United Explorer
ChaseCredit Card

United Explorer

Best for occasional United flyers

$780bonus$150/yrannual fee1.0x miles per $1; value varies by redemption
Sign-up bonus
$780
See issuer terms
Annual fee
$150
Offset by $780 bonus
Purchase APR
See terms
Variable — see issuer terms
How you earn
Other purchases
1.0x miles

Points and miles redemption value varies. Bonus categories shown; caps may apply. Verify earning rates and options with the issuer before applying.

SwitchWize take

Best for United flyers who want a checked bag benefit, boarding perks, and a lower-cost entry into United card benefits. The first-year annual fee waiver makes it a low-friction option to try.

Pros & cons
What we like
  • Annual fee waived first year
  • First checked bag free for cardmember and one companion
  • Two United Club one-time passes annually
  • Expanded award flight availability
Worth noting
  • Best value requires flying United regularly
  • No full United Club lounge membership
  • Miles are less flexible than transferable points
Perks & credits
$430 face value·$380 effective
First checked bag free
Primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation.
easy
$200
Two United Club one-time passes
Two lounge passes per year.
moderate
$100
$75 eff.
United Hotels credit
Annual credits on eligible prepaid United Hotels stays.
moderate
$100
$75 eff.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Up to $120 every 4 years; annualized value.
easy
$30

Effective value discounts hard-to-use credits (easy 100% · moderate 75% · hard 50%)

Key terms
Updated Jun 21, 2026
Purchase APR19.74%–28.24% variable
Annual fee$150 (waived first year)

Always verify current terms at the issuer before applying. See full offer details →

United Explorer
Chase

United Explorer

$780
sign-up bonus
$150
annual fee
$930
est. first-year value
$150
ongoing value / yr

Based on $2,500/mo spend

Apply now

You'll leave SwitchWize and apply at Chase's site. Verify all terms before submitting.

SwitchWize may earn a referral fee when you click through to a partner. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Verify current rates, fees, and eligibility directly with the card issuer before applying.