% back on United in-flight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases
• Expanded award seat availability not offered to non-cardholders
• Two one-time United Club passes each year

Mile Earning

• 2X miles on United Airlines purchases
• 2X miles at restaurants including takeout and delivery
• 2X miles on hotel stays booked directly
• 1X mile on all other purchases

Travel Protections

• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver

Rewards & Points

• 2X miles on United Airlines purchases
• 2X miles on dining and hotel stays
• 1X mile on all other purchases

United MileagePlus miles are worth approximately 1.3-1.5 cents each on average. Miles can be redeemed for United flights, Star Alliance partner flights, and through the MileagePlus shopping portal. Expanded award availability gives cardholders access to more award seats than standard MileagePlus members.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus United MileagePlus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. At average redemption values, 60,000 miles are worth approximately $780-$900, enough for a domestic round-trip ticket or a one-way flight to Europe or Asia in economy.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0 intro first year, then $150
• Balance Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5)
• Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min $10)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Regular United flyers who fly United two or more times per year and check bags
• Dining spenders who eat out frequently and want 2X miles on every restaurant visit
• Frequent travelers who value priority boarding and expanded award availability
• Star Alliance members who want miles redeemable across United's global partner network

Not Good For

• Infrequent United flyers who do not fly United enough to benefit from checked bag savings
• Lounge access seekers who want unlimited United Club access rather than just two passes
• Flat-rate enthusiasts who prefer simple cash back over airline miles
• Budget cardholders who cannot justify the $150 annual fee after year one

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free checked bag for cardholder and a companion saves $70-$140 per round trip
• 60,000-mile welcome bonus is worth approximately $780-$900
• Priority boarding ensures overhead bin space on every United flight
• 2X miles on United, dining, and hotels covers key travel categories
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year lets you try risk-free
• Two United Club one-time passes annually for airport lounge visits
• 25% back on United in-flight purchases
• Expanded award availability not accessible to regular MileagePlus members
• No foreign transaction fees for international travel
• Strong travel protections including trip delay and baggage insurance

Cons

• $150 annual fee after the first year is above average for a mid-tier airline card
• 1X on non-bonus purchases is a low base rate
• Only two United Club passes per year, not unlimited access
• Miles are tied to United and Star Alliance, limiting flexibility
• No 0% intro APR offer for purchases or balance transfers
• No statement credits or travel reimbursement perks
• 2X earning rate is modest compared to premium airline cards
• Value diminishes significantly if you rarely check bags

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $1,522 including the welcome bonus (valued at $840 at 1.4 cents per mile) and $0 intro annual fee. Checked bag savings are based on 4 round trips for 2 passengers.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You fly United Airlines at least two to three times per year
• You regularly check bags and want to save $70-$140 per round trip
• You want priority boarding to guarantee overhead bin space
• You dine out frequently and want 2X miles on restaurant spending
• You want expanded award availability for better redemption options
• You are building MileagePlus miles for a premium cabin redemption

You Should Skip It If...

• You rarely fly United and would not use the airline-specific perks
• You cannot justify the $150 annual fee after the first year
• You want unlimited lounge access rather than two annual passes
• You prefer flexible points that can transfer to multiple airlines
• You want a higher base earning rate on non-travel spending
• You primarily fly budget airlines or Southwest

Apply Now

Apply for United℠ Explorer Card

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.