$150
Annual fee
$500
Bonus value
See the card
Card reviewChase
Updated Jul 3, 2026 · research
ChaseUnited MileagePlusEditorially reviewed
United Explorer Card
Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles, get a free first checked bag, 2 United Club one-time passes yearly, and over $500 in annual partner credits.
Mid TierPersonal
Visa
Credit profile: good$150
Annual fee
9x miles united flights
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Current Welcome Offer
50,000 miles
Spend $3,000 in 90 days
Verifiedlanding page
Card Offers
public
50,000 miles
Spend $3,000 in 90 days
landing page
public
10,000 miles
landing page
Earning Rates
United flights
9xmiles
Includes 6x miles as a MileagePlus member and 3x miles on United purchases with the card
Other eligible United purchases
3xmiles
Includes seat upgrades, inflight purchases, and baggage fees
Dining
2xmiles
Including eligible delivery services
Hotel stays
2xmiles
When booked directly with the hotel
All other purchases
1xmiles
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 Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee Waived first year | $150 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
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
3 benefits (1 strong or better)
Travel Access & Perks
Travel Credits
Elite Status
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
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 from Chase offers rich travel rewards for United loyalists, featuring a free first checked bag, priority boarding, two annual United Club one-time passes, up to a $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit, and extensive annual statement credits for hotels, rideshares, car rentals, and food delivery.
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
50,000 miles with a $150 annual fee.
Spend $3,000 in 90 days
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Sources & Methodology
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