United Club vs United Explorer
United Club
$695/yr
5.5/10
VS
United Explorer
$150/yr
6.0/10
Quick Answer
United Club charges $695/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 ($695 vs $150)
Rewards Earning
United Explorer
4 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
United Club
0 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
United Club
$100 in annual credits
Flexibility
Tie
Both cards have similar redemption flexibility
OUR PICK
United Explorer wins for most people
The $545 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for United ExplorerPREMIUM PICK
United Club wins for heavy spenders
If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.
Apply for United ClubRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
United Club
| United Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.5X |
United Explorer
| United Airlines purchases | 2.0X |
| Dining | 2.0X |
| Hotel stays | 2.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |