Is the United℠ Explorer Card Worth the Annual Fee?
Frequent United flyer? The United℠ Explorer Card might be your ticket to smoother travels, but only if you can stomach the $95 annual fee.
The Quick Version
The United℠ Explorer Card is a solid choice for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. It offers perks like priority boarding and free checked baggage, which can make your travel experience more enjoyable. However, the $95 annual fee and high APR might be a turn-off if you don't fly United often or carry a balance.
What's Inside
The card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. You'll earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, and 1X on everything else. The card carries a $95 annual fee and a variable APR ranging from 22.49% to 29.49%. You also get two United Club one-time passes each year and priority boarding on United flights.
What's Actually Good
- ✅ Free first checked bag on United flights can save you money if you travel frequently.
- ✅ Two United Club one-time passes offer a taste of luxury during your layovers.
- ✅ Priority boarding helps you avoid the stress of the boarding scramble.
- ✅ The 2X miles on dining and hotels are a nice touch, especially if you travel often.
The Catch
- ❌ The $95 annual fee isn't justifiable if you're not a frequent flyer.
- ❌ High APR can be a dealbreaker if you don't pay off your balance each month.
- ❌ Benefits are largely tied to United Airlines, limiting their usefulness if you fly with other carriers.
- ❌ Requires a good to excellent credit score, which might not be accessible for everyone.
Who It's For
This card is perfect for those who are loyal to United Airlines and travel frequently. If you value convenience and minor luxuries like lounge access and priority boarding, and you can utilize the 2X miles on dining and hotels, this card could be a good fit. However, if you fly with various airlines or don't travel often, you might want to look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
If you're a frequent United flyer, the perks of the United℠ Explorer Card can easily outweigh the $95 annual fee. But for those who only travel occasionally or prefer other airlines, it's a harder sell. Looking for more flexibility in your credit card rewards? Check out Bank of America Customized Cash: Is Flexibility Enough? for a different kind of offering.
