Which United Airlines Credit Card Is Best?
26 Minute Read
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after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Terms Apply.
miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
mile on all other purchases
Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ Lounge with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card.
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Our Take
The New United℠ Explorer Card offers excellent value for semi-frequent United Airlines travelers, delivering a compelling mix of travel benefits at a reasonable annual fee. Cardholders earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked directly with the hotel, plus 1X mile on all other purchases. The card’s travel perks include a free first checked bag (a significant savings on each flight), priority boarding privileges, and two one-time United Club℠ lounge passes each anniversary year, providing a taste of premium travel experience.
Additional benefits enhance the card’s value proposition, including a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fees, and 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, Wi-Fi on United-operated flights, and Club premium drinks. For travelers who fly United several times per year but don’t need the premium benefits of higher-tier cards, the Explorer Card delivers substantial value that easily justifies its annual fee. The combination of day-of-travel benefits, lounge access opportunities, and solid rewards earning makes this an ideal airline credit card for United loyalists.