Airport lounge passes
The United℠ Explorer Card is the only major U.S. airline credit card in this price range that offers free lounge passes. It includes two one-day passes per year at a United Club. They typically cost $59 each, so the value of the passes alone exceeds the annual fee.
Why care about the lounge? Airport lounges can provide serenity, away from the noisy and hectic atmosphere of seating at the gate. United Clubs also offer free bar service, light snacks, free Wi-Fi, along with comfortable chairs and work stations. Agents there will help with reservations, seat assignments and electronic ticketing.
The passes give access to more than 45 United Club locations. To access these lounges, you’ll need to provide a same-day boarding pass for travel on United or a partner.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline cards
Free checked bags
It's not the sexiest benefit a credit card can offer, but free checked bags are among the most valuable. You’ll get a first checked bag free for you and a companion on your reservation. Since checking a bag generally costs $40, this could easily cover the card's annual fee.
One important detail, though: You get the checked-bag waiver only if you paid for the airfare with the card. Not all airline cards have that restriction.
» MORE: Airline fine print might leave you holding the bag
Rich rewards
You can get plenty of value out of this card even without using it for spending. But if your goal is free flights or upgrades to a premium cabin, earning frequent-flyer miles from credit card purchases is key.
You'll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible United purchases, including airfare, bag fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight food, beverage and Wi-Fi. You'll also earn double miles on two other spending categories relevant to travelers:
Restaurant purchases.
Hotel stays.
The card earns 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else. Miles can be spent many ways but generally, they are most valuable when used for award flights and seat upgrades.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can save on deliveries with the card's one-year complimentary DashPass for both DoorDash and Caviar. It provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. To qualify, this offer must be activated by Dec. 31, 2024. After the complimentary year ends, you will be automatically enrolled in DashPass and have to pay the current monthly rate.
In addition to ongoing rewards, the card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus: Limited-time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Other valuable perks
The United℠ Explorer Card also comes with several other benefits that set it apart from other airline cards. Here are a few you might find useful:
Primary car rental coverage. This valuable feature is unusual for a card at this price point. Unlike most airline and travel cards, this card comes with car rental coverage that's primary, meaning the card’s benefit kicks in before your own auto insurance. That can save you money — your insurance deductible — if you have an accident in a rental. To use this benefit, you must pay for the rental with the card and decline the rental company's coverage.
Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS credit. The card offers a credit for the cost of a Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS application fee when you use your card to pay for it. That could save you up to $100. Each program needs to be renewed every five years; the benefit on this card renews every four years.
Priority boarding. Don’t usually check bags? Then priority boarding that comes with the card will help. Getting on the plane earlier — in a lower-number boarding group — means you’re more likely to find overhead bin space for your roll-aboard. And some flyers like to board earlier to get settled in their seat before the cabin gets crowded. Either way, priority boarding is a welcome perk.
» SEE: Best credit cards for Star Alliance credit cards
How it compares to other United cards
The United℠ Explorer Card is one of four co-branded consumer United Airlines credit cards.
Here’s how the United Airlines consumer cards compare on key features:
United Gateway℠ Card | United℠ Explorer Card | United Quest℠ Card | United Club℠ Infinite Card |
Read our review | Read our review | Read our review | Read our review |
ANNUAL FEE | |||
$0. | $0 intro for the first year, then $95. | $250. | $525. |
BONUS OFFER FOR NEW CARDHOLDERS | |||
Limited-time offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more. | Limited-time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | Limited-time offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | Limited-time offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
FREE CHECKED BAGS | |||
None. | First checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation. | First and second checked bags free for you and one companion on your reservation. | First and second checked bags free for you and one companion on your reservation. |
REWARDS ON SPENDING WITH UNITED AIRLINES | |||
2 miles per $1. | 2 miles per $1. | 3 miles per $1. | 4 miles per $1. |
REWARDS ON OTHER SPENDING | |||
• 2 miles per $1 at gas stations. • 2 miles per $1 on local transit and commuting. • 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. | • 2 miles per $1 at restaurants. • 2 miles per $1 on hotels (when booked directly with the hotel). • 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. | • 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel (including other airlines, hotels, car rentals and more). • 2 miles per $1 on dining (including takeout and delivery). • 2 miles per $1 on select streaming services. • 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. | • 2 miles per $1 on all other travel. • 2 miles per $1 on dining. • 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. |
AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS | |||
None. | 2 United Club one-time passes each year. | None. | Annual membership to all United Club locations, plus select Star Alliance lounges. |
CREDIT FOR TSA PRECHECK, GLOBAL ENTRY OR NEXUS | |||
None. | Up to $100 every four years. | Up to $100 every four years. | Up to $100 every four years. |
