Make Way for the All New United Explorer Card!

One of the easiest ways to accumulate points is by acquiring a specialized credit card. If United is your airline of choice, using the all new United Explorer Card can help you maximize your mileage in a much more accelerated time frame. The benefits of the United Explorer Card are as follows:

1) Zero intro annual fee for the first year then a $95 yearly fee thereafter

2) First Checked Bag Free

The primary card member and one companion traveling on the same reservation (make sure you don’t split the reservation or your companion will not get this benefit) will each receive their first standard check bag for free. The primary card member must have their United MileagePlus number in the reservation and the ticket must be purchased through United.

3) Priority Boarding

The primary card member and their companion (need to be on same reservation) will be invited to board United-operated flights prior to the general boarding. What I love about this benefit is getting on the plane first to get a spot for your carry-on luggage.

4) Two United Club One-time Passes Each Anniversary

You will receive two United Club passes each year. This is another great feature if you want to relax before your flight or you have a long layover. You can go to the club and get a complimentary beverage, snack and other amenities like free WiFi and work stations.

5) NEW- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Pre ✔ Fee Credit

Once you get your credit card, I would highly recommend you getting a Global Entry or TSA Pre ✔ card. You will receive a statement credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA Pre ✔ when charged onto your card.

6) NEW- 25% Back on United In-flight Purchases

You will receive 25% back as a statement credit for purchases on food and beverages, as well as on-board WiFi.

7) No Foreign Transaction Fees

For me this benefit is extremely important. I travel abroad all the time and not paying those foreign transaction fees is a real plus.

8) 40,000 Bonus Miles (current promotion)

Who doesn’t love 40,000 miles? After you spend $2000 in the first 3 months your account is open you will receive these miles. This product is available to you if you do not already have this card and have not received a new card member bonus for this card in the past 24 months. I recommend that you apply for your credit card when you know you will be spending $2000 in a 3 months period so you can take advantage of getting these extra miles.

9) $100 Statement Credit.

You will receive a $100 statement credit after you use your card for the first time!

10) 5000 Bonus Miles

Earn an extra 5,000 bonus miles after you add the first authorized use to your account and make a purchase within the first three months of having the new card.

11) New Earn Two Miles per $1 Spent on Restaurants and Hotel Accommodations

You may also earn two miles for each $1 spent on restaurants and hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. I always make sure we use our credit card that has this benefit when we go out to dinner. My points really accumulate when I book my hotel accommodation directly with the hotel and pay the bill using this card. If your hotel is $250 per night and you stay 4 nights, you just accumulated 2000 miles.

12) Earn Two Miles per $1 Spent on United Purchases

You will earn two miles for each $1 spent on purchases from United: including tickets, economy plus, baggage service, in-flight food and beverages, WiFi and any other related United charges.

13) Earn One Mile per $1 Spent

You can earn 1 mile for each $1 spent on all other purchases!

14) No Blackout Dates

15) Miles Don’t Expire as Long as Your Account is Open

Another great benefit is that your miles don’t expire as long as your account is open. So just let your account keep growing!

In summary, you have so many credit cards to choose from but select a credit card that works well with the airline you frequently fly.