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The United Explorer Card has some great perks and benefits, especially for those who frequently fly United.
Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 miles after you spend $6,000 total on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open.
With a $95 annual fee that’s waived for the first year, this credit card is best suited toward flyers that spend a lot.
Nonetheless, this card’s valuable benefits, like free bags and limited lounge access, and expanded bonus categories can easily make up for its annual fee, even if you don’t fly United regularly.
The card is practical. It helps with common hassles while flying United, especially dealing with luggage, whether you check it in or carry it aboard.
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| BONUS LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| Chase Business Complete BankingSM | $300 Cash | Review |
| Chase Total Checking® | $200 Cash | Review |
| Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
Table of Contents
United Explorer Card Summary
| Bonus Available | Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 miles after you spend $6,000 total on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open. |
| *Bonus Value | $980 |
| Travel Credit | No travel credit, but you get credit for your Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check application fee, up to $100, every four years. |
| Ongoing Rewards/Benefits |
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| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| Airport Lounge Access | Two United Club one-time passes after account opening and every year for your cardmember anniversary. |
| Annual Fee | Waived your first year; $95 annually |
* The United Explorer Card is issued by Chase. They also offer great sign-up bonuses. You can also compare this card with other credit card bonuses!
* Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by BankCheckingSavings and not the card issuer.
View our latest valuations here.
United Explorer Card Bonus Miles Offer
Take advantage of the 60,000 bonus miles promotion. Compare this with other card bonuses.
Here are some ideas on meeting the spending requirements.
What are MileagePlus Miles Worth?
Your miles’ worth depends on how you use them. The value of of one MileagePlus mile ranges $0.005 to $0.021, but on average, each MileagePlus mile at around $0.014.
You can redeem your MileagePlus miles for:
- Flights and upgrades (United Airlines and Star Alliance partners)
- Travel (hotel stays, car rentals, cruises)
- Enhanced travel (United Club membership, WiFi, etc.)
- Dining
- Merchandise
- Gift cards
- Experiences
- Subscriptions (magazines and newspapers)
- Donations
In order to get the maxixmum value of your miles, redeem then for flights and seat upgrades on United and Star Alliance partners. Since all other options give you a lower per-mile value of less than $0.01. Plus it’s good to note that your MileagePLus miles don’t expire as long as your account is open.
United Explorer Card Top Features
Lounge access: Being a United Explorer Cardholder also entitles you to two United Club passes each year. Each pass gives you admission to a United Club in participating airports. You can enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks, Wi-Fi, work spaces, and more. Each pass is worth $59, which already covers your annual fee.
Free checked bags: The most valuable benefit is a free first checked bag for you and a traveling companion. This is available on United-operated flights only. To qualify, you must purchase tickets using your card and be one of the people traveling on the flight. It’s usually $25 per checked bag on United. So, if you’re traveling with 2 people and on 2 flights in one itinerary, the value of this benefit is estimated to be up to $100.
Priority Boarding: To unlock this feature, you must add your MileagePlus number to your reservation. You’ll get on the plane earlier and get first choice on overhead bin space for your hand luggage.
In-flight discounts: Enjoy in-flight discounts on food, beverages and WiFi on board United-operated flights. You’ll get 25% back as statement credit. Just make sure you pay with your United Explorer card.
This perk covers your application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Get up to $100 in statement credit every four years.
You can earn and use MileagePlus miles on over 35 airlines worldwide with Star Alliance member airlines and other members.
Star Alliance member airlines include:
| Adria | Aegean | Air Canada |
| Air China | Air India | Air New Zealand |
| ANA | Asiana Airlines | Austrian Airlines |
| Avianca | Brussels Airlines | Copa Airlines |
| Croatia Airlines | EgyptAir | Ethiopian Airlines |
| EVA Air | LOT Polish Airlines | Lufthansa |
| SAS | Shenzhen Airlines | Singapore Airlines |
| South African Airways | Swiss International Airways | Air Portugal |
| Thai Airways International | Turkish Airlines |
Other worldwide partners include:
| Aer Lingus | Aeromar | AirDolomiti |
| Azul Brazilian Airlines | Boutique Air | Cape Air |
| Edelweiss | Eurowings | Hawaiian Airlines |
| Olympic Air | Silver Airways |
Make purchases abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees with the United Explorer Card.
Conclusion
The Chase United Explorer Card has some worthy cardholder benefits. It features a free first checked bag for up to 2 people, 2 United Club passes, and up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Using even just one of these benefits can cover the annual fee.
However, unless you’ll fly on United more than once a year, some of this card’s best features will leave you unimpressed. If you fly United less, don’t spend that much on your card, or would rather have more flexibility, try looking for general travel credit cards, or even cash back cards. You can check some out on our list of credit card promotions. Although these will usually result in a lower rewards rates, you’ll get the added benefit of extra freedom.
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
I was on a recent flight and picked up the following promotion code which gives you 2,500 bonus sign-up miles. I know it’s not much, but better than no bonus. UAVS7Z
unitedexplorercard.com/inflight
Well you all sent me an offer for 70,000 miles bonus if you spend $3,000 in 3 months and
what I get is 50,000 miles bonus offer that’s not right to play games I thought we are dealing with a serious site.
Hi Keria, the promotion presented here is “targeted” meaning that only certain people would be able to get the offer. If you would still like to see if you can receive this bonus- contact CSR and see if they will match your application to this promotion. Good luck!