United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card Review

The United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card is specifically designed for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. With a robust set of features, including generous rewards on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, this card has established itself as a valuable asset for those who prioritize travel. In this review, we’ll delve into the card’s key features, benefits, pros and cons, and more, providing a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this card aligns with your financial goals and travel habits.

United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card Key Takeaways

Before diving into the details, here are some key takeaways about the United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card:
– Rewards Program: Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Earn 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95 annually.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99%.
– Additional Benefits: Includes perks such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, two United Club one-time passes annually, and no foreign transaction fees.

United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Generous Rewards Program: The card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, making it highly rewarding for frequent travelers and those who dine out often.
2. Attractive Sign-Up Bonus: The 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months is an enticing offer, especially for those planning a big trip.
3. Travel Perks: Valuable travel benefits such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club one-time passes each year.
4. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application every four years.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as it eliminates the usual 3% fee on purchases made abroad.
6. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Includes auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
7. Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection: Access to room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in, and late checkout at over 1,000 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee: While the first year is free, a $95 annual fee applies thereafter, which may be a deterrent for some users.
2. High APR: With a variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99%, carrying a balance on this card can be costly.
3. Limited Lounge Access: Only two United Club one-time passes per year, which may not be sufficient for frequent flyers.
4. MileagePlus Exclusivity: The card’s benefits are heavily skewed towards United Airlines, making it less attractive for those who prefer other airlines.

United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card Benefits

1. Rewards Program

The United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card offers a tiered rewards program designed to maximize earnings for frequent travelers and diners:
– 2x Miles on United Purchases: Earn double miles for every dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, including flights, in-flight services, and upgrades.
– 2x Miles on Dining and Hotel Stays: Similarly, earn double miles on dining at restaurants and stays at hotels, making this card advantageous for those who travel for business or pleasure.
– 1x Mile on All Other Purchases: Earn one mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases, ensuring that you accumulate miles on everyday spending.

2. Sign-Up Bonus

The card’s sign-up bonus is a significant attraction. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This bonus can be a substantial boost towards a future trip, especially when combined with the miles earned from regular spending.

3. Travel Benefits

The United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card is packed with travel-related perks:
– Free First Checked Bag: The primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation receive their first standard checked bag free on United-operated flights. This benefit alone can save up to $140 per round trip.
– Priority Boarding: Cardholders and their companions on the same reservation can board United-operated flights before general boarding, ensuring ample overhead bin space and a more relaxed boarding experience.
– United Club One-Time Passes: Enjoy two United Club one-time passes each year, valued at over $100. These passes allow access to United Club lounges, offering a comfortable space to relax before your flight with complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
– Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, expediting your airport security and customs experience.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on international purchases with no foreign transaction fees, making this card a great companion for travel abroad.

4. Additional Benefits

Beyond the core travel perks, the United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card offers several additional benefits:
– 25% Back on United In-Flight Purchases: Receive 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights when using your card.
– Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets: MileagePlus Premier members can enjoy complimentary Premier Upgrades on United-operated award tickets, subject to availability.
– The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection: Access room upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late checkout, and other amenities at over 1,000 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.
– United Card Events from Chase: Purchase exclusive, curated experiences such as celebrity meet-and-greets, private culinary events, and sports events.
– United MileagePlus Cardmember Exclusives: Use award miles for unique experiences, including winemaker dinners and virtual events.
– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card for primary coverage on most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
– Baggage Delay Insurance: Get reimbursed for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours, up to $100 per day for three days.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage up to $3,000 per passenger for checked or carry-on luggage that is lost or damaged by the carrier.
– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for non-refundable passenger fares if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: Coverage up to $500 per ticket for unreimbursed expenses like meals and lodging if your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay.
– Visa Concierge Service: Complimentary 24-hour Visa Signature Concierge Service to assist with travel planning, event tickets, dinner reservations, and more.

5. Earning and Redeeming Miles

The United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card is part of the United MileagePlus program, allowing you to earn and redeem miles with United Airlines, United Express, Star Alliance partners, and other airline partners. Miles can be earned through flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even everyday purchases using the MileagePlus X app. Redemption options include award flights, seat upgrades, vacation packages, and merchandise.

Conclusion

The United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card is a robust option for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines and seek a card that offers substantial rewards and travel perks. The 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, coupled with the 60,000-mile sign-up bonus, present significant value for cardholders. The array of travel benefits, including free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees, further enhance the card’s appeal.
However, potential cardholders should weigh these benefits against the card’s annual fee, which kicks in after the first year, and the high APR, which can be costly if you carry a balance. Additionally, the card’s benefits are heavily geared towards United Airlines, which may not be ideal for those who prefer flying with other carriers.
Overall, the United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card offers a compelling package for United flyers and travel enthusiasts, combining rewarding mileage accrual with valuable travel perks and comprehensive insurance coverage. If you frequently travel with United and can take full advantage of the card’s benefits, the United MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card can serve as a valuable addition to your wallet.