United Explorer Card
By Alex Compton · Last verified
Free bags, expanded award space, and two lounge passes a year.
Welcome Bonus
60,000
≈$720 value
Spend Requirement
$3,000
in 3 months
Annual Fee
$150
No FTF
Credit Score
700+
(Good-Excellent)
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
Apply now or wait?
Consider waitingThis card has offered 80k before; the current 60k is right at its typical 60k. Elevated offers have appeared 1 time in the last two years of our data, so if you can wait, history is on your side.
Current offer
60k
All-time high
80k
Typical offer
60k
In place since
January 2026
Last verified 2026-06-09 · spot an outdated offer? Tell us in the comments.
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Earning Rates
- 2xUnited purchases, dining, hotels
- 1xAll other purchases
Credits ($60/yr stated)
- Rideshare + instacart credits$60
Post-refresh statement credits
Benefits
- ✦First checked bag free for you + companion
- ✦2 United Club one-time passes per year
- ✦Expanded saver award availability (XN space)
- ✦25% back on inflight purchases
Lounge Access
This card opens 1 lounge network. See exactly what you can walk into at your airport with the Lounge Finder.
Why it earns its spot
- +Bag fees alone repay the fee for couples
- +Hidden award space access is real value
Where it costs you
- −United miles are mid-tier in value
- −Earn rates are weak outside United spend
The Compound Verdict
If you fly United even 3-4 times a year with a checked bag, this is a keeper. Sign up when the bonus spikes above 60k.
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