United Explorer Card Review: Full Details and Benefits for Travelers

Introduction

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming at the airport gate, thinking about a credit card that could turn your travel fantasies into soaring realities? Well, say hello to the United Explorer Credit Card. This isn’t just any credit card. It’s like a magic carpet in your wallet, ready to whisk you away to a world brimming with travel benefits. In our in-depth review, “United Explorer Card Review: Full Details and Benefits,” we’re diving deep into how this card. We’ll be discussing how it’s inspiring, rewarding, and full of surprises. With the United Explorer Credit Card, it’s not just about spending; it’s about embarking on a journey. Every swipe is a step towards your next big adventure. Much like how Coach Lasso turns every challenge into an opportunity for victory. So, buckle up, and let’s explore every nook and cranny of this card’s offerings, from mile-high rewards to ground-level perks.

Overview of the United Explorer Credit Card

This isn’t your garden-variety credit card. It’s a veritable Swiss Army knife of travel tools designed for the avid adventurer and the casual traveler alike. With the United Explorer Card, you’re signing up for more than just a convenient way to pay. You’re enlisting a travel companion that rewards you every mile along the way.

Unique for its generous reward structure, the United Explorer Card makes it a cinch to rack up miles faster than a greyhound out of the gate. It’s not just about getting from A to B; it’s about getting there with a bit of style—and a few extra benefits to boost. Whether you’re a window-seat connoisseur or an aisle-seat aficionado, this card is tailored to elevate your travel experience sky-high.

Key Features

Earning Rates:

• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United. So every time you book a flight, you’re doubling down on future adventures.
• Dine and lodge with confidence, earning 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, and on hotel stays. It’s like turning your taste for the good life into fuel for your next getaway.
• And for everything else, a steady 1 mile per $1 spent means your everyday purchases are quietly stacking up for your spontaneous “Just because” trips.

Annual Fee:

First Year on Us: Think of the first year with the United Explorer Card as the honeymoon phase. It comes with a $0 introductory annual fee. It’s like the team’s first season with Coach Lasso, full of excitement and new possibilities.

Thereafter: After the first year, the annual fee is $95. 

This points program is like having your cake and eating it too. Except it’s more like having your cake and turning it into a ticket for a European pastry tour. Simple, sweet, and satisfying.

Sign Up Bonus

Detailed Description of the Bonus:

Score Big from the Get-Go: Just like a game-winning goal in the first few minutes, the United Explorer Card sets you up for a flying start. New cardholders can earn a whopping 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. It’s like netting a hat trick in your debut match.

Value Proposition:

Miles That Take You Further: These 60,000 miles are more than just numbers; they’re your ticket to countless destinations. Whether it’s a domestic getaway or an international escapade, these miles can significantly reduce or even cover your travel expenses. It’s like having a secret playbook that turns good travel plans into great ones.

Terms and Conditions:

Play by the Rules: Just as every game has its rules, this sign-up bonus has its terms. The offer is subject to change, and it’s crucial to meet the spending requirement within the specified time frame. Always read the fine print, just like you’d study a game plan​​​​.

Earning Rates Detailed Analysis

Hone your mile-high strategy, folks, because earning with the United Explorer Card isn’t just a marathon. It’s more akin to a scenic journey with multiple bonus checkpoints. Here’s the lowdown on how spending transforms into sky-bound treasures:

• Dining Out and Hotel Stays: Picture this: every time you dine out or book a hotel, it’s not just a meal or a stay. It’s a step closer to your next flight. With 2 miles for every dollar spent in these categories, your everyday outings can turn into future adventures.
• United Purchases: Loyalty pays off. Spending on United flights isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about earning double miles. Each dollar spent on United purchases is an investment in your travel dreams.
• All Other Purchases: From groceries to gas, every purchase adds to your mileage bank. It’s like scoring points off the field, ensuring that every aspect of your spending is working towards your next big trip.

To get the most out of your card, align your spending with these categories. Think of it as strategizing your plays to win the championship. The more you focus on earning in these high-reward areas, the quicker you’ll be packing your bags for that dream destination​​​​​​.

Unique Benefits

Alright, friends and fellow mileage mavens, we’ve covered the nuts and bolts of mile accumulation. Now let’s talk about the shiny, added luxuries that make the United Explorer Card sparkle like a diamond in a treasure chest.

• United Club Passes: Like finding an oasis in a desert, you receive two one-time United Club passes annually. It’s a peaceful retreat from busy terminals, valued at about $100 – almost covering the annual fee on its own​​.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Every four years, get up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fees. It’s like having a fast pass at the airport, skipping those long security lines​​​​.
• Priority Boarding: Boarding with the United Explorer Card is like being called up to the major leagues. You get to board before general boarding, making your travel experience smoother and more convenient​​.
• Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets: For MileagePlus elite members, this card also offers Premier upgrades on award tickets when traveling on United or United Express. It’s like getting a surprise promotion in your travel career​​.
• Expanded Award Availability: Cardholders enjoy access to more award seats, making it easier to use your miles when you want. It’s like having a VIP pass to the best seats in the house​​​​.
• Primary Rental Car CDW: The card includes a primary collision damage waiver for rental cars. This benefit is like having a trusty co-pilot, ensuring a smoother ride on your road trips​​.
• Trip Delay & Lost Luggage Protection: With coverage for trip delays, cancellations, and lost luggage, the card ensures that even when things don’t go as planned, you’re not left stranded. It’s like having a safety net on your travels​​.
• 25% Back on United Inflight Purchases: Enjoy 25% back as a statement credit on United inflight purchases, making those sky-high snacks a bit more delightful​​​​.
• Free First check bag: Get your check bag for you and your companion
• DoorDash DashPass: One year membership

