The United Explorer earns 2.0X on airlines, 2.0X on dining, 2.0X on hotels, 1.0X on all_purchases with a $150 annual fee.
Our Verdict
The United Explorer is a points rewards card from Chase that carries a $150/yr on the visa network. At its core it earns 1.0X MileagePlus Miles on everyday purchases, making it straightforward for cardholders who want predictable, consistent returns.
Points enthusiasts will find the most flexibility with the United Explorer. MileagePlus Miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to loyalty partners. Cardholders who maximize transfer partners often extract 1.5–2+ cents per point, well above face value.
The $150/yr fee is the key variable — run the numbers against your actual spending. If the rewards and benefits offset the fee, this card earns its place in your wallet. If not, consider a comparable no-fee alternative.
Apply for the United Explorer →Rewards Structure
Fee Analysis
The United Explorer charges $150 per year. To justify this fee, you need to earn at least $150 in rewards and benefits annually.
Statement credits: $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit ($100/yr). These credits total $100/yr, bringing the effective annual fee down to $50.
Where This Card Earns Bonus Rewards
| Category | MCC Code | Bonus Rate | Example Merchants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlines | 4511 Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere) | 2x | Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Arabia |
| Dining | 5812 Eating places and Restaurants | 2x | Acapulco Restaurant, Another Broken Egg, Applebee's, Applebee's - Albuquerque |
| Dining | 5813 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques | 2x | AMF Bowling Centers, Angry Orchard, Applebee's Bar, Bar Louie |
| Dining | 5814 Fast Food Restaurants | 2x | Arby's, Arby's - Albuquerque, Arby's - Anaheim, Arby's - Anchorage |
| Hotels | 7011 Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified) | 2x | 21c Museum Hotels, 25hours Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Alila |
Click any MCC code or merchant name to see all cards that earn bonus rewards there.
Benefits
Effective Annual Fee
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- No foreign transaction fees
Weaknesses
- $150 annual fee
- 1X base rate on non-bonus spending
How to Apply
You can apply for the United Explorer directly through Chase's website. The application takes about 5 minutes and requires your Social Security number, annual income, and housing payment information. Most applicants receive an instant decision. Note that the $150 annual fee is typically not charged until your first statement closes.
Before applying, check if you are pre-approved on Chase's website — a pre-approval uses a soft pull and does not affect your credit score.