First free checked bag + priority boarding + 2 United Club passes per year — the entry-level United card with outsized perks.
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ClearValue Rating: 3.9 / 5 — our editorial assessment (how we rate)
Editorial confidence (30%), cost (25%), value (25%), accessibility (20%) — scored consistently across every product, independent of compensation.
United Airlines loyalists who fly 2+ United trips per year and want checked-bag savings plus lounge day passes.
The United Explorer Card carries a $95 annual fee, waived the first year. The typical welcome bonus is 50,000–60,000 miles after meeting the spend requirement — verify the current offer at Chase before applying.
United℠ Explorer Card — First free checked bag + priority boarding + 2 United Club passes per year — the entry-level United card with outsized perks. Best for: United Airlines loyalists who fly 2+ United trips per year and want checked-bag savings plus lounge day passes.. Compare it against alternatives before applying; the right fit depends on your situation, credit, and goals.
Per issuer disclosure, the free first checked bag benefit applies to the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation, when the United ticket is purchased with the card. Eligibility requires the cardholder to have their MileagePlus number linked to the reservation. Verify the exact terms — including companion eligibility, booking requirements, and any fare class exclusions — at chase.com/united-explorer before applying. Source: Chase product page, verified June 3, 2026.
The United Explorer Card includes two United Club one-time passes per year for the primary cardholder — these are single-visit day passes, not a full United Club membership. Unlimited United Club access requires the United Club Infinite Card ($525/yr) or a separately purchased United Club membership. The two annual passes can be used at any United Club location and are issued at account opening each year. Verify current pass terms and any per-year reset schedule at chase.com/united-explorer. Source: Chase United Explorer product page, verified June 3, 2026.
Chase's 5/24 rule is an approval guideline: Chase typically will not approve a new Chase credit card if you have opened 5 or more credit cards (across all issuers, not just Chase) in the past 24 months. The United Explorer Card is subject to this rule. If you are at or above 5/24, applying is likely to result in a denial regardless of credit score. To assess your standing, count new card accounts opened in the past 24 months — personal credit cards from any bank, co-branded cards, and retail store cards all typically count. Most business cards from Chase itself do not count toward your 5/24 total, but business cards from other issuers may appear on your personal report. Source: Chase general approval guidelines.
No. ClearValue Lending is not a bank, card issuer, lender, or financial advisor. This review presents publicly available editorial information about the United Explorer Card. This card is issued and operated by Chase Bank USA, N.A. in partnership with United Airlines. APRs, annual fees, rewards rates, welcome bonuses, and terms are determined solely by Chase/United and may change — verify current terms at chase.com before applying.
How we rate
Every pick gets a 1–5 ClearValue Rating computed from four weighted factors: Editorial confidence (30%), Cost (25%), Value (25%), and Accessibility (20%).
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