Best ways to use United Explorer Card points
The United Explorer Card earns United MileagePlus points. Here's how to use them well — transfer partners, sweet spots, and when it's worth holding the card.
Card snapshot
Issuer
Chase
Program
United MileagePlus
Annual fee
$95 (waived first year)
Earning rates
- 2× on United purchases
- 2× at restaurants
- 2× on hotel stays booked directly
- 1× on everything else
Top benefits
- First checked bag free on United (up to $120/trip roundtrip for 2 people)
- 2 United Club passes annually
- Priority boarding
- 25% off inflight purchases
- Global Entry/TSA credit
Best ways to use the points
- Checked bag benefit alone covers the annual fee for one round-trip family trip
- Access to expanded saver award availability exclusive to card holders
- Excursionist Perk: free one-way segment on round-trip awards booked entirely in one region
Drawbacks
- United miles don't transfer elsewhere — locked in to UA/Star Alliance bookings
- $95 after the first year
Our verdict
Best starter airline card if you fly United 2+ times per year. Break even on bag fees alone; the exclusive award availability is the hidden benefit.
Find award availability before you transfer
Points transfers are almost always non-reversible. Use AwardLocker to confirm saver space first, then move your United MileagePlus points only when you're ready to book.
Check availability →