Why I’m actually not upset about the United Explorer’s changes
When many credit card enthusiasts hear "credit card refresh," the typical reaction is an exasperated sigh as thoughts of higher annual fees and more complicated benefits come to mind. That's exactly how I reacted when I heard that Chase was overhauling its slate of United cards.
I have the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees). I loved how simple its benefits were and its reasonable annual fee. I knew Chase would inevitably increase this card's annual fee during this refresh, but that it'd also add new perks to help justify that.
The big question was what these new benefits would be and whether they'd be useful to me. Now that I've had a chance to sit with the updated United Explorer for a little while, here's why I'm not upset about its changes.
My favorite benefits are still the same
One of the worst feelings as a credit card enthusiast is when one of my favorite card benefits goes away. That's especially true when that benefit is essential to justifying that card's annual fee.
When I applied for the United Explorer last year, I knew I could get positive value from its annual fee because of two perks: two United Club passes every account anniversary and my first checked bag free.
My biggest fear with the United Explorer's refresh was that Chase would limit or remove these benefits. My home airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), and it's severely lacking on the lounge front. One of the only lounges it has is a United Club.
I can use a United Club pass when flying any Star Alliance airline, not just United Airlines. That means I'm not restricted to booking with United if I want lounge access at PDX. I took advantage of this when I flew Air Canada over Christmas; enjoying complimentary food and Wi-Fi in a lounge was much better than sitting at the gate. If I lost United Club access, I'd be sorely disappointed.
Additionally, I plan to use my Explorer's free checked bag perk for a trip home this summer and to Germany in the fall. That's a big part of why I opened this card last year.
Thankfully, both of these benefits survived the refresh. United Club one-time passes cost $59 each, while United charges $35 for a checked bag for noncardholders. If I use both of my United Club passes and check a bag on a round trip once a year, I can cover the cost of my card's new $150 annual fee with a little to spare.*
*The United Explorer has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year.
I use ride-hailing services often
I live in a city and don't own a car, so I'm happy that my United Explorer now offers up to $60 every calendar year on ride-hailing services (enrollment is required each year).
While I try my best to walk wherever I can, anyone who's lived in the Pacific Northwest knows the threat of rain is always looking over your shoulder. There are many times when I need to use a ride-hailing service, both at home and abroad.
With this credit, I can receive up to $5 as a statement credit each month. I'm not the biggest fan of this being a monthly perk rather than a flexible spend-as-you-need-it-style credit.
That said, since I use ride-hailing services fairly often, it shouldn't be hard for me to use this benefit every month. I'm glad Chase opted not to restrict this credit to Lyft since sometimes I get better fares with Uber. I plan on trying this credit out with Uber Eats as another redemption method in case I need to use my credit in a pinch.
I use Instacart at least once a month
One thing about me: Grocery shopping is not one of my favorite things to do. Thankfully, grocery delivery services let me get that chore done without leaving my home.
My newly refreshed United Explorer offers up to $120 each year in credits for Instacart purchases. Like the ride-hailing credit, this benefit is given out monthly in up to $10 increments. An active Instacart+ membership is required, but I can get a complimentary three-month subscription through my card (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
Since I already order grocery delivery more often than not, Instacart+ will continue to be useful beyond my complimentary subscription. However, if you have to go out of your way to place online grocery orders every month, I don't recommend factoring this credit into the value you'd get from the Explorer.
With the price of groceries rising, any discount I can get is appreciated. I like that this credit can be applied to any order of $10 or more. It helps make up for some of the flexibility that's lost by this being a monthly benefit. I can use this to cut the cost of anything from a quick and simple order to a week's worth of groceries.
Bottom line
Thankfully, my worries about the United Explorer's refresh didn't come to pass. I still have several great reasons to keep it in my wallet.
If I check a bag on a round trip at least once and use both of my United Club passes and the ride-hailing and Instacart credits, I'll net $368 in value from this card each year, $218 more than its annual fee. Even if I don't use the credits as much as anticipated, I'll still come out on top from just the United Club passes and free checked bag.
The United Explorer is a great card for me, but it isn't for everyone. If you don't use airport lounges, fly much or use ride-hailing services, you may have a hard time getting positive value out of it. If you fly with United or another Star Alliance airline at least a couple of times each year, this card can be a powerful addition to your wallet, even if its new statement credits aren't for you.
To learn more, check out our full review of the United Explorer.
Apply here: United Explorer Card
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.