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- United Explorer Card
A good miles-earning rewards credit card with some perks and no foreign transaction fees
- 1–2 Miles per $1*Rewards Rate
- 21.49% – 28.49% VariableAPR
- $95Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
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If you are looking for a basic miles-earning card with a few significant travel perks, consider the United Explorer Card. Cardholders enjoy priority boarding and a free first-checked bag. This card also offers an appealing intro offer with a $0 annual fee for the first year.
After the first year, United Explorer Card features a $95 annual fee, which is more affordable than other Chase United credit cards. Cardholders can earn miles on their purchases and redeem rewards. The card also has no foreign transaction fee, allowing you to make purchases abroad without incurring additional costs.
United Explorer Card Overview
Aside from miles-earning opportunities, travel perks and no foreign transaction fees, the United Explorer Card also offers bonuses and reward programs.
>>MORE: CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS: PROGRAM GUIDE
Quick Take
- Up to 25% back on in-flight purchases
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- United Card Events
- Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Baggage Delay insurance
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Purchase Protection
- Visa Concierge
- Extended Warranty Protection
- Earn Premier Qualifying Points
- Earn MileagePlus miles
- Contactless payment
Important Card Details
Before you apply for a Chase United Explorer card or any other credit card, make sure you understand the associated fees and rates. Take note of the APR, transaction fees, late fees and reward rates.
Regular APR
The United Explorer Card does not have an introductory APR. Its regular APR for purchases, loans and balance transfers is between 20.74% – 27.74%, while the cash advance APR is 29.24%. Cardholders who fail to make a minimum payment by the due date or whose payments were returned have to pay up to a 29.99% penalty APR. These high interest rates can lead to huge expenses for individuals who struggle to properly manage their spending.
Annual Fee
There is an introductory $0 annual fee. New cardholders do not need to pay for the annual fee in their first year. After that, the card applies a $95 annual fee.
Miles Rewards Rate
You can earn double the miles from United Airlines purchases, payments at restaurants and on delivery services and directly purchased hotel accommodations. Other eligible purchases allow you to earn one mile per dollar.
Penalty Fees
Late and returned payments come with a penalty fee of up to $40.
Transaction Fees
There are no foreign transaction fees. The fee for every balance transfer is either $5 or 5% — whichever is higher. For cash advances, cardholders have to pay $10 or 5% of the amount per transaction.
Additional Benefits
Finding the best credit card requires you to consider various factors. Check all features to make sure that you are getting the best deal possible. United Explorer Card, for instance, also features security protection and accessible customer service.
- Security Features: United Explorer Card can benefit cardholders with its comprehensive security protection. Individuals can receive rental car coverage, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and purchase protection.
- Contactless Payment: Cardholders can make fast and easy payments by simply tapping the card with contactless vendors.
- Customer Satisfaction: United Explorer Cardholders can receive customer support over the phone, online or through its mobile app. You can also schedule a meeting. Additionally, Chase ranked second in J.D. Power’s 2020 National Banking Satisfaction Study.
How the United Explorer Card Compares To Other Cards
As an airline miles credit card, United Explorer Card can compete with its counterparts. It offers many opportunities to collect miles. At the same time, its lack of foreign transaction fees may make it an ideal option for international purchases. However, the United℠ Explorer card's high APR and $95 annual fee may dissuade potential applicants. Other credit cards may also offer more travel perks.
In-Depth Credit Card Comparisons:
How the United Explorer card Compares
United Explorer Card
- Annual Fee: $0 in the first year, then $95 thereafter
- APR for Purchases: 20.74% – 27.74% variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
- Best for: Frequent United fliers looking for a miles-earning credit card with some travel perks and no foreign transaction fees
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR for Purchases: 19.24% – 29.24% variable
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Best for: Frequent travelers looking for a rewards card with intro APR and no foreign transaction fee
Frequently Asked Questions
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