The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Limited-Time Offer
Earn up to 80,000 miles
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
1 - 9X miles
$0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
This card is geared toward frequent and occasional United flyers and offers plenty of elite-like benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and a discount on in-flight purchases. It also racks up miles at a steady pace on a variety of purchases — including dining and hotels — putting that next award ticket within reach sooner. (Partner offer)
Premium perks without a premium fee: United Explorer Card reviewYou don’t have to be a frequent United flyer to make the most of this card, especially since the first year’s introductory annual fee is $0 before it goes up to $150. Carrying it means you can enjoy money-saving perks when flying United, including a free checked bag, priority boarding and in-flight discounts on purchases like premium drinks. This adds up to decent savings, especially in your first year of new card membership, when the introductory annual fee is $0.
The United Explorer card earns 9 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights (3 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases) and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other hotel stays (booked directly) and dining. It also earns 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Rewards Rates
Intro Offer
Limited-Time Offer
Earn up to 80,000 miles
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Ongoing Purchases APR
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Ongoing Balance Transfer APR
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Ongoing Cash Advance APR
28.49% Variable
Ongoing Penalty APR
Up to 29.99%
Annual Fee
$0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150
Recommended Credit
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
More Details