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British Airways Visa Signature® Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the British Airways Visa Signature® Card and the The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits and rewards tailored to frequent travelers, but they cater to different airline preferences and spending habits.
Card Overviews
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
The British Airways Visa Signature® Card is designed for those who frequently fly with British Airways and its partner airlines. It offers a comprehensive rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Avios for travel-related expenses and benefits that enhance the travel experience.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The The New United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for travelers who prefer United Airlines. With a competitive rewards structure and various travel perks, this card is perfect for those who want to maximize their benefits while enjoying a range of travel-related advantages.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | British Airways Visa Signature® Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 3 Avios per $1 on British Airways purchases, 2 Avios on hotel stays, 1 Avios on all other purchases | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked with the hotel; 1x mile on all other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | No foreign transaction fees | No foreign transaction fees |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | 10% off British Airways flights, Travel Together Ticket after $30,000 in purchases | Priority boarding, free checked bag, $120 fee credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck |
Rewards Highlights
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards
- 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.
British Airways Visa Signature® Card Rewards
- Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
- Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
Pros and Cons
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
- Pros:
- High Avios earning potential on British Airways and partner purchases.
- 10% discount on British Airways flights.
- Travel Together Ticket for significant travelers.
- Cons:
- Annual fee of $95.
- Higher spending requirement for welcome bonus.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year.
- Free first checked bag on United flights.
- Priority boarding and access to United Club with anniversary passes.
- Cons:
- Annual fee of $150 after the first year.
- Lower rewards on non-United purchases compared to the British Airways card.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The British Airways Visa Signature® Card is best for frequent flyers of British Airways and its partners, particularly those who can meet the higher spending requirements to maximize rewards and benefit from the Travel Together Ticket.
The The New United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for travelers who primarily use United Airlines and value benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, especially those who want to take advantage of the introductory fee waiver.
Conclusion
In summary, both the British Airways Visa Signature® Card and the The New United℠ Explorer Card offer valuable rewards and benefits tailored to their respective airlines. Consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and the specific benefits you value most to make the best choice for your needs.