Overview

Who is the United MileagePlus Explorer Card Designed For?

The United MileagePlus Explorer Visa is designed for people with excellent credit who like to travel, particularly those who frequently fly with United Airlines. Its generous signup bonus and $0 annual fee during the first year make it an excellent card to rack up miles quickly and redeem for free flights, hotel rooms or car rentals.

What are the United MileagePlus Explorer Card's Rates?

The rates range from 17.49% APR to 24.49% APR for purchases and balance transfer. Cash advances and overdraft advances have a 26.49% APR. 

What Are the Fees for the United MileagePlus Explorer Card?

The United MileagePlus Explorer Visa has a $95 annual fee, but the fee is waived the first year. There are no foreign transaction fees either, but there is a $5 or 5% (whichever is greater) fee on balance transfers, and a $10 or 5% fee on cash advances. Late payments incur a $15 to $37 fee, depending on how much is owed, and returned payments have a $37 fee.

What Is the United MileagePlus Explorer Card Rewards Program Like?

The United MileagePlus Explorer Visa gives double miles on every dollar spent on United tickets and one mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases. These miles don't expire and can be redeemed for flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, cruises, gift cards and merchandise. When used to purchase United flights there are no limitations, restrictions or blackout dates on available seats, as long as you provide your MileagePlus number before starting the award booking process.

What about the United MileagePlus Explorer Card Signup Bonus?

United MileagePlus Explorer Visa has a 40,000 miles signup bonus for cardholders who spend $2,000 within the first three months. Cardholders who add an authorized user and make a purchase within the first three months receive an additional 5,000 bonus miles.

Does the United MileagePlus Explorer Card Have Any Other Benefits?

The United MileagePlus Explorer Visa gives cardholders and one companion a free checked bag on United flights: a $25 value per person for each bag and each way. Primary cardholders and their companions also receive priority boarding on United flights and two United Club passes every year.

The card also popular shopping and travel benefits, such as purchase protection, auto rental collision damage, room upgrades and access to exclusive events through Chase Access private.

How Is United MileagePlus Explorer Card Better Than Other Credit Cards?

The United MileagePlus Explorer Visa is probably the best travel rewards card available for people who fly frequently with United Airlines. The huge signup bonuses and valuable travel benefits make it an excellent deal for loyal United travelers. However, the rewards program only gives double points on United purchases. All other purchases only earn one mile per dollar spent. Travelers who don't travel regularly with United would probably be better off using a travel card with a more generous travel rewards program.