United Explorer Card Review (2025): Benefits, Rewards & Value
A solid airline co-brand card with useful perks for United flyers.
United Explorer Card Guide
A solid airline co-brand card with useful perks for United flyers.
ANNUAL FEE
$0 first year, then $95
WELCOME BONUS
60,000 United miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months
POINTS VALUE
~1.3¢ per mile for United flights
TRANSFER PARTNERS
0
In This Guide:
Transfer Partners
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|
Annual Credits & Benefits
United Club Passes
Annual (after account anniversary)
Two complimentary United Club one-time passes deposited into your MileagePlus account after account anniversary.
Pro Tip: United Club day passes normally cost $59 each, so these represent a $118 value. Use them for long layovers or delays when you most need lounge amenities.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit
Every 4 years
Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
Pro Tip: Choose Global Entry over TSA PreCheck as it includes PreCheck benefits and offers international expedited entry for the same credit amount.
Is the United Explorer Card Worth the $0 first year, then $95 Annual Fee?
Ideal For:
- United Flights
- Star Alliance
- Free Bags
Not Ideal For:
- Infrequent travelers who rarely fly or stay at hotels
- Those who prefer cash back over travel rewards
- Budget-conscious consumers who don't want to pay an annual fee
Value Calculation Example
Here's a conservative estimate of annual value for a typical cardholder who uses most, but not all benefits:
| Benefit | Face Value | Realistic Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $60 | $60 | First year only |
| United Club Passes | Two one-time passes | Two one-time passes | Annual (after account anniversary) |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Up to $100 | Up to $100 | Every 4 years |
| First checked bag free | $100+ | $100 | Estimated value |
| Priority boarding | $100+ | $100 | Estimated value |
| Annual Fee | -$0 first year, then $95 | -$0 first year, then $95 | Yearly cost |
| TOTAL VALUE | Varies | Varies | $1,000+ over annual fee |
This calculation doesn't include the welcome bonus value in the first year, which could add significant additional value. Actual value depends on your specific usage patterns.
How to Earn Points
2X on United Purchases
Earn 2X miles on all United Airlines purchases including flights, seat upgrades, Economy Plus, and in-flight purchases.
2X on Dining
Earn 2X miles at restaurants worldwide, including eligible delivery services.
2X on Hotels
Earn 2X miles on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
MileagePlus Shopping Portal
Boost earnings by shopping through the MileagePlus Shopping portal to earn additional miles per dollar at partner retailers.
MileagePlus Dining
Register for the MileagePlus Dining program to earn up to 5 additional miles per dollar spent at participating restaurants.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
| Route/Redemption | Points Required | Transfer Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excursionist Perk | Free one-way segment | Direct redemption | Book a multi-city itinerary and get a free one-way flight within a single region when traveling between two different regions. |
| US to Europe in Business Class | 60,000-77,000 miles (one-way) | Direct redemption | Good value on United's own flights to Europe with no fuel surcharges, unlike some Star Alliance partners. |
| Domestic US Flights | 5,000-12,500 miles (one-way) | Direct redemption | Short-haul economy flights often available from just 5,000-7,000 miles one-way with expanded Saver availability for cardholders. |
| Hawaii from West Coast | 22,500 miles (one-way in economy) | Direct redemption | Decent value for flights to Hawaii, especially with the expanded Saver award access for cardholders. |
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
Expanded Award Availability
United Explorer cardholders get expanded Saver award availability that isn't shown to non-cardholders, significantly improving your chances of finding award seats at the lowest rates.
Upgrade to United Quest
If you fly United regularly, consider upgrading to the United Quest Card after your first year for additional benefits like a $125 United credit and 10,000 miles back on redemptions.
Combine with Chase Ultimate Rewards
Pair with a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to United at a 1:1 ratio when you need additional miles for a redemption.
Use for Award Booking Fees
Save on close-in booking fees (typically waived within 21 days of departure for cardholders) and take advantage of better award availability when using your United Explorer Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the free checked bag benefit work?
The primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation each receive a first checked bag free on United-operated flights when you include your MileagePlus number in your reservation and pay for the flight with your United Explorer Card. This benefit is valued at up to $35 per person each way, potentially saving up to $140 on a round-trip flight for two people.
Do the United Club passes expire?
Yes, the two complimentary United Club one-time passes are valid for 12 months from the date they are deposited into your MileagePlus account (typically after your card anniversary). The expiration date will be clearly marked on the passes in your United account.
Does the card offer any travel insurance benefits?
Yes, the United Explorer Card includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $1,500 per person, $6,000 per trip), trip delay reimbursement (up to $500 per ticket for delays of 12+ hours or overnight), baggage delay insurance (up to $100 per day for 3 days), lost luggage reimbursement (up to $3,000 per passenger), and auto rental collision damage waiver.
Can I earn PQPs (Premier Qualifying Points) with the card?
While the card doesn't automatically award PQPs, you can earn 500 PQPs for every $12,000 you spend on the card in a calendar year, up to 1,000 PQPs per year. These PQPs can help you reach Premier status levels and are in addition to the PQPs you earn from flying.
Ready to Apply?
The United Explorer Card offers exceptional travel benefits and rewards that make it a valuable addition to your wallet. A solid airline co-brand card with useful perks for United flyers.