American Express® Gold Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card

This comparison aims to assist users in deciding between the American Express® Gold Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits and rewards structures tailored to different spending habits and travel preferences.

Card Overviews

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is designed for foodies and frequent travelers who want to maximize their rewards on dining and grocery purchases. With a robust membership rewards program and various dining credits, it's ideal for those who enjoy dining out and shopping at supermarkets.

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The New United℠ Explorer Card targets United Airlines travelers, offering valuable benefits such as bonus miles, priority boarding, and travel credits. This card is perfect for those who frequently fly with United and want to take advantage of travel perks.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Rewards Highlights

The New United℠ Explorer Card

• Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
• 1x mile on all other purchases.

American Express® Gold Card

• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Pros and Cons

American Express® Gold Card

• Pros:
• High rewards rate on dining and supermarkets
• Various dining credits and perks
• No foreign transaction fees

• Cons:
• High annual fee
• Requires significant spending to maximize rewards

The New United℠ Explorer Card

• Pros:
• Low introductory annual fee
• Bonus miles on United purchases
• Travel perks including priority boarding and checked bag benefits

• Cons:
• Rewards are more valuable for United travelers
• Lower overall rewards rate compared to the Gold Card

Who Should Consider Which Card?

The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for individuals who frequently dine out and shop at supermarkets, maximizing their rewards through these categories. It’s best for those who can leverage the dining credits and are comfortable with a higher annual fee.

On the other hand, The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for United Airlines travelers, offering valuable travel benefits and bonuses that are particularly beneficial for those who fly often with United or enjoy traveling in general.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both the American Express® Gold Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card offer distinct advantages. Your decision should be guided by your individual spending habits, travel preferences, and how you plan to utilize the benefits offered by each card.

“Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.”