Chase · Visa
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee
$150
up to $530/yr in credits if you use them
Sign-Up Bonus
$650
Current offer shown; issuer determines eligibility.
Spend $3,000 in 3mo
Terms apply.
Base Rate
1x
on everything
Best For
United flyers — free bags + lounge access
Sign-Up Bonus
Bonus: 50,000 miles
Details: 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months, plus 10,000 more for adding an authorized user in the first 3 months (~$650 base value). Verified issuer page 2026-08-06.
Requirement: Spend $3,000 in 3 months
Estimated value: $650Terms apply. Current offer shown; issuer determines eligibility.
Reward Categories
United purchases (up to 9x total on United flights incl. MileagePlus member earning)
Restaurants & food delivery
Hotels
Point value: ~1.3¢ each
Key Benefits
Credits — if you use them
After $10,000 in calendar-year purchases
Statement credit on JSX flights each anniversary year
$5/month in U.S. rideshare statement credits — enrollment required
$10/month in Instacart statement credits — enrollment required
Up to two $50 credits on United Hotels stays per year
Up to two $25 credits on Avis/Budget rentals per year
Perks (not counted in our math)
Your first checked bag free on United flights — saves $35 each way
Use before any United flight — $50 value each
Pay the fee with your card — reimbursed every 4 years; shown at its ~$30/yr annualized value
Board in Group 2 on United flights
Automatically refunded as statement credit
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + First bag free saves $140+ per round trip for 2 people
- + 2 United Club passes/year ($100 value)
- + Global Entry credit ($120 every 4 years)
- + Miles transfer to Star Alliance partners
Cons
- - Only 3x on United purchases — not great for everyday spend
- - No complimentary United Club membership (just passes)
- - $150 annual fee (waived first year)
Transfer Partners
Points transfer to 2 airline and hotel partners — often where the highest redemption values live.
Rates and fees may vary.See current rates, fees, and terms on Chase's site
Recommended credit score: 680+
Advertising disclosure: we may earn a commission if you apply through this link. This does not affect your ranking. Full disclosure
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Written by Tim · Data verified against issuer terms · Last checked Sep 14, 2026 · Methodology v2026.09.1
Card information is collected independently and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. See our disclosure for details.