The annual fee for the Chase United Explorer card is $95. Now that we’re will to fly with United after a long hiatus, I’m looking at getting the card again. I look at every card to see if it fits our travel needs and if I’m getting value for the money. Here are six reasons I found to get the United Explorer card from Chase.
You Get To Check One Bag For Free
The United Explorer card lets you and one companion on the same reservation check their first bag for free. This benefit alone is worth up to $140 on a single trip. You need to pay for the ticket with your United Explorer card to get the free checked bag, and this benefit is only valid on United and United Express operated flights.
Two Single Use United Club Passes
Each year, you get two passes to a United Club at your card renewal. To use the passes, you need to present a same-day boarding pass (if you’re flying on a United, Star Alliance or a contracted partner-operated flight)
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Fee Credit
If you charge your Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee to your United Explorer card, you’ll receive a credit back to your account for the charge.
Priority Boarding & Carry On (Even With A Basic Economy Ticket)
The primary Cardmember and companions on the same reservation will be invited to board United-operated flights prior to general boarding. This boarding is with Group 2, which includes Star Alliance Silver members. This advanced boarding sounds great but there are still at least ten other groups who can board before “Group 2.” If you book a basic economy ticket on United (which I even wouldn’t do on United), having the credit card will allow you earlier boarding and the ability to bring a bag for the overhead on the plane.
Expanded Award Ticket Availability
When you’re a United Explorer cardholder, you have access to award tickets that other passengers don’t. If you’re looking to make an award booking using your miles, having access to this inventory for domestic award tickets might allow you to book routings that would otherwise be unavailable.
25% Back On Onboard Purchases
Do you need a snack (or drink) to make your United flight more tolerable? You’ll receive 25% back on your purchase if you pay with your United Explorer card.
Final Thoughts
There are six reasons to get the Chase United Explorer card, and there’s a 50,000 sign-up offer.
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1 comment
Maybe I missed a change of heart but the last I read you were pretty vehement about avoiding United if possible. At the risk of prying, what changed?