United Explorer
Chase
United Explorer
Offer Strength
Great offer$140 above typical value
Show breakdown
Estimated bonus value: ~$980
Base score: 49
Airline boost: +15
Ongoing airline value (conservative, ~2 trips/yr): ~$102
• 1 free checked bag
Current $980 vs typical $840
Net value after annual fee: ~$932
Estimate based on our value hints; not financial advice.
Annual Fee
$150/yr
Credit Score
Good credit recommended (670+)
United Explorer
Welcome Offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Eligibility Rules
These issuer rules may affect your approval or bonus eligibility.
United family rules
Chase United cards appear to have a 48-month per-product bonus cooldown. Cross-product bonuses are allowed.
Chase 5/24 rule
Based on widely reported data, most Chase cards appear to decline applicants who have opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any bank) in the last 24 months.
Duplicate ownership rule
Most banks are observed to decline applications for a card you already hold.
Rules reflect community-reported patterns, not official issuer policies.
Check your eligibilityEarning Rates
United purchases
2x miles
On United Airlines purchases
Dining + hotels
2x miles
Dining and hotel stays
Everything else
1x mile
Key benefits
$0 intro annual fee
Intro annual fee $0 for the first year, then $150.
United travel perks
Includes checked bag and priority boarding benefits.
Perks
Free first checked bag
For you and a companion on the same reservation.
United Club passes
Two one-time passes each year.
Ongoing Value
Annual benefits that offset the fee year after year.
Free Checked Bags
1 free checked bag per flight
Priority Boarding
Priority boarding on eligible flights
Annual Fee Breakeven
Good fit for
About this card
The United Explorer Card is the most popular United co-branded card, offering a free first checked bag, two United Club one-time passes annually, priority boarding, and 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. It's the sweet spot between the no-fee Gateway and premium Club Infinite.
Best for
United flyers who travel several times per year and want to save on checked bags while earning miles for future flights. The United Club passes add nice occasional lounge access.
Key considerations
Subject to Chase 5/24 and the United product family rules. The $95 annual fee is easily justified by the checked bag savings alone if you fly United 2+ times per year.
Downgrade Options
If you decide to cancel, consider product-changing to keep your account history.
Retention Offers
Reported offers when calling to cancel or downgrade. Your offer may vary.
7,500 United miles
PhoneReddit · 2025-12
$50 statement credit
PhoneFlyerTalk · 2025-09
Tip: Mention you are considering the no-fee United Gateway card as a downgrade option.
Last updated: 2026-03. Not guaranteed.
Card analysis
Offer analysis
The current offer on the United Explorer awards 70,000 miles after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee value
The $150 annual fee is partially offset by ongoing benefits including free checked bags (~$70/yr), with an estimated total value of ~$70 per year.
In the first year, the sign-up bonus alone delivers approximately $900 in net value after the annual fee and benefit credits.
Application strategy
This card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you have opened five or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, your application will likely be denied regardless of your credit score. Consider whether using a 5/24 slot on this card is the best use of your limited Chase applications.
This card belongs to the united product family. Chase may restrict you from holding multiple cards in the same family or earning bonuses on related products. Review family-specific restrictions on our How It Works page before applying.
Analysis is auto-generated from card data and known issuer rules. Not financial advice.
Similar Cards
United Gateway
Chase · $0/yr
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United Quest
Chase · $350/yr
Earn 100,000 miles90/100
United Club Infinite
Chase · $695/yr
Earn 90,000 miles65/100
Southwest Plus
Chase · $99/yr
Earn 20,000 points65/100
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