Few cobranded airline credit cards have stood the test of time like the New United℠ Explorer Card. Long a favorite among United Airlines flyers, this mid-tier travel card offers a blend of perks that can deliver outsized value for those who regularly fly the carrier. With the annual fee now set at $0 for the first year, then $150 annually, the card has become a bit more expensive—but it still packs in benefits that can quickly offset the cost if you take advantage of them.
Here’s a closer look at the welcome bonus, earning rates, and benefits to help you decide if the New United℠ Explorer Card deserves a place in your wallet.
This is a fairly typical bonus compared with other mid-tier airline credit cards, and thanks to United’s expansive route network and Star Alliance partners, those miles are relatively easy to use.
As mentioned, the card’s annual fee is waived the first year and is $150 annually thereafter.
The card earns bonus miles in the following categories:
As for elite status, you’ll earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent on purchases with your Explorer Card, up to 1,000 PQP per year.
These earning rates are fairly unexciting. General travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture tend to offer more earning opportunities, but they lack the PQP earning opportunities.
Although the earning structure is straightforward, the card really shines through its United-specific benefits.
Miles earned with the United Explorer Card are posted directly to your United MileagePlus account. You can redeem miles for flights on United, as well as Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, ANA and Singapore Airlines.
Because United uses dynamic pricing, redemption values vary. Short domestic economy flights can start at just 5,000 to 7,500 miles, while business-class partner awards to Europe or Asia often represent the best value. But in recent years, United has devalued these awards. It’s not uncommon to find one-way flights from the US to Europe for 200,000 miles in business class.
Unlike some competitors, United does not impose fuel surcharges on award tickets, which helps keep cash outlays low.
If you fly United a handful of times per year, the United Explorer Card can more than pay for itself. The free checked bag benefit alone could offset the $150 annual fee after just one or two round-trip trips. Add lounge passes, priority boarding, and robust travel protections, and this card offers a well-rounded package for mid-tier travelers.
However, if you value flexibility more than United-specific perks, a general travel rewards card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, may be a better fit. For road warriors who frequently fly United, upgrading to the United Quest℠ Card may deliver more long-term value.
The New United℠ Explorer Card is a solid choice for occasional and moderate United Airlines flyers. The annual fee increase to $150 means you’ll need to be more intentional about using the perks, but the free checked bag, annual lounge passes, and travel protections can still easily justify the cost. If you’re loyal to United and want to save on travel while enjoying some premium perks, this card remains a smart pick.
You can change your preferences or opt out at any time by clicking on one of the hyperlinks available at the bottom of each newsletter.
If you are already a subscriber and would like to unsubscribe, you can click on the link at the bottom of any of our e-mails.
