How to Apply for your Chase United Explorer Credit Card

The Chase United Explorer Card offers miles on purchases, free checked bags, priority boarding, and statement credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS.

Por: Vinicius Bronze em April 22, 2024

Benefits of the Card

The United Explorer Credit Card offers a suite of benefits designed to enhance the travel experience of its cardholders. From earning miles on everyday purchases to enjoying various travel perks, this card caters to both frequent flyers and occasional travelers. Below are some of the top benefits that come with the United Explorer Credit Card, each explained in detail to provide a clear understanding of what cardholders can expect.

Bonus Miles on Purchases

The Chase United Explorer Credit Card allows cardholders to earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, as well as other United charges. Additionally, cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, and on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1 mile per $1 spent. This comprehensive earning structure makes it easier for cardholders to accumulate miles quickly, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more.

Free First Checked Bag

Cardholders and one companion on the same reservation can each check their first bag for free when flying with United Airlines. This benefit can save up to $140 per roundtrip, making it a valuable perk for travelers who prefer not to travel light. The free first checked bag benefit applies to both domestic and international flights, providing flexibility and savings regardless of the destination.

Priority Boarding

The Chase United Explorer Credit Card grants priority boarding to the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation. This means cardholders can board United-operated flights prior to general boarding, allowing them to find overhead bin space and settle in their seats without the rush. Priority boarding is a convenience that enhances the overall travel experience, especially on busy flights. To enjoy that benefit, the primary Cardmember must include their MileagePlus number in their reservation.

Up to $100 as a Statement Credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS

Every four years, cardholders can receive up to $100 as a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS when charged to their card. This benefit encourages cardholders to enroll in these programs, which can significantly reduce wait times at security and immigration checkpoints. By making travel more efficient, this benefit adds value for cardholders who travel internationally or frequently within the United States.

25% Back on In-Flight Purchases

When cardholders use their Chase United Explorer Credit Card to purchase food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights, they receive 25% back as a statement credit. This benefit extends to Club premium drinks as well, making in-flight purchases more affordable. The 25% back on in-flight purchases allows cardholders to enjoy enhanced comfort and convenience without worrying about the extra cost.

MileagePlus Program Benefits

As part of the MileagePlus program, Chase United Explorer Cardholders enjoy additional benefits that enhance their travel and spending. These benefits include the ability to use miles for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping. The MileagePlus program also offers exclusive experiences and merchandise, making it a comprehensive loyalty program that rewards cardholders for their loyalty to United Airlines.

Prerequisites to obtain the Chase United Explorer Credit Card

The Chase United Explorer Credit Card applicants can expect the following general requirements:

Applicants must be at least 18 years old in most states, with some states requiring applicants to be 21.
A good to excellent credit score is typically required, which means applicants should have a credit score of 690 or higher.
Applicants must be U.S. legal residents.
Applicants will need to provide financial information, including employment status and annual income.
Chase applies the 5/24 rule to most of its credit card applications. This unofficial policy means that if an applicant has opened five or more personal credit card accounts across all banks in the past 24 months, Chase is likely to deny the application.

Who is this Card for?

The Chase United Explorer Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers with United Airlines who enjoy enhanced travel benefits. It offers generous rewards on airline tickets, dining, and hotel stays, including free checked bags and priority boarding. It also allows Global Entry,TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit. The card is ideal for United loyalists aiming to maximize their MileagePlus membership and enjoy additional miles and travel benefits. It serves as a strategic choice for leisure or business travelers.

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Step by Step to Apply for the Chase United Explorer Credit Card

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:

Visit the Official Application Page: Start by visiting the official United Explorer Credit Card page.
Review Card Details: Make sure the card suits your needs by going over its features, conditions, pricing, and offer details before applying.
Click on “Apply Now”: To submit your application, press the “Apply Now” button after you’re ready. You have the option to log in to your Chase account or continue as a guest.
Fill Out the Application Form: Fill out the application form with your financial information, personal information, and any other info that is needed.
Review and Submit: Make sure everything on your application is correct and comprehensive by reviewing it. When you have everything ready, submit your application.

For Android and iOS users, Chase also offers a mobile banking app that can be used to apply for credit cards, track rewards, and manage accounts.

Chase Mobile App for Android: Google Play Store
Chase Mobile App for iOS: Apple App Store

Pros and Cons of the Card

Prospective cardholders should think about the balance of advantages and disadvantages that the Chase United Explorer Credit Card offers. Below is what we think the Pros and Cons of this card are:

Pros

Bonus Miles: Cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earning on Purchases: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
Travel Perks: Includes a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every 4 years.
In-Flight Discounts: Receive 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as there are no fees for transactions made abroad.

Cons

Annual Fee: There’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter. This fee could offset the value of rewards for some users.
Bonus Eligibility: The sign-up bonus is only available to those who do not currently have the card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months.
Reward Specificity: The highest rewards rates are specific to United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays, which may not be as valuable for those who don’t frequently spend in these categories.
Credit Requirements: Generally requires good to excellent credit for approval, potentially limiting accessibility for some applicants.

How to Activate the Card?

Activating your Chase United Explorer Credit Card is a quick and easy way to make sure it’s ready to use as soon as you receive it. Here are three different ways you can achieve that.

Online Activation: Log in to your Chase account by visiting the Chase website. You will need to make an account if you don’t already have one. You can activate your new card by following the instructions after logging in.
Mobile App Activation: Install the Chase Mobile app on your iOS or Android smartphone. To activate your card, go to the app’s card activation section after logging in.
Phone Activation: Additionally, you can activate your card by dialing the phone number that comes with your new card. Usually, you may find this number in the paperwork that comes with your card or on the sticker that is affixed to the front.

In order to validate your identification and finish the activation procedure, you will probably need to supply some personal information and the card data, regardless of the method you select. You can use your United Explorer Credit Card right away after it has been activated.

Fees and Tariffs

Below is a list of the card’s main costs:

Purchase APR: 21.99% to 28.99%, variable based on creditworthiness and market rates.
My Chase Loan APR: 21.99% to 28.99%, variable based on creditworthiness and market rates.
Balance Transfer APR: 21.99% to 28.99%, variable based on creditworthiness and market rates.
Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, variable based on the market rates.
Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%, variable based on the market rates, which may apply indefinitely for missed payments or returned payments.
Annual Membership Fee: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95 annually.
Balance Transfers: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Cash Advances: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transactions: None.
Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
Return Payment Fee: Up to $40.
Minimum Interest Charge: None.

Customer Service

Chase Bank offers assistance and information about Chase United Explorer Credit Card and other banking services through official channels.

Official Website: Visit Chase Official Website for information on all products and services.
Customer Service Phone Number: For credit cards, call 1-800-432-3117. For general inquiries, call 1-800-935-9935.
Chase Mobile App
Branch Locations: You can visit any Chase branch by using the branch locator on the Chase website.