UnitedSM Explorer Card Review

The card_name is one of the best all-around rewards cards available today. It offers up to 2 miles on purchases, a signup bonus and a reasonable annual fee that is waived the first year. We think this is an ideal card for frequent United fliers based on our review and analysis of the United℠ Explorer Card.

Our Rating

4.3/5.0

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

0% on Purchases

N/A

Reward Rate

1x to 2x Miles

0% on Balance Transfers

N/A

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Features & Benefits

SecurityEMV Chip Enabled
Contactless PaymentsTap to Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
BenefitsExtended Warranty Coverage, Purchase Protection
Travel PerksAccess to Special Events and Concerts, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Concierge Services, Free Checked Bags, Airport Lounge Access, Luggage Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation Insurance, TSA PreCheck & Global Entry credit

Rewards

1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x per dollar spent on all other purchases
2x miles
Airfare
2x points on United purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, and inflight purchases
2x points
Hotels
2x points per dollar spent on hotel accommodations
2x points
Dining
2x miles per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services

Interest Rates & Fees

Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Foreign Transaction Fee$0
Regular APR21.99% - 28.99% (V) APR

What Credit Score Is Required to Get the United℠ Explorer Card

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/11/2023
767
Not Provided
$13,700
Approved02/03/2023
819
Experian
$5,000
Approved06/28/2023
735
Experian
$7,200
Approved06/28/2023
745
Equifax
$7,200
Approved06/28/2023
755
TransUnion
$7,200
Denied05/18/2023
770
Not Provided
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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Welcome offer
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Earn up to 2 miles per $1
Cons
  • Annual fee
  • High APR

What Are the Best Alternatives?

United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Explorer Card

Rating

4.3

Rewards Range

1x to 2x Miles

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rating

4.9

Rewards Range

1x - 5x points

Annual Fee

$95

The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express

Rating

4.5

Rewards Range

1x - 5x points

Annual Fee

$695

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