Compare the Features and Benefits of United℠ Explorer Card and
Chase Freedom Rise®

The United Explorer card is one of the best credit cards out there for occasional United flyers. That’s because you’ll get useful perks, such as free first checked bags, priority boarding privileges, a 25% food and beverage discount on board United operated flights, and even get a taste of airport lounge access with two anniversary United Club passes.

Consider this scenario: Even if you only fly United a couple of times per year, the Explorer Card is worth it for the free checked bag benefit alone. Keep in mind, this applies to the primary card holder and one companion on the same reservation, as long as you use the card to pay for your ticket. At $40 for one checked bag, and $160 for a round-trip flight for two people, it’s easy to get value that exceeds the card’s annual fee.

In addition to the sign-up bonus earned after account opening, the United Explorer card earns a decent 2X miles on United Airlines purchases, 2X miles on dining, including eligible delivery services, 2X miles on hotel stays when booked with the hotel and 1x miles on all other purchases.

Also, the card helps to fast track your United elite status goals with 1 PQP earned for every $20 you spend on purchases with your Explorer Card (up to 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year). These PQPs can be applied toward your Premier status qualification — up to the Premier 1K level.

And don’t forget all of the Unique Card Benefits and Statement Credits described in the first two sections above. Altogether this card offers the potential to receive over $400 in annual statement credits.

If you’re in need of extra miles besides flying on United flights, keep in mind that Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to the United Mileage Plus program at a 1:1 ratio to help you top up your miles balance.

While the United Explorer card is a fantastic option for the occasional United flyer, those that travel more often with the airline might want to consider other options, including United’s other, more premium, credit cards.

In more simple terms, the Explorer card fits the “occasional United flyer” once or twice per year mold, while the $350-per-year United Quest fits the “semi-frequent United flyer.” Then, there’s the United Club Infinite Card for the “frequent United flyer.”

If you’re looking for a United Club membership and need more than just two one-time passes, you’ll probably be better off with the United Club Infinite Card, which comes with a full United Club membership but also charges the highest annual fee of the United cards at $695.

The Chase Freedom Rise® is specifically aimed at those people who haven’t yet established credit, whether they are young or new to the country.

What’s great about this card is that unlike most “starter” credit cards, this credit card actually earns cash back and a handsome 1.5% cash back at that – all with no annual fee and it’s not a secured credit card, meaning you are being given credit the same as anyone else and you’ll be able to build your credit score by using the card and making on time payments. The cash back is awarded as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but they are not transferable points – only cash back.

There are no intro 0% APR offers on this card so it’s best for someone that will be able to pay their bills on time and, ideally, in full.

A common question we get is the difference between the Chase Freedom Rise and Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Only the Rise is intended for those with little to no credit history. They both earn 1.5% cash back and both do charge a foreign transaction fee – but the similarities end there. If you have a credit history you would want to apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited for a larger credit line and many more card features and benefits.