Major Reasons Why United Explorer Card Is a Must Have (Learn Why)

You must have heard of United Explorer Card. I believe you’re here because you wish to learn more about the United Explorer Card, how it works, or even how to secure one for yourself. If you fall into any of these categories and you’re curious to learn more about this amazing card, then you need to make sure you read the article to the end.

As a United Loyalist, the United Explorer card is a must-have card if you wish to enjoy multiple opportunities such as travel benefits, and many other amazing benefits which I’m going to discuss later on.

As an individual who doesn’t travel a lot by united Airlines or you’re not planning to travel, the airline’s global reach through its own fleet and partner airlines provides travel opportunities that can potentially make the card worth your while.

Without us wasting much time, let us dive into the main things you need to know about the United explorer Card.

United℠ Explorer Card Review

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United℠ Explorer Card Review

United℠ Explorer Card is an excellent card that comes with a $0 annual fee for the first year and a subsequent $95 annual fee. The card has an APR of 17.99% – 24.99% variable. As a user of the United℠ Explorer Card, you’ll earn 2 miles per $1 you spent on purchases from United which includes tickets, Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.

When you spend on dining, you get 2 miles for every $1 you spend. This includes eligible delivery services. While using the card you can still earn additional 2 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What We Love About United℠ Explorer Card (PROS)

You Earn valuable Points. The United airline card offers you 2 miles in the carrier’s MileagePlus program whenever you spend a dollar on every flight you take or even purchases you make from the airline. When you try to redeem your miles on the United Explorer card, you can get up to 1.98 Cents on average.  With the card, you can also enjoy an extended rate of 2 miles on transactions you make with different restaurants and hotels, provided you book directly with the hotel, not only those that are partners to the carrier.

Users of the United Explorer Card earn 2 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges. When you spend $1 on dining, you also earn 2 miles, including eligible delivery services. You get 2 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

If you look at it, you will get to realize that you’re getting a 1.98% return on your spending, which is a real value to those who understand the value of money. However, these values can be considered average because United doesn’t assign fixed mileage amount to its reward flights. All of this depends on the flight you’re using to redeem your rewards. this might be high and in some cases, it might not be what you expect.

You Get Relief From Certain Expenses. As a user of a United card, you get to enjoy a breakdown of checking baggage costs and also a fast-track pass through airport security. This offer might not be available when using other competitors out there.

Most United-operated flights allow you to get a free checked bag for you and one other person on your reservation, just in case you’re traveling with a partner, friend, or family member. With this offer, you can save up to $140 for a roundtrip.

Another thing you’ll get is a statement credit for 25% of your spending on in-flight purchases, including food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. You also get reimbursement for the cost every four years, of up to $100, off applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The first program offers expedited security screening at U.S. airports while the second provides a way to bypass U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection lines, and includes TSA PreCheck eligibility.

What We Don’t Like About United℠ Explorer Card (Cons)

You Get To Pay For Bag Check When You Travel With More Than One Person. As a user or cardholder of the United Explorer card, you and one other person can get a free checked bag. This means that when an individual is traveling with a group of family members or friends, he/she will spend more on bag checks which can amount to $70 for one single person.

Who Is the United℠ Explorer Card Best For?

  • Those who fly often for leisure or business.
  • Individuals who spend a lot on dining while traveling.
  • Those who travel frequently or occasionally outside the United State.

Reward and Earnings For United℠ Explorer Card

You earn 2 miles for every $1 dollar you spend whenever you make purchases from United such as tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.

You also earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services. 2 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

How To Redeem United℠ Explorer Card Points

United℠ Explorer Card miles are best redeemed through flight booking at United Airlines. Why did I say so?

When you look at it, you’ll discover that on an average healthy flight, you get a value of 1.98 cents per mile. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get more than that for every point.

Another great thing you can do while redeeming your point is book a flight. This means that you can actually get to upgrade a flight you’ve already reserved.

Below are other redemption options which I think you might like

  • Book hotel stays, rental cars, and cruises
  • Buy Apple products or other merchandise
  • Purchase e-gift cards or use miles to buy gift cards through the MileagePlus X mobile app
  • Get tickets for Broadway shows, events, and other unique experiences

How To Transfer United℠ Explorer Card Miles?

Transferring your MileagePlus to another competitor is not allowed on United. However, you can redeem your miles through the United Airline website for one of its many partners which you can do even on a phone call.

These miles can be used to book flights on more than 51 airlines around the world, giving you the flexibility to comfortably travel around the world.

How To Maximize United℠ Explorer Card Rewards?

In other to maximize your credit card from united explorer, I’ll advise you to have from $3000-$6000 if you want to enjoy your first-time user bonus. With this money, you will need to spend it within 3 months of getting your card. After that, you’ll be eligible to get 10,000 miles.

Conclusion/Final Verdict

As a user of the United Explorer card, you can enjoy the amazing benefits that come with it. This can is most appealing to those who don’t have a favorite airline and can pretty much travel with anyone. 

The card allows you to accumulate as many points as you wish through dining and hotel bookings as well as flight reservations.

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