United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card makes sense if you fly United at least twice a year - the free checked bag benefit alone is worth $140. The 60,000 mile bonus can get you a domestic round trip or help toward international travel. With the first year annual fee waived, there's little risk in trying it out. I recommend this for anyone who primarily flies United for work or lives near a United hub.
Quick Verdict
- Free checked bag easily offsets fee
- Priority boarding included
- First year free
- Solid 60,000 mile bonus
- United Club passes
- $95 fee after first year
- Limited bonus categories
- Miles tied to United
- Not the highest-ever bonus
Sign-up Bonus
60,000
Bonus miles
Earn 60,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's ~$900 in value.
Earning Rates
2x
United purchases
2x
Dining
2x
hotel stays
1x
Others
On all other purchases
Key Benefits
First checked bag free ($35 value each way)
Priority boarding
25% back on United inflight purchases
Two United Club passes per year
No foreign transaction fees
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Offer History
| Period | Bonus | Spend Req. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-12-01 to present Current | 60,000 miles | $3,000 | |
| 2024-06-01 to 2024-11-30 | 70,000 miles | $3,000 | Highest |
| 2024-01-01 to 2024-05-31 | 50,000 miles | $3,000 |
Note: Historical offers are tracked for informational purposes. Past offers may not return.