United Explorer Card: Metal Or Plastic?

is united explorer card metal or plastic

The United Explorer Card is a credit card offered by Chase and United Airlines that provides a variety of benefits to its cardholders. Some of these benefits include bonus miles, priority boarding, free checked bags, airport lounge access, and various credits and discounts. The card is made of plastic and comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, followed by a $150 annual fee. It is a popular choice for travellers who fly with United Airlines due to its extensive list of perks.

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The United Explorer Card is made of plastic, not metal

The United Explorer Card is a credit card with a plethora of benefits and rewards. It is made of plastic, not metal. While the card is not as aesthetically pleasing as a metal card, it offers a range of perks that make it a valuable choice for travellers who fly with United Airlines.

One of the standout features of the United Explorer Card is its bonus miles offer. Cardholders can earn up to 60,000 bonus miles when they spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening their account. This is a great incentive for frequent flyers, as the miles can be redeemed for future travel.

In addition to the bonus miles, the card offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, making it an attractive option for those who want to try out the card without committing to a fee. From the second year onwards, a competitive annual fee of $150 is charged, which can be easily offset by the card's benefits.

The United Explorer Card provides a range of benefits that cater to the needs of travellers. Cardholders enjoy priority boarding on United and United Express flights, allowing them to board before general boarding. They also receive free checked bags for themselves and a companion on the same reservation, saving up to $160 per round trip. Additionally, the card offers airport lounge access, with two one-day passes per year at a United Club, providing a serene environment away from the busy airport gates.

Another advantage of the United Explorer Card is the reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees. Cardholders can receive up to $120 as a statement credit every four years when they charge the application fee to their card. This feature further enhances the convenience and efficiency of travelling for cardholders.

While the United Explorer Card is made of plastic, its extensive benefits, including bonus miles, priority boarding, free checked bags, airport lounge access, and fee reimbursements, make it a compelling choice for travellers who value functionality over the prestige of a metal card.

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Cardholders receive two free lounge passes per year

The United Explorer Card is a credit card with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year and $150 from the second year onwards. The card offers a range of benefits, including two free lounge passes per year. These passes grant access to over 45 United Club locations, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of airport terminals. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary bar service, light snacks, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi.

The United Explorer Card is an excellent choice for travellers seeking convenience and comfort. With priority boarding, free checked bags, and now lounge access, this card enhances the overall airport and travel experience. The lounge access, in particular, adds a touch of luxury and exclusivity to cardholders' journeys.

To access the lounges, cardholders must present their United Explorer Card and a same-day boarding pass for a United or partner airline flight. It's important to note that the cardholder must be present at the lounge to redeem the passes. The two complimentary passes are provided annually on the cardholder's anniversary, making it a recurring benefit.

The United Explorer Card's lounge access benefit is unique among competing cards in the same price range. The passes typically cost $59 each, so the value of this perk alone exceeds the annual fee. This makes the United Explorer Card an attractive option for travellers seeking a cost-effective way to enhance their travel experiences.

In addition to the lounge access, the United Explorer Card offers a range of other perks. These include frequent flyer miles, priority boarding, free checked bags, and various credits and discounts. The card also provides primary rental car coverage and reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees. Overall, the United Explorer Card presents a compelling package of benefits that can significantly improve the travel experience for frequent flyers.

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Cardholders get a free checked bag for themselves and a companion

The United Explorer Card is a co-branded credit card offered by Chase and United Airlines. It is made of plastic and comes with a host of benefits and perks for travellers who fly with United Airlines. One of the standout features of the card is that cardholders get a free checked bag for themselves and a companion on the same reservation. This benefit can result in significant savings, especially for frequent travellers, as checking a bag typically costs $40 each way, per person.

To take advantage of the free checked bag benefit, cardholders must purchase their tickets with the United Explorer Card and include their MileagePlus number in their reservation. This requirement is waived for flights completed within 90 days of opening the account. It is important to note that the free checked bag waiver is only applicable if the airfare has been paid for with the card. Additionally, the benefit is restricted to United-operated flights.

The United Explorer Card offers a range of other benefits that can enhance the travel experience. Cardholders receive priority boarding on United and United Express flights, allowing them to board before general boarding. They also gain access to award availability, including extra saver and standard levels. The card provides a primary collision damage waiver benefit and airport lounge access, offering serenity and amenities away from the busy airport gates.

