AAA Travel Advantage vs United Explorer
AAA Travel Advantage
$0/yr
7.0/10
VS
United Explorer
$150/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
AAA Travel Advantage charges no annual fee with 1X base rewards. United Explorer charges $150/yr with 1X base rewards. AAA Travel Advantage offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.
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Winner by Category
Annual Fees
AAA Travel Advantage
Lower annual fee ($0 vs $150)
Rewards Earning
AAA Travel Advantage
4 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
See card details
Visit each card's review for full benefits list
Statement Credits
United Explorer
$100 in annual credits
Flexibility
Tie
Both cards have similar redemption flexibility
OUR PICK
AAA Travel Advantage wins for most people
The $150 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for AAA Travel AdvantagePREMIUM PICK
United Explorer wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for United ExplorerRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
AAA Travel Advantage
| Travel (via AAA Travel) | 5.0X |
| Gas stations & EV charging | 3.0X |
| Grocery stores | 3.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
United Explorer
| United Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Dining | 2.0X |
| Hotel stays | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |