The United Explorer, a Chase card, has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150, and gives a free first checked bag for you and 1 companion, 2 United Club one-time passes a year, Group 2 boarding and up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every 4 years. It earns 3x miles on United purchases, 2x on dining and on hotel stays booked with the hotel, and 1x on everything else. Figures checked at Chase on October 5, 2026; confirm the current welcome offer at Chase.
What the United Explorer earns
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| United purchases | 3x miles |
| Dining, and hotel stays booked with the hotel | 2x miles |
| Everything else | 1x miles |
The credits and perks
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The Explorer gives a free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation, Group 2 boarding, and 2 United Club one-time passes each year. It also gives up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every 4 years, and 25% back on food, drinks and Wi-Fi bought on United-operated flights. Chase also lists annual partner credits: up to $100 on prepaid United Hotels stays, $60 on rideshare (enrollment required), $50 in United travel credits for Avis or Budget rentals, $120 at Instacart and $100 on JSX flights. It has no foreign transaction fees.
The fee math
The $150 fee ($0 the first year) is easy to cover if you check a bag. Chase puts the free first bag for you and 1 companion at up to $200 per round trip, more than the fee, before counting the United Club passes and Group 2 boarding. If you rarely check bags, the no-fee United Gateway may fit better. Confirm the current fee at the issuer.
United Explorer
Earn rates, credits and the fee checked at Chase on October 5, 2026. Confirm the current welcome offer at the issuer before you apply.
Status in 2027. Per United’s MileagePlus update of October 13, 2026, 2027 Premier status is points-only (Silver 6,000 PQP up to 1K 32,000). The Explorer earns PQP on spending up to 1,000 a year, and holding an eligible United card by December 31, 2026 adds 5% starter PQP if you qualify for 2027 status. For more PQP from spending, the Quest caps at 18,000 and the United Club Card at 32,000.
Who it fits and who it does not
The Explorer fits United flyers who check a bag a few times a year and want occasional lounge access. It does not fit someone who flies many airlines, who is better off with flexible Chase points that transfer to United at 1 to 1.
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FAQ
Is the United Explorer worth it?
For United flyers who check bags, usually yes: the free first checked bag and 2 United Club passes can cover the $150 fee, plus Group 2 boarding and a Global Entry credit. Confirm current terms at Chase.
Does the United Explorer give lounge access?
It gives 2 United Club one-time passes each year, not full membership. For United Club membership, the United Club Card is the option. Confirm current lounge terms at United.
Does the United Explorer count toward Chase 5/24?
Yes, as applicants report it. The Explorer is a personal Chase card, so it adds to your 5/24 count; Chase does not publish the rule.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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