Chase
United Explorer
What it is
The United Explorer is a Chase card earning United MileagePlus miles. Its ongoing value can outweigh the annual fee, making it a potential keeper past year one. United's mid-tier flyer card — a free first checked bag and a couple of lounge passes a year. The reliable middle of the United lineup.
Offer history
Value is the welcome bonus at your valuations. The Year 1 total also counts recurring benefits and subtracts the annual fee. Spend / mo (the dashed line, right axis) is the monthly pace to clear the minimum spend in time — shown on every view so the spend stays in context.
| Offer | Bonus | Value | Year 1 | Return | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PUBLIC | 50,000$3k · 90d | $650 | $975 | 33% | May ’26 |
AF $95 → $150 · Apr 2026 | |||||
PUBLIC | 70,000$3k · 90d | $910 | $949 | 32% | Feb ’26 |
TARGETEDYMMV | 60,000$3k · 90d | $780 | $819 | 27% | Feb ’26 |
What you get
- Free checked bag$160per year
Free first checked bag for you and one companion on United-operated flights.
- Instacart credit$120per year
Up to $10 a month in Instacart statement credits, plus a complimentary Instacart+ membership.
- Global Entry credit$120one-time
Up to $120 every four years toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, as a statement credit.
- United Hotels credit$100per year
Up to $100 a year in credits on hotel stays booked through United Hotels.
- JSX credit$100per year
Up to $100 a year in statement credits for JSX semi-private flights.
- 2 United Club passes$80per year
2 United Club one-time passes per year (not full membership).
Dollar figures are the benefit’s face value. What it’s worth to you — after realistic usage and your own point values — is in the receipt below.
The receipt
standard values| SUB value | +$650 |
| 50,000 United × | |
| Benefits (Year 1) | +$325 |
↳ $840 at sticker value — before custom valuations Ongoing Free checked bag($160 × ) Free checked bag $160 × ~$72 Instacart credit($10/mo × ) Instacart credit $10/mo × ends Dec 2027 $48 United Hotels credit($100 × ) United Hotels credit $100 × ~$45 One-time Global Entry credit($120 × ) Global Entry credit $120 × $30 | |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Year 1 | $975 |
| Return for spending $3k | 33% |
Sign in to fold in your eligibility, spend-fit, and 5/24.
Related cards
United Explorer scores 46 here on standard point values. See where it ranks against every card, scored for your points, spend, and eligibility.
Open the ranked table →