Best For
Rewards Rate - Miles
- 7x total miles on United flights – 5x miles on fare from United as a MileagePlus member, plus 2x miles on entire United purchase with the United Explorer Card.
- 5x total miles on hotel stays purchased through United® Hotels – 2x miles from United as a MileagePlus® member, 2x miles with your United Explorer card, plus an additional 1x mile from United when you prepay through United Hotels.
- 2x miles on all other eligible United purchases
- 2x miles on hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Intro offer
- 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in 3 months
- Annual fee
- $0 intro first year, then $150
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 28.99% Variable APR
- Recommended credit
- 700–850 (Good to Excellent)
- Travel Perks
- Rental Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry
Highlights
- Free first checked bag for you and one companion on eligible United® itineraries.
- Priority boarding and two United Club℠ one‑time passes each year.
- Bonus miles on United purchases, dining and hotel stays; base earn on everything else.
- Credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee (every four years).
- Solid built‑in travel protections on eligible trips booked with the card.
Who is this card good for?
- United flyers who check bags and value early boarding and occasional lounge access.
- Families who want dependable trip protections on paid tickets.
- Travelers who dine out or stay at hotels often enough to benefit from bonus categories.
- Anyone planning a trusted‑traveler program application soon.
Pointalize Opinion
Pros
- Checked‑bag savings and priority boarding add tangible value.
- Two annual club passes sweeten occasional lounge access.
- Comprehensive travel protections for a mid‑tier airline card.
Cons
- Perks concentrate on United; limited value if you rarely fly the airline.
- Some statement credits and benefits have enrollment or timing requirements.
Pointalize Final Thoughts
For United loyalists, Explorer is a smart mid‑tier pick: a free bag for two, priority boarding, two lounge passes and strong protections. If you seldom fly United, a general‑travel card may fit better.