Chase United Explorer Card: An In-Depth Review

[Andrew Paul]

The Chase United Explorer Card offers a blend of benefits and rewards tailored for frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts. This credit card, co-branded by Chase and United Airlines, is designed to enhance the travel experience with various perks. In this article, we’ll explore its key features, benefits, fees, and how it stacks up against other travel cards.

Key Features of the Chase United Explorer Card

1. Generous Sign-Up Bonus

One of the standout features of the Chase United Explorer Card is its sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn up to 70,000 bonus miles after spending a specified amount on purchases within the first three months of account opening. These miles can be redeemed for round-trip flights, hotel stays, or car rentals, providing excellent value for new applicants.

2. Earn Miles on Everyday Purchases

The card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases and at restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. This rewards structure is particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel with United Airlines or dine out regularly. The miles earned can be used for free flights, seat upgrades, and more.

3. Priority Boarding and Free Checked Bags

Travelers will appreciate the perks of priority boarding and a free checked bag for themselves and one companion on United Airlines flights. Priority boarding allows cardholders to board earlier, ensuring ample space in the overhead bins and a more relaxed boarding process. The free checked bag benefit can save up to $140 per round trip, making it a valuable feature for frequent flyers.

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For those who travel internationally, the Chase United Explorer Card is a great option because it has no foreign transaction fees. This means you won’t incur additional costs when making purchases abroad, allowing for a hassle-free travel experience.

5. Access to United Club Lounge

Cardholders receive two one-time United Club passes each year. These passes grant access to United Club lounges, offering a comfortable space to relax before your flight with complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi. The lounges provide a quiet and relaxing environment, making the travel experience more enjoyable.

Fees and Interest Rates

1. Annual Fee

The Chase United Explorer Card has an annual fee of $95. While this fee is relatively modest compared to other travel rewards cards, it’s essential to evaluate whether the benefits you receive outweigh the cost. For frequent United Airlines travelers, the benefits can quickly justify the fee.

2. APR and Other Fees

The card’s APR (Annual Percentage Rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and market conditions. As of now, the APR ranges from 18.24% to 25.24% variable. There are also fees for late payments and returned payments, so it’s crucial to pay your balance on time to avoid additional charges.

Redemption and Travel Benefits

1. Flexible Redemption Options

United miles can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related expenses. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or car rentals, the miles earned with this card offer flexibility. Additionally, you can use your miles for United’s MileagePlus Travel Awards or transfer them to partner airlines for even more redemption options.

2. Travel and Purchase Protections

The Chase United Explorer Card comes with several travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and travel accident insurance. These protections can provide peace of mind while traveling, covering unexpected events and mishaps.

3. No Expiration on Miles

One of the benefits of the Chase United Explorer Card is that your miles do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. This means you can accumulate and use your miles at your own pace without worrying about losing them.

Comparing the Chase United Explorer Card

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the United Explorer Card has a more specific focus on airline benefits and rewards with United Airlines. The Sapphire Preferred offers a higher sign-up bonus, a broader range of travel rewards, and a more flexible points redemption system. However, it does not offer the same airline-specific perks as the United Explorer Card.

2. American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card is another competitor, offering similar dining rewards and travel benefits. While it provides a higher earning rate on dining and grocery purchases, it does not offer the same airline-specific benefits or free checked bags that the United Explorer Card provides.

3. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card also competes in the travel rewards space, offering 3 points per dollar on travel and restaurants, but does not include the same travel perks with United Airlines. The Citi Premier® Card provides a broader range of travel rewards but lacks the airline-specific advantages.

Pros and Cons of the Chase United Explorer Card

Pros

• Generous Sign-Up Bonus: The opportunity to earn up to 70,000 bonus miles can significantly offset the annual fee.
• Travel Perks: Priority boarding, free checked bags, and United Club passes enhance the travel experience.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers who want to avoid extra charges.
• Flexible Mile Redemption: Miles can be used for a wide range of travel expenses and transferred to partner airlines.

Cons

• Annual Fee: While modest, the $95 annual fee may not be justifiable for occasional travelers.
• Limited Airline Benefits: The card is most beneficial for United Airlines travelers; those who fly with other airlines may find less value.
• APR: The card’s APR can be high, so it’s important to pay balances in full to avoid interest charges.

Conclusion

The Chase United Explorer Card is a strong contender for those who frequently travel with United Airlines and value travel perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags. With a generous sign-up bonus and various travel benefits, it offers good value for regular United flyers. However, its value may be limited for occasional travelers or those who do not frequently fly with United. Evaluating your travel habits and comparing it with other travel rewards cards can help determine if this card aligns with your needs and preferences. CleverFox simplifies your search for the best cards and tools, making your life easier.