American Express® Gold Card vs United Explorer
American Express® Gold Card
$325/yr
7.5/10
VS
United Explorer
$150/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
American Express® Gold Card charges $325/yr with 1X base rewards. United Explorer charges $150/yr with 1X base rewards. United Explorer 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
United Explorer
Lower annual fee ($325 vs $150)
Rewards Earning
American Express® Gold Card
4 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
American Express® Gold Card
6 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
American Express® Gold Card
$240 in annual credits
Flexibility
American Express® Gold Card
Transferable points to airline/hotel partners
OUR PICK
United Explorer wins for most people
The $175 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for United ExplorerPREMIUM PICK
American Express® Gold Card wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for American Express® Gold CardRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
American Express® Gold Card
| Dining | 4.0X |
| U.S. Supermarkets | 4.0X (up to $25,000) |
| Flights | 3.0X |
| Everything Else | 1.0X |
United Explorer
| United Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Dining | 2.0X |
| Hotel stays | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
American Express® Gold Card (6 benefits)
- Trip Delay Insurance (up to $500)
- Baggage Insurance Plan
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
- Purchase Protection (up to $1,000)
- Extended Warranty
- Return Protection (up to $300)
United Explorer (0 benefits)
See full review for benefits details.