Chase · Visa · travel
United Explorer
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Terms read from Chase's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
estimated value, about $1,519, based on 1.2 cents per point
Year 2+, after fees
estimated value, about $529, based on 1.2 cents per point
every year after
3 years, after fees
estimated value, about $2,577, based on 1.2 cents per point
Break-even
Month 1
Earn rate by category
Points at 1.20¢ each (lowest published value); published range 1.2¢ to 1.3¢. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | ~$271 | ~$121 | ~$512 | Month 1 |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | ~$1,387 | ~$397 | ~$2,180 | Month 1 |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | ~$1,519 | ~$529 | ~$2,577 | Month 1 |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | ~$1,732 | ~$742 | ~$3,216 | Month 1 |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | ~$2,420 | ~$1,430 | ~$5,281 | Month 1 |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on dining and flights, where it earns above its base rate.
- Even light spenders: on a student's $985 a month it still earns back its fee.
- Spending abroad: no foreign transaction fee.
Who should skip it
- Nothing stands out on the presets; check it against your own spending.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $150, waived in year 1
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- Purchase APR
- 19.99% to 28.49% (variable)
Rewards
- 3x on united purchases, including flights (assumed half of your flight spending is with United)
- 2x on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
- 2x on restaurants, takeout and eligible delivery
- 1x on everything else
Credits, as counted
- United Hotels credit ($50 on each of two prepaid stays): $100 a year30% used
- Rideshare credit: $60 a year30% used
- Instacart credit (through 2027): $120 a year25% used
- Avis or Budget TravelBank cash: $50 a year20% used
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit: $120 every 4 years50% used
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- None published
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Point value: United MileagePlus points at 1.20 cents each: no redemption style chosen, so its lowest published value (it has no cash redemption). Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
- Welcome bonus: 70,000 miles after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your spending meets it in month 1.
- Credits: Each credit counts at the share a typical cardholder uses (listed on the card's page).
- Note: The 6x on United fares is MileagePlus earning that members get without the card; only the card's 3x is counted.
- Note: 10,000 more miles for adding an authorized user, $100 TravelBank cash after $10,000 a year and the JSX credit aren't counted.
Perks, listed but not valued
- First checked bag free for you and one companion
- 2 United Club one-time passes a year
- Priority boarding
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's ~$529.
Chase IHG One Rewards PremierYear 2+ ~$1,243
Wells Fargo One Key CardYear 2+ $864
Chase Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessYear 2+ ~$809
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chase United Explorer worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth ~$1,519 in year 1 and ~$529 a year after that, after a $150 annual fee, waived in the first year. It covers its fee by month 1.
What is the Chase United Explorer welcome offer?
70,000 miles after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Does the Chase United Explorer charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The issuer states no foreign transaction fee.
Sources
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Compare it with 59 other cards on the US card comparison or read how cards are valued.