The United Explorer Card, offered by Chase, is a popular travel credit card for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who enjoys the occasional getaway, the United Explorer Card provides numerous benefits that can enhance your travel experience. From earning miles to enjoying complimentary perks at the airport, this card is tailored to frequent flyers who want to make the most of their journeys with United Airlines.
Key Features of the United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card is designed to offer a wide range of benefits for those who travel often with United Airlines. Here’s a breakdown of its most important features:
1. Sign-Up Bonus:
One of the standout features of the United Explorer Card is its generous sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses, making it a great way to get started with accumulating miles.
2. Earn Miles on Purchases:
The United Explorer Card allows you to earn miles on every purchase you make. You’ll earn:
- 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases, including tickets, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases.
- 2 miles per dollar on dining at restaurants, including delivery services like UberEats or Grubhub.
- 2 miles per dollar on hotel stays and rental cars booked directly with the hotel or rental car company.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
This tiered rewards structure allows you to earn miles quickly, especially if you often dine out, stay in hotels, or rent cars while traveling.
3. MileagePlus Membership:
As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy a complimentary Primary Cardholder MileagePlus Premier Silver status. This allows you to receive benefits such as priority boarding and free checked bags, making your travel experience more comfortable. You also get access to exclusive discounts on flights and other special offers from United Airlines.
4. Free Checked Bags:
United Explorer Cardholders receive one free checked bag for themselves and one companion traveling on the same reservation. This benefit can save you up to $140 on round-trip domestic flights, which is especially useful if you’re traveling with a companion. This benefit applies to both domestic and international United Airlines flights.
5. Priority Boarding:
With the United Explorer Card, you receive priority boarding on United Airlines flights, which allows you to board earlier than general passengers. This is especially helpful for securing overhead bin space and settling into your seat before the rush of passengers board the plane.
6. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit:
Another valuable perk of the United Explorer Card is the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Cardholders can receive a statement credit of up to $100 to cover the application fee for either program. TSA PreCheck expedites security screening at participating airports, while Global Entry provides faster entry back into the U.S. after international travel, reducing wait times at customs.
7. No Foreign Transaction Fees:
The United Explorer Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, which is a significant benefit for international travelers. Whether you’re traveling to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else abroad, you won’t have to worry about additional fees when making purchases in foreign currencies.
8. Travel Protection Benefits:
The card offers various travel protection benefits, including trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement. This provides cardholders with peace of mind when booking flights or traveling, knowing that they are protected in case of unexpected events.
9. Access to United Club Locations:
Cardholders enjoy two United Club one-time passes each year, giving them access to United Club lounges at airports. These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a more relaxed atmosphere away from the busy terminals. You can use these passes to make your travel experience more comfortable while waiting for your flight.
How to Apply for the United Explorer Card
Applying for the United Explorer Card is a simple and straightforward process, but there are some key steps and eligibility requirements that potential applicants should be aware of:
1. Eligibility Requirements:
- Credit Score: The United Explorer Card is a travel rewards card, and as such, it requires a good to excellent credit score for approval. Generally, applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher are likely to be approved.
- Income: You will need to provide your financial information during the application process to verify your income. This helps determine your creditworthiness and your ability to repay any balances.
- U.S. Citizenship or Residency: To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
2. Application Process:
The application process for the United Explorer Card can be completed online via the Chase website. Here are the steps involved:
- Step 1: Visit the Chase website and navigate to the United Explorer Card page.
- Step 2: Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin the application process.
- Step 3: Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, social security number (SSN), date of birth, and employment information.
- Step 4: Provide details about your financial situation, including your annual income and monthly housing payment.
- Step 5: Review the terms and conditions, and submit your application.
After submission, you will typically receive a decision within minutes if you apply online. If Chase needs more information, they may ask for additional documentation, and you’ll be notified by email or phone.
3. Approval and Credit Limit:
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive either an approval or a denial notification. If approved, the credit limit you are assigned will depend on your credit profile. Higher credit scores often result in higher credit limits. Upon approval, your card will be mailed to you, and you can start using it for your purchases.
4. Activation:
After receiving your United Explorer Card in the mail, you will need to activate it. This can be done easily online or by calling the number provided with your card. Once activated, you can begin earning miles on your purchases and enjoy the card’s benefits immediately.
Important Considerations
While the United Explorer Card offers numerous benefits, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions before applying:
- Annual Fee: The United Explorer Card comes with an annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year. This is a fairly standard fee for a travel rewards card and is easily offset by the card’s rewards and benefits, such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Interest Rates: Like most credit cards, the United Explorer Card charges interest on any balances carried beyond the due date. The APR for purchases is variable and ranges from 20.99% to 27.99% depending on your creditworthiness. It’s important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest.
- Balance Transfers and Cash Advances: The card also allows balance transfers and cash advances, but these come with high interest rates and fees. It’s best to avoid using these features unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
The United Explorer Card is an excellent option for frequent flyers who want to earn rewards and enjoy valuable travel benefits with United Airlines. With its generous sign-up bonus, the ability to earn miles on everyday purchases, and benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges, it’s a great choice for those who want to maximize their travel experience.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are a regular traveler with United Airlines, the United Explorer Card can provide great value. Be sure to carefully consider the annual fee, interest rates, and your ability to manage the card’s balance to make the most of the benefits it offers.
To apply for the United Explorer Card, visit the Chase website, complete the online application, and start enjoying the rewards and travel perks today!