In addition to travel perks, the United Explorer Card offers various incentives for spending. Cardholders who spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year receive $100 in United TravelBank cash, which can be used for future flights. If cardholders spend $20,000 in a calendar year, they receive a 10,000-mile award discount towards a future itinerary on United and United Express flights. The card also provides up to $100 in statement credits annually when booking flights directly with JSX, a semi-private jet service.

The United Explorer Card is designed for individuals who frequently fly with United Airlines and can take advantage of the various travel benefits. With its free checked bag allowance, priority boarding, lounge access, and spending incentives, the card offers a comprehensive package of perks that can make travelling more enjoyable and cost-effective.

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Cardholders receive priority boarding on United and United Express flights

The United Explorer Card is made of plastic. However, its benefits outweigh the material used to make the card. The card offers a lengthy list of perks and credits that can easily offset the annual fee. One of the most valuable benefits of the card is priority boarding on United and United Express flights.

Cardholders of the United Explorer Card receive priority boarding, allowing them to board before general boarding. This privilege is available for both the primary cardmember and their companions travelling on the same reservation. To take advantage of this benefit, cardholders must include their MileagePlus account number when making their reservation and refer to their United boarding pass for their boarding group number.

Priority boarding on United and United Express flights means that cardholders can board after customers with Premier Access and those requiring special assistance. This priority boarding benefit can save time and provide a more convenient travel experience, especially for those with carry-on luggage.

In addition to priority boarding, the United Explorer Card offers other valuable benefits such as free checked bags, airport lounge access, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, and various credits and discounts. These benefits can enhance the overall travel experience and provide significant value for cardholders who fly with United Airlines, even occasionally.

Overall, the United Explorer Card offers a range of perks that can make travel more efficient and enjoyable, despite being made of plastic rather than metal. The priority boarding benefit is just one of the many features that can add convenience and ease to cardholders' travel experiences.

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Cardholders can earn bonus miles and unlock additional rewards

The United Explorer Card offers a range of benefits that allow cardholders to earn bonus miles and unlock additional rewards. One of the most attractive features is the opportunity to earn 60,000 bonus miles when cardholders spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening their account. This welcome bonus is a great incentive for new cardholders, providing a substantial boost to their mileage balance.

In addition to the welcome offer, cardholders can continue to earn bonus miles and unlock rewards through their everyday spending. For every $1 spent on purchases, cardholders earn 2 miles in total. This includes 1 mile per $1 earned on each purchase, plus an additional 1 mile on purchases made through United Card Events from Chase. These events cover a range of rewards categories, including restaurants and hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel. This means that cardholders can boost their mileage balance simply by using their card for their everyday expenses and taking advantage of the rewards categories.

The United Explorer Card also offers additional incentives for cardholders who spend $10,000 or more on their card within a calendar year. Upon reaching this spending threshold, cardholders earn $100 in United TravelBank cash, which can be used towards future flights on United or United Express. This essentially translates to an extra 1% return on spending, providing cardholders with even more value.

Furthermore, the United Explorer Card provides access to award availability, including extra saver and standard-level awards. This feature is particularly beneficial when using MileagePlus miles for travel on United flights. Cardholders can also take advantage of priority boarding on United and United Express flights, allowing them to board before general boarding and enjoy a smoother travel experience.

The United Explorer Card also offers a range of travel credits and protections, enhancing the overall value of the card. Cardholders can receive up to $100 in statement credits each year when booking flights directly with JSX, a semi-private jet service. Additionally, the card provides free checked bags for the primary cardmember and a companion, saving up to $160 per round trip. With its bonus miles, additional rewards, and travel benefits, the United Explorer Card presents a compelling option for those seeking to maximise their travel experiences.

Frequently asked questions

The United Explorer Card is made of plastic.

The United Explorer Card offers benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and club passes.

The United Explorer Card is a good option for those who frequently check bags and have a lot of flights planned, as it offers cash savings on bag checking. It also offers zone 2 boarding, which is valuable for those who always have carry-on luggage.

The Chase Sapphire card is similar to the United Explorer Card and offers more miles and flexibility in how points can be used.

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