Bankcheckingsavings has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Bankcheckingsavings and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
The United Explorer Card has some great perks and benefits, especially for those who frequently fly United.
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 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.
Table of Contents
United Explorer Card Summary
 The United Explorer Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services Perks of this card include: • Getting up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • Get your first bag checked for free (up to $140 savings per roundtrip). Terms apply. • Get priority boarding perks & visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24. This card does come with a $95 annual fee, however, the annual fee is waived for the first year. |
United Explorer Card Bonus Miles Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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.
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 and the latest banking offers from Chase Bank.
| BONUS LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| Chase Business Complete BankingSM | $300 Cash | Review |
| Chase Total Checking® | $200 Cash | Review |
| Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
| J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Up To $625 Cash | Review |
| Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
Bankcheckingsavings has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Bankcheckingsavings and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
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!