This website contains cookies and links to companies that may compensate this site when you click on their links or ads. To view our ad disclosure and privacy policy, visit this page (link).
EXPIRED DEAL – This deal has expired. We are leaving the expired details in this post so you can compare future offers to this expired one.
Link: United℠ Explorer Card
Chase has increased the sign-up bonus for the United℠ Explorer Card. It is now a 60,000 point bonus instead of 50,000. The bonus offer applies after spending $3,000 in the first 3-months of being approved for the card. This card has an annual fee of: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. We recommend this card for those of you who fly United because your first standard checked-bag for you and your companion is free, you get priority boarding, two United Club passes per year, and you get a 25% discount on inflight purchases on United-operated flights.
The checked-bag perk will probably be the main draw for those of you who fly on the cheaper “Basic Economy” fares on United. Basic Economy fares on United don’t include a free checked-bag and this perk can save you from paying additional bag fees.
The card has the following 2x point categories:
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
There are a few things to point out about this deal:
- Last year, there was a better offer: 70,000 points after $3000 spent. The current offer of 60,000 points is an increase of +10,000 when compared to the most recent offers.
- We’re recorded previous offer history here: 50,000 (Baseline), 70,000 (Highest ever-2022), 60,000 (Jun-2023), 50,000 (Previously), 60,000 (Now).
- To receive the sign-up bonus, you must spend $3000 or more in the first three months after you receive you are approved for the card.
- This card has an annual fee of: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- With Chase, you are likely to be denied if you have opened 5 or more cards with ANY bank within the past 24 months. Chase business cards don’t count towards the 5 card rule, but if you try to apply for one after you have opened 5 or more cards, you will likely be denied. If you are planning to apply for multiple cards, you should consider opening Chase business cards first, then Chase personal cards, and finally any other cards with any other bank.
- Avoid applying for two or more Chase cards per month. Doing so increases your risk of being denied.
- Instead of this card, consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. It allows you to transfer points to many different airline partners including Southwest and United. This will give you more reward flexibility. The current offer is 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 3-months of being approved for the card, which is also the best offer we’ve seen for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. It’s possible to apply for these business cards even if your business is a sole proprietorship.
- Alternatively, the Inc Business Cash® and Ink Business Unlimited® also have increased their sign-up bonuses. The current offer is 90,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 3-months of being approved for the card. These cards have no annual fee, but don’t allow for point transfers into hotel/airline programs like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
- If you get denied and you have good credit, call their reconsideration hotline: 1-888-270-2127. Calling may not change the outcome, but there is a chance it will. You’ll also be able to get better insight in why your application was denied.
- Link: United℠ Explorer Card
