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United℠ Explorer
Chase

United℠ Explorer

A $150-a-year airline card from Chase.

Locked to United MileagePlus
Annual fee
$0 first year, then $150/yr
Welcome bonus
Up to 60,000 bonus miles
Min spend
$3,000 in 3 months
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (700+)
Network
Visa
Foreign transaction fee
None
Apply on Chase site6.6/10Our rating · review ›

Rates, fees, and full terms are set by Chase and can change. See current rates & fees on the issuer’s site, and always confirm the latest terms before applying.

Before you apply: Chase application and welcome-bonus rules →
Offer last verified July 24, 2026. How we verify.

Is this card right for you?

✓ Best for

people who spend heavily on dining and want travel rewards they can grow.

⚠ Think twice if

you will not use enough of its perks and credits to cover the $150 annual fee.

Earning rates

9x miles on United flights booked with the card
3x miles on other United purchases
2x miles on hotel stays and dining
1x miles on all other purchases
25% back on United in-flight purchases

Best ways to earn & redeem

Put your dining spending on this card to earn at its highest rates, and let a different card handle the categories it does not bonus. Its dining rate is on the modest side for that category, so compare before you commit.

When you cash in, redeem the miles or points inside the single loyalty program this card is tied to. We value every point at a flat 1 cent, so treat any transfer upside as a bonus rather than the baseline — see what your points are really worth.

Features & benefits

First checked bag free on United flights (primary cardmember + 1 companion)
Priority boarding on United flights
Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit
No foreign transaction fees

Lounge access

2 United Club one-time passes each year (no membership; you cannot otherwise enter a United Club)

Pairs well with

The United℠ Explorer earns the most in its bonus categories, so pair it with a no-fee flat-rate card to cover everything it only earns a base rate on.

How does it rank for your spending?

Every card is ranked by what it actually returns on the way you spend. Run your numbers and see where the United℠ Explorer lands.

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