Chase Bank USA, N.A.
United℠ Explorer Card
A United Airlines co-branded travel credit card from Chase offering United MileagePlus® miles, free first checked bag, priority boarding, United Club one-time passes, and useful travel benefits.
Highlights
Main benefits
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year
- $150 annual fee after the first year
- Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities
- 9x total miles on eligible United flights
- 3x miles on other eligible United purchases
- 2x miles on dining
- 2x miles on direct hotel bookings
- 1x mile on other purchases
- Free first checked bag for primary cardmember and one companion
- Priority boarding
- Two United Club℠ one-time passes per year
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fee credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- MileagePlus miles do not expire
- Earn PQP through card spending, subject to annual cap
- Useful for regular United flyers
Fees
Fees and charges
Joining fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Renewal fee
$150 annual fee after the first year.
Annual fee waiver
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. No standard waiver after the first year.
Who can apply
Eligibility
Best suited for U.S. applicants with good to excellent credit who fly United Airlines. Approval depends on Chase’s credit review, income, debt obligations, identity verification, credit history, and other underwriting factors.
Checklist
Documents required
- Government-issued ID
- Social Security Number or ITIN, where applicable
- U.S. residential address
- Income/employment details
- Date of birth
- Contact details
- United MileagePlus® number, if already available
Process
How to apply
1. Visit the official Chase United℠ Explorer Card page
2. Review the current welcome offer, annual fee, APR, rewards, checked bag rules, and lounge pass terms
3. Sign in to Chase or apply as a guest
4. Enter personal, income, and contact details
5. Add or create a United MileagePlus® account if required
6. Submit the application and wait for Chase’s decision
Value
Reward and cashback structure
Reward rate
9x total miles on eligible United flights;
3x miles on other eligible United purchases;
2x miles on dining, including eligible delivery services;
2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with hotels;
1x mile on all other purchases;
Chase explains that the 9x total miles on eligible United flights includes miles earned as a MileagePlus member plus card rewards.
Cashback
Not primarily a cashback card. Rewards are earned as United MileagePlus® miles, which can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline flights, upgrades, and other MileagePlus redemption options.
Good fit
Pros
- Good starter airline card for United flyers
- Free checked bag benefit can offset the annual fee
- Two United Club one-time passes each year
- Priority boarding included
- No foreign transaction fees
- Useful Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit
- Earns United MileagePlus miles directly
- Dining and hotel bonus categories add everyday value
- Can help earn limited Premier qualifying points
- Good for travelers loyal to United Airlines
Watchouts
Cons
- $150 annual fee after the first year
- Best value is mainly for United flyers
- No unlimited lounge access
- Free checked bag benefit has booking/payment requirements
- Miles are less flexible than transferable points
- Award pricing can vary dynamically
- Only 1x mile on general purchases
- Partner credits may require specific usage
- Not ideal for users who fly many different airlines
- Requires U.S. credit eligibility
Related
Related cards
Compare
Compare Cards
| Field | United℠ Explorer Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank/provider | Chase Bank USA, N.A. | Chase Bank USA |
| Joining fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 | $95 annual fee |
| Renewal fee | $150 annual fee after the first year | $95 annual fee |
| Best for | United Airlines flyers, checked bag savings, priority boarding, United MileagePlus® miles, occasional United Club lounge access, travelers who fly United a few times per year | Travel rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, dining, hotel bookings, international travel, beginners who want a serious travel card |
| Reward rate |
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| Cashback |
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| Lounge access |
| No Included airport lounge access |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | Not applicable / No specific fuel surcharge waiver | Not applicable / No specific fuel surcharge waiver |
| Welcome benefit |
| Welcome offer changes over time and may vary by user or channel. A commonly listed recent offer is bonus points after meeting a minimum spend requirement in the first 3 months, so check Chase’s official application page before publishing the exact number |
| Annual fee waiver condition |
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| Eligibility |
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| Apply link | Apply | Apply |