ChaseUnited Explorer
$0 first year, then current feeRegular United flyers who check a bag
Credits and bag benefit have qualifying rules
Check current offer This link goes to Chase’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Chase United Explorer
Annual fee $0 first year, then current fee. Bonus United, dining, and hotel spend.
See if it fits my walletDean’s short answer
Best fit: Regular United flyers who check a bag.
Airline co-brand
This card and its closest alternatives
The 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the United Explorer.
When a link pays Dean a commission, the card says so right there. Paid or not, the ranking never changes, and no issuer sponsors or endorses Dean. Approval, rates, and terms are controlled by the card issuer.
ChaseUnited Gateway
$0Chase United Gateway
Annual fee: $0, against $0 first year, then current fee for the United Explorer. Best fit: Occasional United flyers wanting no annual fee. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Airline co-brand.
Read Dean’s reviewCitiAAdvantage Platinum Select
$0 first year, then $99Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Annual fee: $0 first year, then $99, against $0 first year, then current fee for the United Explorer. Best fit: Regular American Airlines flyers. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Airline co-brand.
Read Dean’s reviewAmerican ExpressDelta SkyMiles Blue
$0American Express Delta SkyMiles Blue
Annual fee: $0, against $0 first year, then current fee for the United Explorer. Best fit: Occasional Delta flyer wanting no annual fee. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Airline co-brand, No annual fee.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United ExplorerChase | $0 first year, then current fee | Bonus United, dining, and hotel spendFree checked bag; priority boarding; United Club passes; partner credits | Regular United flyers who check a bag | Credits and bag benefit have qualifying rules | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
| United GatewayChase | $0 | Bonus United, gas, transit, and local commuting categoriesExpanded United award availability; no foreign transaction fee | Occasional United flyers wanting no annual fee | No free checked bag | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
| AAdvantage Platinum SelectCiti | $0 first year, then $99 | 2X eligible American Airlines, restaurants, and gas; 1X otherFirst checked bag; preferred boarding; flight discount after spend under terms | Regular American Airlines flyers | Airline-specific value and annual fee | Citi Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Delta SkyMiles BlueAmerican Express | $0 | 2X Delta and U.S. restaurants; 1X otherNo foreign transaction fee; in-flight purchase savings under terms | Occasional Delta flyer wanting no annual fee | Does not include the core free-checked-bag perk | American Express Checked 2026-07-22 |
What it earns
Bonus United, dining, and hotel spend.
What comes with it
Free checked bag; priority boarding; United Club passes; partner credits.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the United Explorer. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
- Free checked bag
- priority boarding
- United Club passes
Who can get it
Dean lists the United Explorer for good, excellent credit. It is a personal card. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. Chase decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
The catch
Credits and bag benefit have qualifying rules.
Annual fee: $0 first year, then current fee. Dean checked the fee and terms against Chase on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
How a airline co-brand card works
Rewards and perks tie to one airline or alliance. Free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, companion benefits, award discounts.
Best for: People loyal to a specific airline. Watch for: Lower value when flying other airlines; devaluations are outside the issuer's control.
How a hotel co-brand card works
Rewards and benefits tie to one hotel program. Elite status, anniversary nights, elite-night credits, on-property earning.
Best for: Travelers who repeatedly stay with one hotel group. Watch for: Free-night rules, resort fees, and program changes can limit value.
How a retail open-loop co-brand card works
Merchant-branded Visa, Mastercard, or Amex that also works elsewhere. High merchant rewards plus general network acceptance.
Best for: Loyal customers who still need an everyday payment card. Watch for: Outside-merchant rewards are often weak.
Flat rewards: how to value it
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Travel portal multiplier: how to value it
Higher rewards or credits for issuer-portal bookings.
Conditions to check: Portal price, cancellation rules, elite credit, and direct-booking benefits. Compare the total trip terms, not only the multiplier.
Annual travel credit: how to value it
Statement credit or instant discount for eligible travel.
Conditions to check: Calendar versus cardmember year, portal or merchant restrictions, exclusions. Value it at face value only if you would use it naturally.
Sources and scope
Check the evidence, then check the live offer.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.