Introduction
The United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa credit card is a powerful tool for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers a wide range of benefits, including earning miles for flights and everyday purchases, free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to United Club lounges. However, with so many credit cards on the market, it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of the United Mileage Plus Visa to determine if it’s the right card for you. In this review, we’ll break down the card’s features, fees, rewards, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Card Features and Benefits
The United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa card has several attractive features that make it stand out from other airline credit cards. Here’s a rundown of the card’s main benefits:
Bonus Miles
New cardholders can earn up to 70,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 within the first three months of opening an account. This bonus alone is enough for a round-trip flight within the continental U.S. and Canada.
Earning Miles
Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, including flights, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases. They also earn 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and on hotel stays, and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. There are no limits on the number of miles that can be earned, and they never expire as long as the card is active.
Free Checked Bags
Cardholders and one companion traveling on the same reservation receive their first checked bag for free on United flights. For a family of four traveling round-trip, this can save up to $240 in baggage fees.
Priorit Boarding
Cardholders are granted priority boarding, which allows them to board the plane after elite status passengers but before general boarding.
United Club Access
Cardholders receive two United Club lounge passes per year, which can be used at any United Club location worldwide. United Club lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities to make travel more enjoyable.
Fees and APR
Like most credit cards, the United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa charges fees and interest. Here’s a breakdown of the card’s fees:
Annual Fee
The card has an annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year. This fee is relatively standard for airline credit cards and is offset by the card’s benefits and rewards.
Foreign Transaction Fee
The card charges a foreign transaction fee of 0%, making it a good choice for international travel. Most credit cards charge a fee of 3% on foreign transactions, so this is a significant savings.
Cash Advance Fee
The card charges a cash advance fee of $10 or 5% of the advance amount, whichever is greater. Cash advances are generally not recommended, as they come with high interest rates and fees.
APR
The card’s APR ranges from 16.49% to 23.49%, depending on the cardholder’s creditworthiness. This is a typical range for a rewards credit card, but it’s important to note that carrying a balance can quickly negate the value of the card’s rewards.
Rewards Redemption
The United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa card offers several ways to redeem rewards:
United Flights
Cardholders can use their miles to book flights on United Airlines or any of its partner airlines. The number of miles required varies depending on the destination, time of year, and availability. In general, miles are worth about 1.5 cents each when redeemed for flights.
Merchandise and Gift Cards
Cardholders can also redeem their miles for merchandise, gift cards, and other rewards through United’s online shopping portal. However, the value of these redemption options is typically lower than that of flights, so it’s generally not the best use of miles.
Transfer to Partners
Cardholders can transfer their miles to one of United’s partner airlines, which can offer better redemption rates or additional benefits.
Pros and Cons
Before deciding whether to apply for the United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa card, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Here’s a summary of the card’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Strong earning potential for United Airlines purchases and dining
- Free checked bags and priority boarding
- Access to United Club lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95 after the first year
- APR can be high, especially for those with less-than-perfect credit
- Some redemption options offer lower value than others
Conclusion
The United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa credit card is a strong choice for frequent United Airlines travelers who value perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access. The card’s sign-up bonus and earning potential make it easy to rack up miles for future travel. However, the card’s annual fee and potentially high APR may deter some users. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to weigh the benefits against the costs and decide if the United Explorer Mileage Plus Visa is the right card for them.