How to Apply for your Chase United Explorer Credit Card

Chase United Explorer Credit Card: Unlock Elevated Travel and Everyday Value

For modern travelers seeking a well-rounded blend of airline rewards, travel perks, and everyday value, the Chase United Explorer Credit Card stands out as a premier option. As a cobranded card offered through a strategic partnership between Chase Bank and United Airlines, this card is designed to make every stage of the travel journey more rewarding and more comfortable, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer. From generous welcome bonuses to an expansive suite of travel credits and on-the-ground conveniences, the United Explorer Card is engineered to offer tangible, immediate benefits to cardholders.

The United Explorer Credit Card isn’t just about accruing MileagePlus miles. It fuses rewards with travel security, airport convenience, and a robust collection of partner credits valued at over $400 annually. With benefits like two United ClubSM one-time passes per year and a free checked bag for both the cardmember and a companion, it places a premium on both savings and lifestyle enhancement. In the context of airline cards available in the United States market, the United Explorer is a compelling choice for those who want real, recurring value from a moderate annual fee.

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Advantages of the Card

The Chase United Explorer Card distinguishes itself with an enticing array of benefits that go far beyond typical airline rewards cards. Its standout features include an 60,000-mile sign-up bonus for new cardholders who meet the initial spend, a $0 annual fee for the first year (then $150), and automatic travel perks that can lead to hundreds in annual savings—and a better airport experience from check-in to boarding. Cardmembers enjoy 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, and gain access to exclusive partner credits across travel, shopping, and rideshare categories.

• Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, add an authorized user within that period for an additional 5,000 bonus miles.
• Travel Credits: Claim over $400 in annual partner credits including:
  • Up to $100 for United Hotels stays (two $50 credits annually)
  • $60 rideshare credit ($5/month with enrollment)
  • $50 Avis or Budget car rental credit (two $25 credits for eligible rentals)
  • Up to $100 JSX flight credit (for direct purchases)
  • $100 United TravelBank credit after $10,000 in annual spend
  • Monthly $10 Instacart+ credit (with active membership)
• Category-Based Mileage Earning: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases (airfare, seat upgrades, inflight food & Wi-Fi, baggage services charges, and other United fees), at restaurants, and hotels (when booked directly). All other purchases earn 1 mile per $1.
• Free First Checked Bag: Valid for the primary cardholder and a companion on the same reservation. This can translate to substantial savings if you travel more than once per year on United.
• United Club Access: Two annual one-time lounge passes for United Club (airport lounge) access—ideal for layovers or early arrivals.
• Priority Boarding: Get on the plane earlier than general boarding groups, enhancing overhead bin access and pre-flight experience.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit: Up to $120 every four years for application/re-enrollment fees, expediting airport security and customs.
• Inflight Savings: Receive 25% back (as statement credits) on United inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases, and premium drinks in United Clubs.
• Annual Award Flight Discount: Spend $20,000 in a year and receive a 10,000-mile discount on an eligible United award flight.
• MileagePlus Elite Status Earning: Gain 1,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) annually (1 PQP per $20 spent, up to $20,000 in spend) toward United elite status.

The suite of credits and upgraded opportunity for MileagePlus miles ensure the United Explorer card delivers both immediate and ongoing value.

Requirements and Eligibility to Apply

To be eligible for the Chase United Explorer Card, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age (may differ in some states)
• Have a valid U.S. address
• Possess a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Have a good to excellent credit score

Additional requirements may include verifiable income and identification documents, in line with U.S. banking regulations. Approval is always subject to Chase’s risk assessment and credit evaluation.

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About the Bank: JPMorgan Chase

Chase Bank, officially JPMorgan Chase & Co., is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, with a strong reputation for stability, innovation, and expansive customer service. Founded in 1799, Chase boasts more than two centuries in the marketplace and continues to serve over millions of U.S. households and countless businesses with a wide array of products, including checking, savings, credit cards, mortgages, and investment solutions.

Chase is perhaps best known for its digital innovation, award-winning mobile app, and a portfolio of credit cards that consistently set benchmarks across the industry for rewards, flexibility, and consumer protections. The institution’s partnership with United Airlines exemplifies its commitment to creating rewarding, user-focused financial products that enhance daily life and significant moments—like travel.

Who Should Consider the United Explorer Card?

The United Explorer Card is particularly suited to:

• Frequent United Airlines travelers who want accelerated earnings, free checked baggage, and club lounge passes.
• Occasional travelers eager to earn valuable United miles and enjoy annual partner credits that can easily offset the annual fee.
• Foodies and hotel guests who want to turn dining and direct hotel bookings into faster MileagePlus rewards.
• Travelers looking for unique statement credits (rideshare, car rental, JSX, Instacart).
• Consumers with good or excellent credit who value no foreign transaction fees and robust travel protection.

The card isn’t optimal for those who rarely travel or do not value airline-specific perks. However, for moderate to frequent travelers (even at just once or twice a year), the value proposition is strong.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the official product page: https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/united/united-explorer
2. Click “Sign in to aplly faster” or “Apply as a guest”. You’ll be redirected to a secure application form.
3. Enter your personal, contact, and financial information—including address, income, Social Security Number, and employment details.
4. Agree to Chase’s electronic disclosure and verify your details.
5. Submit the application. Most applicants receive an approval decision within moments, but further review may extend decision time by a few days.
6. Once approved, you’ll receive your card by mail, typically within a few business days.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Take

Pros:

• Valuable annual partner credits ($400+ in potential benefits)
• 60,000-mile sign-up bonus and bonus for authorized users
• Priority boarding, lounge access, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protections and elite MileagePlus status acceleration

Cons:

• Annual fee of $150 after year one (not ideal for rare travelers)
• High APR if balances are carried (20.49%-28.99% variable)
• Some credits require activation or category-specific spending
• Partner credits may not be valuable to every cardholder
• No 0% intro APR offer—card is less suited for balance transfer or large purchases paid over time

This nuanced benefits structure means the card is excellent for active users, but casual spenders may unlock less value relative to the fee.

Card Activation: Easy and Secure

Your Chase United Explorer Card will arrive by mail with activation instructions. Activate online via your Chase account, by phone at 1-800-432-3117, or through the Chase Mobile app. Activation ensures you can immediately begin using your card for purchases and unlock all partner credits, online account management, and security features.

Fees and Charges: Cost Transparency

• Annual Fee: $0 Intro for the first year; then $150 thereafter
• Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 20.49%-28.99% variable based on creditworthiness
• Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable
• Balance Transfer: $5 or 5% of transaction (whichever is greater)
• Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of transaction (whichever is greater)
• Late/Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Always review the full pricing terms and conditions before applying. Responsible card management is crucial, as carrying a balance incurs high interest charges.

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Customer Service and Support

Chase is known for comprehensive customer service, accessible through multiple channels:

• Phone: 1-800-432-3117 (United Explorer Card queries and support)
• Official Website: Chase United Explorer Card Page

Their robust fraud monitoring, purchase protection, and digital account features add further confidence to your credit experience.