United℠ Explorer Card

Dining is the strongest category at 2.4% effective value (2x miles at about 1.2 cents each). That dining rate ranks higher than about 63% of the 1,547 cards we track in that category. Madeen summarizes catalog reward rules for comparison only; issuer pages control current fees, caps, exclusions, and eligibility.

Dining is the strongest category at 2.4% effective value (2x miles at about 1.2 cents each). That dining rate ranks higher than about 63% of the 1,547 cards we track in that category.

Madeen values United MileagePlus at about 1.2 cents each. Madeen compares every card using this cash-equivalent estimate while still showing the raw earn rate for context.

The United℠ Explorer Card has 1 notable cap or condition rule(s) in Madeen's catalog, including activation windows, spend limits, and category exclusions. Review each bullet below before assuming unlimited earn rates. Madeen summarizes catalog reward rules for comparison only; issuer pages control current fees, caps, exclusions, and eligibility.

• 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services.

The United℠ Explorer Card fits spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 2x miles. Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 2x miles. The welcome bonus can help if you can meet the spend requirement. Travel perks may add value beyond the earn rate.

United℠ Explorer Card fits spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 2x miles. Madeen ranks its dining effective rate higher than about 63% of the catalog in that category. Compare it against cards you already carry with Madeen — no bank login required.

Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 2x miles. The welcome bonus can help if you can meet the spend requirement. Travel perks may add value beyond the earn rate.

Compare it against simpler no-fee cards if you want minimum complexity.

Best for dining-heavy spend when the $150 fee fits your usage; confirm issuer terms before applying. Madeen summarizes catalog reward rules for comparison only; issuer pages control current fees, caps, exclusions, and eligibility.

The United℠ Explorer Card has an annual fee of $150 and a foreign transaction fee of None. New applicants may see: Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles - earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after you add an authorized user to your.

Annual fee

$150

Foreign transaction fee

None

Signup bonus

Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles - earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after you add an authorized user to your account in the first 3 months your account is open. First-year annual fee waived.

The United℠ Explorer Card includes Trusted traveler credit, Lounge access, Free checked bag, $100 United® travel credit and more in our snapshot. Perks and benefits can change; verify coverage on the issuer site before you rely on them. Madeen summarizes catalog reward rules for comparison only; issuer pages control current fees, caps, exclusions, and eligibility.

• Trusted traveler creditGlobal Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit up to $120 every 4 years - Receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck
• Lounge access2 United Club one-time passes each year
• Free checked bagFree first checked bag – save up to $140 per roundtrip - The primary Cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free (up to $35 value, each way, per person) on United-operated flights when the primary Cardmember includes their United MileagePlus® number in their reservation and purchases their tickets from United with their card.

• $100 United® travel credit

  Earn $100 in United® TravelBank cash after you spend $10,000 on purchases each calendar year with your United Explorer Card. You can use United® TravelBank cash toward future flights on United® or United Express®.

• 2 United Club℠  one-time passes each anniversary - over a $100 value

  After account opening and on each anniversary - over a $100 value per year. For an updated list of United Club locations and any temporary closures, please visit

• 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases

  25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card.

• 3-Month Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

  Get complimentary Instacart+ Membership for three months, including unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. After that, you're automatically enrolled in Instacart+ at 25% off the annual rate. Service fees and Terms apply. Benefits end 12/31/27.

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

  Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Baggage Delay Insurance

  Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 3 days.

• Booking.comIncluded with Visa Signature®

  Purchase qualifying stays with your eligible Visa Credit or Debit card and get up to 8% in Travel Credits to use on future flights, stays, car rentals, attractions, car rentals, taxis and more.

• DoorDash

  Get one-year complimentary DashPass, membership for both DoorDash and Caviar, that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by Dec 31, 2027 Plus, DashPass members get up to $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant DoorDash orders through Dec 31, 2027.

Compare the United℠ Explorer Card against Aeroplan Card (4.5% on Dining, $95 fee); AARP (3% on Dining, $0 fee); Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card (3% on Dining, $0 fee). Madeen ranks effective value by category and annual fee using the same catalog snapshot dated 2026-05-01.

• Dining
• Which Credit Card Should You Use for Flights?

• Aeroplan® CardChase · 4.5% on dining
• AARP®Chase · 3% on dining
• Chase Freedom Flex® Credit CardChase · 3% on dining
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit CardChase · 3% on dining

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