Cards
TravelChase
United Explorer
Key facts
Annual fee$150/yr
Rewards currencyUnited Miles
Recommended creditGood credit (690+)
Global Entry / TSA PreCheckCredit included
Current sign-up bonus
50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months (+10,000 more miles for adding an authorized user within 3 months, up to 60,000 total)≈ $650 value
Reward rates
2x on United Airlines
2x Dining, including delivery services
2x Hotels
5x on hotels booked through United Hotels
1x on everything else
Travel benefits
Emergency Evacuation
None — the United Explorer card does not include emergency evacuation or emergency medical coverage abroad.
Travel Accident Insurance
Up to $500,000 accidental death or dismemberment on common carrier (air, bus, train, cruise) when transportation is paid with the card.
Baggage Delay
Up to $100 per day for up to 3 days for essential item purchases when baggage is delayed 6 or more hours. Trip must be paid with the card.
Trip Delay
Up to $500 per ticket for unreimbursed expenses (meals, lodging, etc.) when a common carrier delay exceeds 12 hours or requires an overnight stay. Trip must be paid with the card.
Trip Cancellation / Interruption
Up to $1,500 per covered traveler and $6,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses when trip is canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations. Trip must be paid with the card.
Lounge Access
2 United Club one-time passes per year (each provides single access to any of United's 45+ United Club lounge locations; some international locations also included). No ongoing lounge membership or Priority Pass.
Purchase protections
Cell Phone Protection
None — the United Explorer card does not include cell phone protection.
Return Protection
None — the United Explorer card does not offer return protection.
Extended Warranty
Extends the original U.S. manufacturer's warranty by 1 additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less (up to 4 years total from purchase date).
Purchase Protection
Covers eligible new purchases for 120 days from date of purchase against damage or theft. Up to $10,000 per item, up to $50,000 per cardholder account annually.
Other benefits
Annual Credits
$120 Global Entry / TSA PreCheck: up to $120, resets Multi-year.
Authorized User Fee
$0 — authorized users can be added at no additional cost.
Foreign Transaction Fee
None — no foreign transaction fees.
Secondary Rental Car
None — rental car coverage on the United Explorer card is primary (not secondary). See Primary Rental Car entry.
Primary Rental Car
Primary collision damage waiver coverage up to $60,000 for most rental vehicles. Must decline rental company's collision insurance and charge entire rental cost to the card.
Lost / Stolen Baggage
Up to $3,000 per covered traveler for repair or replacement of checked or carry-on baggage that is lost, damaged, or stolen. Trip must be paid with the card.
Transfer Partners
Not applicable — earns United MileagePlus miles directly. United MileagePlus miles do not directly transfer to most other programs, though Star Alliance partner award redemptions are available. Chase Ultimate Rewards points from Sapphire cards can be transferred into United MileagePlus at 1:1.
Welcome Bonus
50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus 10,000 additional bonus miles for adding an authorized user in the first 3 months. Total potential: up to 60,000 bonus miles.
Earn Rates
9x total miles on eligible United Airlines flights (3x miles from card + 6x miles from MileagePlus membership); 3x miles on other eligible United purchases; 2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with hotels; 2x miles on dining (including eligible delivery services); 1x mile on all other purchases. $0 annual fee for the first year, then $150 annually.
Best for
FlightsDiningHotelsTravel Portal
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Card terms, reward rates, and offers are subject to change. Always review the current cardmember agreement before applying. He's Got a Point is not affiliated with or endorsed by any card issuer. Benefit coverage may vary — verify with the issuer before relying on any protection.
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