If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, then the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card might just be the credit card for you. While the $95 annual fee may seem steep, the card’s impressive list of perks and benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Airport Benefits
One of the most attractive perks of the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card is the airport benefits it offers. You’ll receive free checked bags, priority boarding, and two one-time passes to United airport lounges each year. These benefits can add up to significant savings and enhance your travel experience.
Earn Miles
The United MileagePlus® Explorer Card rewards you with two miles for every dollar you spend on United Airlines travel. This means that every time you book a flight, you’re getting closer to earning a free ticket. Plus, you’ll earn one mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus
To sweeten the deal, the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card offers a sign-up bonus. Spend $3,000 on the card within the first three months, and you’ll receive 50,000 bonus miles. That’s enough for a round-trip domestic flight or a one-way international flight. If you spend at least $25,000 per year on the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card, you’ll receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles. This bonus can be earned every year, meaning that your rewards can add up quickly.
Comparison of the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card with other travel credit cards in the market based on the features and cost.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Sign-up Bonus | Rewards Program | Airport Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United MileagePlus® Explorer Card | $95 | 50,000 bonus miles with $3,000 spend in the first 3 months | 2 miles per $1 spent on United Airlines, 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases | Free checked bags, priority boarding, 2 one-time passes to United airport lounges per year |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | 100,000 bonus points with $4,000 spend in the first 3 months | 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining, 1 point per $1 on all other purchases | No airport benefits |
| Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card | $95 | 60,000 bonus miles with $3,000 spend in the first 3 months | 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases | No airport benefits |
| American Express® Gold Card | $250 | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points with $4,000 spend in the first 6 months | 4 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on up to $25,000 in supermarket purchases per year, 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1 point per $1 on all other purchases | No airport benefits |
From the table above, the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card stands out for its airport benefits, which include free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access. However, it has a lower sign-up bonus compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and the rewards program is more limited, as it primarily rewards spending on United Airlines. Additionally, the annual fee is lower than the American Express® Gold Card, but higher than the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card.
If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, the United MileagePlus® Explorer Card is a card worth considering. With its impressive list of benefits, rewards program, and sign-up bonus, the card can help you earn free flights and enhance your travel experience.