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Updated Apr 16, 2026 · research
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ChaseUnited MileagePlusEditorially reviewed

United℠ Explorer Card

Earn United MileagePlus miles on United flights and everyday purchases, with travel perks like a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and 2 United Club one-time passes per year.

Mid TierPersonal
Visa
Credit profile: good
$150
Annual fee
9x miles eligible united flights
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating

Current Welcome Offer

80,000 miles

$1,040 estimated value

Spend $3,000

Verifiedproduct page
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Card Offers

public

80,000 miles

Verified

$1,040 estimated value

Spend $3,000

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Earning Rates

Eligible United flights
9xmiles

9x total miles on eligible United flights (includes 3x base award miles + 6x bonus)

All other eligible United purchases
3xmiles

3x miles on all other eligible United purchases

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Annual fee is waived for the first year, reducing the cost of entry.
  • Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion saves on baggage fees for frequent United flyers.
  • Two United Club one-time passes per year provide lounge access without a full club membership.
  • Over $500 in annual partner credits can offset the ongoing $150 annual fee many times over.
  • No foreign transaction fees makes the card practical for international use.

Cons

  • High rewards rates are concentrated on United purchases, limiting value for non-United spending.
  • United Club passes do not roll over, so unused passes are forfeited each year.
  • Partner credits may require enrollment and have expiration dates, adding complexity for cardholders.
  • Priority boarding applies only to United-operated flights, not codeshare partners.
  • The $150 annual fee after the first year requires regular United travel to justify.

Key Takeaways

  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
  • The $150 annual fee is waived the first year, giving new cardmembers a low-cost trial period.
  • Free first checked bag covers the cardholder and one companion, but requires the MileagePlus number to be on the reservation.
  • Two United Club one-time passes are issued annually and must be used within the year.
  • Over $500 in annual partner credits are available but may require individual enrollment to activate.

Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Annual Fee

Waived first year

$150
Foreign Transaction Fee0%

APR Information

Purchase APR
19.74% - 28.24%

APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.

Card Benefits

4 benefits

Travel Access & Perks

Statement Credits

Coverage Tier Legend

Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average

Hidden Gems

Companion Checked Bag Savings

The free first checked bag benefit extends to one companion on the same reservation, not just the cardholder. For a round trip, this can save two travelers a meaningful amount in baggage fees on a single itinerary.

Over $500 in Partner Credits Vs. $150 Fee

The annual partner credits from United and affiliated brands exceed $500 in potential value, which is more than three times the $150 annual fee. Cardholders who take the time to enroll in and use each credit can extract significant net value from the card.

First-Year Fee Waiver as a Trial Window

Because the annual fee is waived entirely in the first year, new cardmembers can evaluate whether the travel benefits and partner credits justify the $150 fee before they are ever charged it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the welcome bonus on the United Explorer Card?
New cardmembers can earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after meeting qualifying spending requirements. The current public offer requires $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. The bonus miles are worth approximately $1,040 based on current valuations.
What is the annual fee for the United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card has a $150 annual fee. However, the annual fee is waived for the first year, so new cardmembers pay nothing until their second year of card membership.
Does the United Explorer Card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, the United Explorer Card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it a practical option for international travel without added costs on purchases made abroad.
Who qualifies for the free first checked bag benefit?
The free first checked bag benefit covers the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation when flying United. To receive the benefit, the MileagePlus number must be added to the reservation and the ticket must be paid with the United Explorer Card.
How do the United Club one-time passes work?
Cardholders receive two United Club one-time passes each year, which can be used to access United Club airport lounges. The passes are issued annually and do not roll over to the following year if unused.
What credit score is needed to apply for the United Explorer Card?
Chase generally requires good credit for approval of the United Explorer Card. Applicants with a strong credit history are more likely to meet the eligibility requirements.
What APR does the United Explorer Card carry?
The United Explorer Card has a variable purchase APR ranging from 19.74% to 28.24%. The same range applies to balance transfers. The exact rate assigned depends on the applicant's creditworthiness at the time of approval.
What are the annual partner credits and how do I use them?
The card offers over $500 in annual credits from United and partner brands. Individual partner credits may have enrollment requirements or expiration dates, so cardholders should review the full Guide to Benefits to understand each credit and how to activate it.
Does priority boarding apply to all flights?
Priority boarding applies to United-operated flights only. It does not extend to codeshare partner flights, so cardholders should verify the operating carrier before expecting this benefit.
What rewards program does the United Explorer Card use?
The United Explorer Card earns miles through the United MileagePlus program. Miles can be redeemed for United flights and other travel through MileagePlus, subject to the program's terms and availability.

About This Card

The United Explorer Card is best suited for travelers who fly United Airlines regularly and want to reduce out-of-pocket travel costs through checked bag savings, lounge access, and partner credits. It suits those who want mid-tier airline card benefits without committing to a premium annual fee.

The United℠ Explorer Card is a co-branded travel credit card issued by Chase in partnership with United Airlines. Earn 9x total miles on eligible United flights, 3x miles on all other eligible United purchases, plus bonus miles on dining, hotels, and everyday spending. Cardmembers enjoy a free first checked bag, 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, priority boarding, and over $500 in annual partner credits. The card carries a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. No foreign transaction fees. Variable APR of 19.74%–28.24%.

The United Explorer Card stands out in the mid-tier airline card segment by combining a first-year fee waiver with over $500 in annual partner credits, a free checked bag for two travelers, and two United Club passes, delivering outsized benefit value relative to its $150 ongoing fee.

Ready to Decide?

Apply for the United℠ Explorer Card

80,000 miles, worth about $1,040 estimated value, with a $150 annual fee.

Spend $3,000

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Reward Program

United MileagePlus

Earns Miles

Learn more

Card Categories

TravelAirlineNo Foreign Transaction FeeRewards

Sources & Methodology

Data Collection

We collect card details from official issuer pages, then verify them through editorial review.

Last updated:

Editorial Review

Pending editorial review.

Data Quality
  • 3 of 4 benefits rated high confidence
  • 1 of 1 offer verified
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