Chase United Explorer Card
Last updated: June 19, 2026. Verify current terms, annual fee, checked bag policy, and United Club pass details with Chase before applying.
Core earning rates
- 5xUnited Hotels purchases (bookings through United Hotels).
- 3xUnited purchases, including United flights purchased directly with United.
- 2xDining at restaurants worldwide.
- 2xHotel stays (not United Hotels, which earn 5x) — including other hotels charged directly to the card.
- 1xAll other purchases.
Card snapshot
What this card is built around
The United Explorer is United Airlines' flagship co-branded consumer credit card. Its core value for United flyers comes from the free first checked bag benefit — a single round trip with a checked bag (at United's standard $40-per-bag rate) saves $80, covering more than half the $150 annual fee. Two companions checking bags on a round trip means $160 in savings, exceeding the annual fee entirely from one trip.
Beyond bag savings, the card provides priority boarding, which lets cardholders board earlier to secure overhead bin space — a practical benefit on full domestic flights. The 2 United Club one-time passes per year add lounging value without the cost of a full United Club membership. MileagePlus miles earned on the card integrate directly into your United account and are redeemable for United and Star Alliance partner flights.
Checked bag and boarding benefits
Free first checked bag
The primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation each receive a free first checked bag on United-operated flights. To receive the benefit, the tickets must be paid with the United Explorer Card. This saves $40 per person each way — $80 per person round trip, or $160 for two travelers on a round trip, which exceeds the $150 annual fee in a single trip.
Priority boarding
Cardholders receive priority boarding on United-operated flights — earlier than general boarding groups. This is particularly valuable on domestic flights where overhead bin space is limited. Priority boarding is automatic when the cardholder's name matches the MileagePlus number on the ticket.
2 United Club one-time passes per year
Each anniversary year, you receive 2 United Club one-time passes deposited to your MileagePlus account. These are single-use lounge passes for United Club locations. They're best used on long travel days or before international departures. Passes typically expire 12 months after issuance and do not roll over year to year.
Protections and coverage
The United Explorer offers primary auto rental collision damage waiver — a meaningful distinction from many co-brand cards that provide secondary coverage only. Primary CDW means you don't need to file with your personal auto insurance first in a covered rental claim.
This card is a fit if…
- You fly United regularly and check bags — the free first checked bag benefit for you and one companion easily justifies the $150 annual fee in a single round trip.
- You want a United miles-earning card without the cost of a premium card like the United Quest or United Club Infinite.
- You occasionally use airport lounges but don't need unlimited lounge access — 2 United Club passes per year is meaningful without the cost of full membership.
- You fly internationally and want no foreign transaction fees on a card that earns miles directly in your MileagePlus account.