The United Explorer Credit Card is a versatile travel rewards card designed for those who frequently fly with United Airlines. New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. The card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Additional benefits include a free first checked bag, priority boarding privileges, two United Club one-time passes annually, and up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. There are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95.
Features
60,000 Bonus Miles. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Earning Rates. Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases.
Free Checked Bag. The primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation can each check a first standard bag for free, potentially saving up to $160 per roundtrip.
Priority Boarding. Cardmembers and their companions on the same reservation receive priority boarding on United-operated flights.
Pros and Cons
Pros
United Club Passes. Two United Club one-time passes per year, providing access to over 45 United Club locations for complimentary beverages, snacks, Wi-Fi, and more.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit. Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee every four years.
In-Flight Purchase Discount. 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on United Club premium drinks.
Cons
Limited to United Airlines. The card’s benefits are primarily valuable for United flyers, which may not be ideal for those who prefer other airlines.
Spending Requirements for Bonus Miles. New cardmembers must spend $3,000 in the first three months to earn the 60,000 bonus miles, which may be challenging for some.
In-Flight Discount Limitations. The 25% back as a statement credit only applies to purchases made on United-operated flights and United Club premium drinks.
How to Apply for an United Explorer Credit Card
Online
Explore Credit Card Options. Browse through the available credit card options to find the United Explorer Credit Card. Click on the card to access more details.
Review Card Details. Take your time to review the features, benefits, and terms of the United Explorer Credit Card to ensure it meets your needs.
Initiate Application. Look for the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Click on it to proceed.
Fill Out Application Form. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, financial, and contact information as required. Ensure all fields are filled correctly.
Submit Application. After filling out the form, review the information provided to avoid any errors. Once satisfied, submit your application.
Wait for Approval. After submission, the bank will review your application. You may receive an instant decision or have to wait a few days for a response.
Receive Card. If approved, your United Explorer Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Mobile App
Log In or Register. Open the Chase mobile app and log in to your existing online banking account. If you're a new user, you may need to register for mobile banking by providing your account details and creating login credentials.
Navigate to Credit Cards. Once logged in, navigate to the section of the app dedicated to credit cards or banking products. This may be accessible from the main menu or homepage.
Find United Explorer Card. Look for the United Explorer Credit Card among the available options. Tap on the card to view more details.
Start Application. Locate the option to apply for the United Explorer Credit Card within the app. It may be labeled as "Apply Now" or something similar. Tap on it to initiate the application process.
Complete Application Form. Fill out the application form provided in the app with accurate information, including personal, financial, and contact details. Double-check for accuracy before proceeding.
Submit Application. After completing the form, review the information provided to ensure accuracy. Once verified, submit your application through the mobile app.
Wait for Response. The bank will review your application. Depending on their process, you may receive an instant decision or have to wait for a few days to receive a response.
Receive Confirmation. If approved, you'll receive confirmation within the app or via email. Your United Explorer Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
In Bank's Office
Research and Preparation. Begin by researching the various credit cards offered by Chase to determine which best suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as rewards, interest rates, annual fees, and benefits.
Gather Necessary Documents. Collect all required documents, such as a valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport), Social Security number, proof of income (e.g., pay stubs or tax returns), and any other relevant financial information.
Visit a Chase Branch. Locate the nearest Chase branch by using the Chase website or mobile app. Plan your visit during the branch’s operating hours.
Meet with a Chase Representative. Once at the branch, request to speak with a representative about applying for a credit card. The representative will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and provide you with the necessary forms.
Complete the Application Form. Fill out the application form provided by the representative. Ensure all information is accurate, including personal details, employment information, and financial data.
Submit Your Application. After completing the form, submit it to the representative along with your supporting documents. The representative will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
Wait for Approval. The representative will submit your application for processing. Approval times can vary; in some cases, you may receive an instant decision, while others may require further review. You will be notified of the decision by mail or email.
Receive Your Card. If approved, your new credit card will be mailed to you. Upon receiving your card, follow the instructions to activate it and begin using it to earn rewards and manage your finances effectively.
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Eligibility Requirements
Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska, 21 in Puerto Rico).
Residency. Applicants must have a valid permanent home address within the United States, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands. Military personnel with a US military address are also eligible.
Credit Score. Generally, a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher) is required for approval.
Income. Applicants must demonstrate a steady income to show the ability to manage credit responsibly.
Existing Chase Cardholders. Current Chase cardholders may be subject to specific eligibility rules.
New Cardmember Bonus. Applicants must be new United Explorer Credit Cardmembers and not have received a new Cardmember bonus for this specific card within the past 24 months.
Legal Capacity. Married applicants must disclose their marital status and provide spousal information as required. Specific state laws may impose additional disclosure requirements related to marital property.
Complete Application. All application information must be accurate and complete for consideration.
Military Lending Act Compliance. Active duty military members and their dependents are subject to additional federal protections under the Military Lending Act.
Reasons You May Be Denied a Card
Insufficient Credit History. If you have a limited credit history or no credit history at all, the issuer may be unable to assess your creditworthiness, which could result in a denial of your credit card application.
Low Credit Score. A low credit score, often indicative of past financial difficulties or missed payments, may lead to a denial of your credit card application. Credit scores below a certain threshold may be considered risky by the issuer.
High Debt-to-Income Ratio. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, meaning you have significant outstanding debt relative to your income, the issuer may view you as a higher credit risk and deny your application.
Recent Bankruptcy. If you have filed for bankruptcy recently, you may be denied a credit card as it indicates financial instability and an increased risk for the issuer.
Delinquent Accounts. If you have a history of late payments, defaults, or delinquent accounts on your credit report, it may signal to the issuer that you are not financially responsible and may lead to a denial of your application.
Multiple Recent Credit Applications. Applying for multiple credit cards or loans within a short period, especially if accompanied by rejections, may raise concerns for the issuer about your financial stability and lead to a denial.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Access Your Account. Sign in to your Chase online banking account or mobile app to access your credit card information.
Review Your Balance. Take a moment to examine your outstanding balance, including any accumulated interest or fees.
Choose a Payment Method. Determine how you wish to proceed with your payment. Chase provides several convenient options, such as online banking, mobile banking, in-person at a financial center or ATM, by phone, or through the mail.
Online Payment. If you opt for online payment, log in to your account, proceed to the bill pay section, and follow the prompts to initiate a payment. You can select to pay the minimum amount due, the full balance, or a customized amount.
Mobile Payment. Alternatively, you can utilize the Chase mobile banking app to complete a payment. Choose your United Explorer credit card account and follow the prompts to finalize the payment process.
In-Person Payment. For those preferring in-person transactions, visit a Chase financial center or ATM. You can make a payment using cash, a check, or your debit card at the ATM, or seek assistance from a representative at the financial center.
Phone Payment. To make a payment over the phone, dial the Chase customer service number and follow the automated instructions to navigate to the payment section. From there, you can complete the payment using your checking account or debit card.
Mail Payment. Lastly, if mailing your payment suits your preference, utilize the payment address provided on your billing statement. Ensure to include your United Explorer credit card account number on the check or money order and allow adequate time for delivery.
Confirm Payment. Following your payment submission, verify that it has been successfully processed. You can check your account balance online or via the mobile app to confirm the payment's application to your United Explorer credit card debt.
Editorial Opinion
The United Explorer Credit Card provides a robust rewards program and travel perks that cater to both frequent and occasional United flyers. While the annual fee after the first year and the variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99% may be considerations for some users, the card's comprehensive benefits, such as free checked bags and priority boarding, can offer significant value for those who often fly with United Airlines.