How Does the United Explorer Card Work

The United Explorer Card is designed to make earning and redeeming miles as straightforward as possible. Here’s how it works:

1. Application Process: You can apply for the United Explorer Card online or at a Chase branch. The approval process considers your credit history, income, and other financial factors. Once approved, you can start using your card to earn miles on every purchase.
2. Earning Miles: The card’s rewards structure allows you to earn miles on a variety of purchases. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases, dining at restaurants, and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar. This makes it easy to accumulate miles quickly, especially if you frequently dine out or travel.
3. Redeeming Miles: Miles earned with the United Explorer Card can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. The most valuable redemption option is typically booking award flights on United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners. Miles can be redeemed through the United MileagePlus program, where you can find award availability and book your travel.
4. Travel Benefits: As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy a range of travel benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and United Club passes. These perks can enhance your travel experience and provide significant savings, especially if you fly with United Airlines regularly.
5. In-Flight Rebates: When you use your United Explorer Card to purchase food, beverages, or Wi-Fi on United flights, you’ll receive a 25% rebate as a statement credit. This benefit adds value to your in-flight purchases and helps you save money on every trip.
6. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: The card offers a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $100. This credit is available once every four years and can be used to apply for or renew your membership in these expedited security programs.
7. Travel and Purchase Protections: The card provides valuable travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary rental car insurance. These protections can provide peace of mind when traveling and help you save money on travel-related expenses.
8. Foreign Transactions: The United Explorer Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travelers who want to avoid additional charges on purchases made abroad.
9. Account Management: You can manage your United Explorer Card account online or through the Chase mobile app. The app allows you to track your spending, view your statements, and manage your rewards from anywhere, making it easy to stay on top of your finances.

Benefits of Using the United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive option for frequent flyers and casual travelers alike:

• Generous Sign-Up Bonus: The card’s sign-up bonus can give you a head start on earning miles, making it easier to book award travel sooner.
• Free Checked Bags: The card’s free checked bag benefit can save you up to $140 per round trip for you and a companion, making it a valuable perk for travelers who prefer to check their luggage.
• Priority Boarding: Priority boarding allows you to board the plane earlier, giving you more time to settle in and find overhead bin space for your carry-on.
• United Club Passes: The two annual United Club passes provide access to United’s airport lounges, where you can enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and a relaxing environment before your flight.
• In-Flight Rebates: The 25% rebate on in-flight purchases adds value to your travel experience and helps you save money on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: The application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can save you up to $100 and help you expedite your airport experience.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: The absence of foreign transaction fees makes the card a great option for international travelers who want to avoid extra charges on purchases made abroad.
• Travel Protections: The card’s travel protections can provide peace of mind and financial savings in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, baggage delays, or rental car accidents.

Potential Drawbacks of the United Explorer Card

While the United Explorer Card offers many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Annual Fee: The card’s $95 annual fee may be a drawback for some, especially after the first year when the fee is no longer waived. However, the value of the card’s benefits can easily outweigh the fee if you travel frequently with United Airlines.
• Limited to United Airlines: The card’s benefits are most valuable when used for United Airlines flights and services. If you prefer to fly with other airlines, you may not get as much value from the card’s perks.
• Reward Rates: While the card offers 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, some other travel rewards cards may offer higher rewards rates on specific categories or more flexible redemption options.
• Credit Requirements: The card is best suited for individuals with good to excellent credit. If you have a lower credit score, you may not qualify for the best terms or may face a higher interest rate.

Who Should Consider the United Explorer Card?

The United Explorer Card is an ideal option for:

• Frequent United Flyers: If you often fly with United Airlines, the card’s benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and United Club passes, can enhance your travel experience and provide significant savings.
• United Loyalists: If you are loyal to United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners, the card’s rewards and benefits are designed to help you earn and redeem miles more effectively.
• International Travelers: The card’s lack of foreign transaction fees and access to Global Entry/TSA PreCheck can make it a valuable tool for international travelers looking to save money and time.
• Casual Travelers: Even if you don’t fly frequently, the card’s sign-up bonus, travel protections, and in-flight rebates can make it a worthwhile choice for occasional travelers.
• Chase Customers: If you already have a relationship with Chase, such as a checking or savings account, managing your United Explorer Card through the Chase app can provide added convenience. Conclusion ,The United Explorer Card offers a compelling combination.