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United℠ Explorer Card

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United℠ Explorer Card

06/19/24 04:13 pm

Are you looking to elevate your travel experience while earning valuable rewards? The United℠ Explorer Card might be the perfect fit for you.

 

Overview of United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card offers a range of benefits designed for frequent travelers. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95

  • Intro Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

  • Reward Rates:

    • 7 miles per $1 spent on United flights

    • 4 miles per $1 spent on hotels booked through United Hotels

    • 2 miles per $1 spent on other United purchases, dining, and hotel accommodations

    • 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

  • Additional Perks: Two United Club℠ one-time passes, free first checked bag, priority boarding, up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS fee credit

 

Pros and Cons of United℠ Explorer Card

Every card has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a look at the key pros and cons of the United℠ Explorer Card.

Pros:

  • Generous Intro Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles after meeting the spending requirement.

  • High Earning Rates: 7 miles per $1 spent on United flights..

  • Free First Checked Bag: Save up to $160 per roundtrip.

  • Priority Boarding: Enjoy boarding before general passengers.

  • Luxury Perks: Two United Club℠ one-time passes annually (over $100 value) and up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS fees.

Cons:

  • Annual Fee: $95 after the first year.

  • Rewards Flexibility: Best rewards are for United purchases.

  • High APR: Variable APR of 21.49% - 28.49%.

  • Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater.

 

Everything United℠ Explorer Card Can Do For You

The United℠ Explorer Card offers numerous benefits that enhance your travel experiences. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Earn 7x Miles on United Flights: Maximize your rewards on United flights. For example, if you spend $1,000 on flights, you’ll earn 7,000 miles, getting you closer to free travel faster.

  • Free First Checked Bag: Save up to $160 per roundtrip for you and one companion. This is particularly valuable for frequent flyers with luggage.

  • Priority Boarding: Get on board early to find overhead space and settle in before the crowd.

  • Inflight Discounts: 25% back on inflight purchases via statement credit

  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Fee Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits every four years, making your airport experience smoother.

  • Two United Club℠ One-Time Passes: Enjoy access to United Club lounges annually, providing a comfortable space to relax before your flight.

 

Unique Benefits of United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card comes with several unique benefits that set it apart.

 

United Club℠ One-Time Passes:

As a cardholder, you receive two United Club℠ one-time passes each year. This provides access to United Club lounges, where you can enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks, and Wi-Fi. For example, if you have a long layover, these lounges offer a comfortable and quiet place to relax or catch up on work.

 

Complimentary Premier Upgrades:

If you hold MileagePlus Premier status, you and a companion can enjoy complimentary Premier Upgrades on select United and United Express-operated flights when traveling on an award ticket. This means a more comfortable flight experience with better seating options, subject to availability.

 

No Foreign Transaction Fees:

The United℠ Explorer Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal companion for international travel. For instance, if you spend $5,000 abroad, you can avoid $150 in additional fees, allowing you to save money while enjoying your trip.

 

DoorDash DashPass Membership:

Get a one-year complimentary DashPass membership, which provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders through DoorDash and Caviar. After the first year, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate.

 

Travel and Purchase Protection:

The United℠ Explorer Card provides extensive travel and purchase protection, including:

  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for non-refundable fares if canceled or cut short by covered situations.

  • Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day for 3 days for essential purchases if baggage is delayed over 6 hours.

  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per passenger for damaged or lost checked/carry-on luggage.

  • Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 per ticket for expenses if travel is delayed over 12 hours or requires an overnight stay.

  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Primary coverage for rental car theft or damage when rental company insurance is declined.

  • Purchase Protection: Covers theft or damage for 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.

 

Things to Look Out For

While the United℠ Explorer Card offers numerous benefits, it might not be suitable for everyone. Consider these points:

  • The $95 annual fee after the first year might not be justifiable if you don’t frequently fly with United.

  • High APR rates can lead to significant interest charges if you carry a balance.

  • The rewards are primarily valuable for United flyers, which may not suit those who prefer other airlines.

  • The card doesn’t offer introductory APR rates for purchases or balance transfers.

 

Conclusion

The United℠ Explorer Card is a robust option for frequent United flyers, offering high rewards rates and valuable travel perks. Benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and United Club passes significantly enhance your travel experience. However, the annual fee and United-centric rewards might not suit everyone.

 

Ready to enhance your travel rewards? Learn more about the United℠ Explorer Card and see how it can benefit your journeys.

 

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.



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