United Explorer Card
$95/yr
Chase
United Explorer Card
4.3
(1,543 reviews)travel
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|CFP-reviewed|Updated April 2026The go-to card for United Airlines flyers. The free first checked bag alone is worth $70 per round trip, easily covering the $95 annual fee after just one or two United flights per year. Two United Club lounge passes, priority boarding, and solid travel protections make this a must-have for frequent United travelers.
Annual Fee
$95 (waived first year)
Purchase APR
21.49% – 28.49%
Rewards
1x base rate
Sign-Up Bonus
$600 value
Credit Score
Good (670-749)
Foreign Txn Fee
None
Who Should Get This Card
The United Explorer Card is best suited for established credit users who frequent united airlines flyers. The $95 annual fee pays for itself if you spend $9,500+/year on this card.
This card is great if you…
- Free first checked bag saves $70/trip
- Priority boarding
- 2 lounge passes/year
- Frequent United Airlines flyers
Consider another card if you…
- $95 annual fee after year 1
- Limited value for non-United flyers
- 1x on most spending
Rewards Breakdown
2x United flights, dining & hotels, 1x everything else
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| United Airlines purchases | 2x |
| Dining | 2x |
| Hotels | 2x |
| Everything else | 1x |
Rewards Distribution
2x
top rate
United Airlines purchases2x29%
Dining2x29%
Hotels2x29%
Everything else1x14%
Sign-Up Bonus
60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months
Fees & APR
| Annual Fee | $95 (waived first year) |
| Purchase APR | 21.49% – 28.49% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 5% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Late Fee | Up to $40 |
Pros & Cons
Free first checked bag saves $70/trip
Priority boarding
2 lounge passes/year
60K mile sign-up bonus
Fee waived first year
$95 annual fee after year 1
Limited value for non-United flyers
1x on most spending
The Bottom Line
The Good: The United Explorer Card stands out for its free first checked bag saves $70/trip. The welcome bonus worth $600 adds significant first-year value. No foreign transaction fees make it a strong pick for international spending.
The Not So Good: $95 annual fee after year 1. The $95 annual fee means you need to use the card actively to justify the cost.
Our Verdict: With an editor score of 8/10, the United Explorer Card is one of our top-rated cards in its category. Make sure you'll earn at least $95 in value annually to justify the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the United Explorer Card?▾
The United Explorer Card has a $95 annual fee, waived for the first year. Consider whether the rewards and perks you'll use offset this cost.
What is the sign-up bonus for the United Explorer Card?▾
The United Explorer Card currently offers a sign-up bonus worth approximately $600. 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months Terms apply — always verify the current offer directly with the issuer.
How do the rewards work on the United Explorer Card?▾
The United Explorer Card earns 1x points on all purchases, and up to 2x points in select bonus categories. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.
What credit score do I need for the United Explorer Card?▾
The United Explorer Card is recommended for applicants with good (670-749) credit. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your full credit profile.
Does the United Explorer Card charge a foreign transaction fee?▾
No — the United Explorer Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international purchases and travel abroad.
What is the APR on the United Explorer Card?▾
The United Explorer Card has a variable purchase APR of 21.49% – 28.49%. If you carry a balance, interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards earned.
Who is the United Explorer Card best for?▾
The United Explorer Card is best for Frequent United Airlines flyers. A key advantage: free first checked bag saves $70/trip.
Annual Fee Break-Even
$1,000/mo
$100/mo$5,000/mo
Annual rewards earned: $180Annual fee: $95
Card pays for itself! You earn $85 more than the annual fee at this spend level.
Based on 1x base rewards rate @ 1.5¢ per point. Bonus category spending may reduce your break-even point.
Customer Reviews
4.3
1,543 reviews
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