The United Explorer Card’s five standout travel benefits are a free first standard checked bag for the primary cardmember and one companion on eligible United-operated flights, two United Club one-time passes each year, Group 2 priority boarding, 25% back on eligible United onboard purchases, and up to $120 toward an eligible Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee every four years. Each benefit has conditions, and the currently listed annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $150.
1. Free first checked bag for you and one companion
On eligible United-operated flights, the primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation can each receive their first standard checked bag free. Chase estimates the benefit could save up to $200 on a roundtrip for two eligible travelers, but the actual savings depend on the applicable bag fee and itinerary. Chase’s current card page describes the benefit and its limits.
To qualify, the cardmember must include their MileagePlus number in the reservation and purchase the tickets from United using the Explorer Card. Chase identifies an exception for flights completed within 90 days after account opening. The perk covers the first standard bag; it does not waive oversized- or overweight-bag charges. Check the itinerary and payment details against the live terms before relying on the waiver.
2. Two United Club one-time passes each year
The primary cardmember receives two United Club one-time passes after account opening and on each cardmember anniversary. United deposits them into the primary cardmember’s MileagePlus account every 12 months while the account remains open, according to the current card terms.
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These passes are not a United Club membership. Their use is subject to United Club rules, access conditions and space availability at the location. If you are considering the passes as part of the card’s value, check whether your usual airports have a United Club and whether your trips are likely to line up with its access rules.
3. Group 2 priority boarding
The card includes priority boarding in Group 2. This can let the cardmember and companions on the same reservation board before general boarding, subject to United’s current boarding procedures. It does not provide a seat assignment or upgrade, and it does not guarantee overhead-bin space. See the current Explorer Card benefit description for the applicable terms.
4. 25% back on eligible onboard purchases
When you pay with the Explorer Card on a United-operated flight, eligible purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi qualify for a 25% statement credit. Chase also lists United Club premium drink purchases as eligible. This is a rebate on specified purchases, not a discount on all travel or airport spending. Confirm current eligibility in Chase’s benefit terms.
5. Up to $120 toward a trusted-traveler application fee
The card reimburses an eligible Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee charged to the card with a statement credit of up to $120 once every four years. The credit does not guarantee enrollment or approval. Application procedures and program fees are separate, so check the relevant program’s current requirements before applying. Chase lists the credit in its Explorer Card benefits.
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What is the United Explorer Card annual fee?
Chase’s current United card comparison page lists a $0 annual fee for the first year, followed by a $150 annual fee. Offers and terms can change, so check the live application page for the offer available to you. Chase’s United card comparison lists the current fee structure.
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How to decide whether the benefits justify the fee
There is no single cash value that fits every cardholder. Compare the annual fee after the introductory year with the benefits you are likely to use, not simply the maximum advertised savings.
- Checked bags: Consider how often you fly on eligible United-operated itineraries with a companion who can share the reservation, and whether you would otherwise pay to check standard bags.
- Club passes: Count the passes only if United Club locations and access conditions make them usable on your trips.
- Application credit: Include it only if you expect to charge an eligible application fee during the four-year period and have not already used the credit within that window.
- Boarding and onboard purchases: Decide how much Group 2 boarding and the rebate on eligible purchases matter for your travel pattern.
If you compare the card with another travel card, also look at earning rates on your actual spending, travel protections and any transfer flexibility. The United-specific benefits alone do not establish which card is best for every traveler.
Other United travel-partner perks
Avis and Budget rental TravelBank cash
Under the current MileagePlus Travel offer terms, eligible Explorer cardmembers can receive $25 in United TravelBank cash on each of their first two qualifying Avis or Budget rental purchases, up to $50 annually. Each completed rental must be at least two days at a participating location. The cardmember must sign in to MileagePlus Travel, include their MileagePlus number, book with the applicable offer code and pay in full with the Explorer Card; paying with miles does not qualify. The cash is credited to the primary member’s MileagePlus account after the rental, typically within six to eight weeks under the terms. Check the current MileagePlus Travel car-rental offer and terms and conditions before booking.
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Explorer cardmembers are included in the eligible cardmember tier for United Hotels VIP Access. A participating property may offer extras such as Wi-Fi, food or drink, breakfast or parking credits, but the available benefit varies by property. It is a possible hotel-specific perk, not a guaranteed annual credit. See United Hotels VIP Access for program details.
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