United℠ Explorer Card: Fly Smarter with Exclusive Travel Perks and Miles
The United℠ Explorer Card, issued by Chase, is an ideal travel rewards credit card for frequent flyers who want to enhance their travel experience with United Airlines while earning valuable miles along the way. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this card combines convenience, rewards, and savings in a single package.
As a welcome offer, new cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus MileagePlus® miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. That’s enough for multiple one-way domestic flights or even an international trip, depending on availability and redemption.
With this card, you’ll earn:
2x miles on United® purchases
2x miles at restaurants and on hotel stays booked directly
1x mile on all other purchases
But what makes the United℠ Explorer Card truly stand out is the array of travel benefits included. You’ll enjoy your first checked bag free (a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip for two people), priority boarding, 25% back on in-flight purchases, and 2 United Club one-time passes each year—a luxury many other airline cards don’t provide.
Even better, there’s no foreign transaction fee, and the $0 annual fee for the first year (then $95) gives you time to test the card’s value before committing. With built-in travel protections and access to Chase’s powerful Ultimate Rewards portal, the United℠ Explorer Card helps make every trip more rewarding—literally.
Why the United℠ Explorer Card Is a Must-Have for Frequent Flyers
60,000 Bonus Miles Welcome Offer
Get off to a flying start with 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. With redemptions starting as low as 10,000 miles, this bonus can cover multiple award flights, making it one of the strongest welcome offers among airline cards.Free First Checked Bag
Avoid baggage fees by getting your first checked bag free—for both you and one companion on the same reservation. If you fly roundtrip even twice a year, this benefit can save up to $280 annually, making it a major value driver.Priority Boarding and Lounge Access
Get priority boarding on United flights, letting you settle in early and secure overhead bin space. You’ll also receive two United Club passes each year, giving you access to premium airport lounges with snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating.2x Miles on Travel and Dining
Earn double miles on United purchases, restaurants, and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel. This makes it easy to rack up miles quickly, even when you’re not flying—ideal for anyone who dines out or travels regularly.
What to Consider Before You Apply for the United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee After the First Year
The card has a $95 annual fee after the first year. While this may seem like a drawback, the value easily outweighs the cost for those who use the perks. Just one round-trip flight with a checked bag pays for the fee, not to mention lounge passes and priority boarding.Best Value Tied to United Loyalty
The most lucrative rewards and perks are tied to flying with United. If you frequently use other airlines, the United℠ Explorer Card may offer less utility, especially if you’re looking for more flexible redemption options. That said, MileagePlus miles can still be used on Star Alliance partners, adding value even for global travelers.
How to Apply for the United℠ Explorer Card in Just a Few Minutes
Applying for the United℠ Explorer Card is simple and can be completed online within minutes through Chase’s official website. Whether you’re a current United flyer or someone looking to dip into travel rewards for the first time, this card offers excellent value from day one.
Before you begin, ensure you meet the basic criteria: good to excellent credit (typically 680+), a U.S. address, and stable income. Have your personal and financial information ready, including your Social Security number and total annual income.
Chase may also consider your 5/24 status, which restricts approval if you’ve opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. If you qualify, many applicants receive an instant approval decision.
Once approved, your card will be mailed in 7–10 business days, and you can start earning miles on your very first purchase—especially if you book your next United trip.
Visit Chase’s official United℠ Explorer Card page.
Navigate to the application form through United or Chase’s website.Click “Apply Now.”
You’ll be taken to a secure application form.Enter your personal and financial information.
Include your name, address, income, and Social Security number.Review and submit your application.
Double-check your info, accept the terms, and submit.Receive your decision and activate your card.
Many receive instant approval. Once approved, activate and start earning miles.
The United℠ Explorer Card is a top-tier airline credit card designed for travelers who want more than just miles—they want a better flying experience. With generous rewards, practical travel perks, and exclusive United benefits, this card is a valuable tool for anyone who flies United at least a few times per year.
The 60,000-mile welcome bonus is a strong incentive on its own, but the true power of this card lies in its everyday utility. Perks like the free checked bag, priority boarding, and lounge access transform the standard travel experience into something smoother, faster, and more comfortable.
Even better, the annual fee is waived for the first year, giving you time to test all its features without cost. And when it does kick in, the savings on just one or two round-trip flights easily make up for it.
Unlike many airline cards, the United℠ Explorer Card also delivers value outside of flying, with 2x miles at restaurants and hotels, no foreign transaction fees, and strong travel protections such as trip delay reimbursement and rental car insurance.
While it offers the most value to loyal United travelers, the ability to redeem miles with Star Alliance partners gives you global flexibility that many co-branded cards lack.
In summary, the United℠ Explorer Card is more than just a mileage machine—it’s a travel upgrade. If you’re ready to earn faster, travel better, and enjoy elite-level perks without paying elite prices, this card belongs in your wallet.
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