United MileagePlus® Explorer Card

From the CompareCards.com Editorial Team:

The United MileagePlus Explorer Card is a line of credit with ample travel benefits. This card, offered by Chase, allows individuals to earn privileges and rewards specifically for those who travel frequently. The card does provide some great features, including the ability to earn bonus miles right off the bat. For those who travel, the features and benefits can make traveling a bit easier, and less expensive.

Perhaps the best feature about the card, though, is the bonus program. You can earn up to 40,000 bonus miles using this card. You will earn 25,000 bonus miles after your first use on the card. Then, you will earn 5000 additional bonus miles after your first card use and for adding a secondary, authorized user to your account. You will need to do this within two months of opening the new account. To earn another 10,000 bonus miles, spend at least $25,000 or more on your card each year. This adds up to a significant savings.

For those who fly frequently, the add-on costs can be troublesome. However, this card cuts into those. For example, one of the first benefits you get is not to have to pay for your first checked bag of luggage. This applies to flights on United and Continental. This could mean a savings of as much as $50 round trip.

In addition to this, when you book your flight on United or Continental, you also get to board the plane before general boarding. For those that do not like to wait for everyone else to get in their seats, this is a nice add on benefit.

You will earn one mile for each dollar spent, plus one additional mile for each $1 spent on purchases from United or on tickets bought from Continental. You can earn unlimited miles. Your miles do not expire. You will be able to use your earned miles for free airline miles. Some restrictions may apply.

The Bottom-Line
For those who travel on an airline frequently, these benefits can be nice. The low APR and the numerous bonus miles options, make it a handy card to have in your pocket. If you are a busy traveler, this card can help you to rack up the free points quickly.

The Good
The bonus miles that the United MileagePlus Explorer Card offers are significant. For those who are planning to earn free miles quickly, these can be a good option. The added bonuses such as the complimentary United Club passes and free checked bags, helps shave off some costs.

The Not So Good
The card does have an annual fee, but most rewards cards do. For those who may not have the best credit, it does have a high interest rate. In addition, the card does not offer an introductory offer at this time.