Annual Fee Evaluation

Now, I get it, nobody likes fees – they’re like splinters from your brand-new travel guitar. But stick with me, ’cause this splinter might just be worth it. Let’s pluck each string and tune into the annual fee of the United Explorer Card.

• First Year Free: The $0 introductory annual fee for the first year is like a free trial period. It’s an opportunity to test the waters and see if the card aligns with your travel habits and spending patterns.
• Subsequent Years: From the second year onwards, the annual fee is $95. It’s comparable to investing in a good pair of running shoes; you’re paying for quality and the promise of great returns. When you tally up the value of two United Club passes, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and other travel perks, the fee can easily be justified for frequent travelers​​​​.
• Value for Money: The key is to evaluate how often you’ll use the benefits. If you’re a regular at United Club lounges or often fly with United, the value you get could far exceed the annual fee. It’s like getting season tickets to your favorite team’s games — if you’re going to attend most of them, it’s worth the investment.

Pros and Cons

Every credit card is like a player on a team — they all have their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how the United Explorer Card stacks up:

Pros:

• Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Starting with a strong 60,000 bonus miles is like scoring a goal in the first minute of the game.
• Rewarding Earning Structure: Earning 2 miles per $1 on specific categories is like having a star player who always performs.
• United Club Access: Two annual passes to United Club lounges are like VIP tickets to the best game of the season.  Because who doesn’t like a good lounge?
• Travel Protections: Benefits like trip delay and lost luggage protection are like having a solid defense line in your team.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, this feature is like having a world-class player who can play in any league.
• Expanded Award Availability: More options to redeem miles means better chances to score that dream trip​​​​​​.

Cons:

• Annual Fee: After the first year, the $95 fee kicks in, which might be a downside for infrequent travelers.
• Reward Flexibility: The card is most beneficial for those loyal to United, which might limit options for those who prefer other airlines or more versatile reward programs.  Flights booked through United can typically be found cheaper on Air Canada. 
• Chase 5/24 Rule: Being subject to this rule can limit eligibility for those who have opened several credit cards in the recent past​​.  Keep this in mind if you are planning to open more flexible travel credit cards.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Just like the final whistle in a gripping match, it’s time to sum up our exploration of the United Explorer Credit Card. This card isn’t just a tool for spending; it’s a companion for your travels, offering a blend of rewards and benefits that can make your journeys more enjoyable and rewarding.

With its generous sign-up bonus, rewarding earning rates on dining, hotels, and United purchases, and a suite of travel-friendly perks like United Club access and no foreign transaction fees, the card is a solid choice for United loyalists and frequent travelers. The expanded award availability and travel protections add to its allure, much like a star player who brings unexpected bonuses to the game.

However, like choosing the right player for your team, this card is best suited for those who frequently fly United and can maximize its specific benefits. The annual fee, while justified by the perks, might not make sense for occasional travelers or those who prefer more flexible rewards programs.

In conclusion, the United Explorer Credit Card is like a seasoned player in the world of travel credit cards — it knows its strengths and plays them well. If your travel plans align with what this card offers, it could very well be the MVP of your wallet.

This website features mentions of products from our advertising partners. We may earn a commission when you click on links to these products. Specific terms and conditions apply to the promotions highlighted on this page. To understand more about our Advertising Policy, please refer to this dedicated page. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the ideal user for the United Explorer Credit Card?

The card is a great match for frequent United flyers and travelers who often use United Airlines. It’s designed to reward loyalty and regular use, especially for those who can take advantage of its specific travel benefits.

What makes the United Explorer Card different from other travel cards?

The card stands out with its unique benefits like two annual United Club passes, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, the expanded award availability and Premier upgrades on award tickets are perks that are especially valuable for United loyalists​​​​​​.

Can the miles earned on the United Explorer Card be used with other airlines?

Yes, miles earned can be used with other airlines, particularly those in the Star Alliance network. This expands the potential use of miles beyond just United flights, offering greater flexibility for international travel​​.  However, you will be using more United miles than you would if you purchased the same flight on Air Canada.  But heck, 60,000 United miles will get your far.

Is the United Explorer Card a good choice for international travel?

Absolutely. With no foreign transaction fees and a variety of travel protections, it’s well-suited for international travelers. Plus, the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit is a bonus for those looking to streamline their travel experience​​​​.  

How does the United Explorer Card benefit frequent United flyers specifically?

Frequent United flyers benefit from the card’s earning rates on United purchases, Premier upgrades on award tickets, priority boarding, and access to more award seats. These features make flying with United more rewarding and comfortable​​​​.