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IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help users decide between the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique rewards and benefits tailored to different spending habits and travel preferences.
Card Overviews
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who stay at IHG properties, offering substantial bonus points and benefits related to hotel stays. With an annual fee of $99, this card provides perks like automatic Platinum Elite status and anniversary free night rewards.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card targets those who frequently fly with United Airlines, featuring an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year. This card offers significant rewards on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, along with travel-related benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $99 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn up to 200,000 Bonus Points. Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus 60,000 Bonus Points after a total of $9,000 in 6 months. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. |
| Rewards Structure | Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels, 5 points on travel, gas, advertising, and restaurants, 3 points on other purchases. | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked with the hotel; 1x mile on all other purchases. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Anniversary Free Night, Automatic Platinum Elite status, Global Entry credit. | Free first checked bag, priority boarding, two United Club passes annually. |
Rewards Highlights
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Rewards
- Our Best Points Offer Ever! Earn up to 200,000 Bonus Points. Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts.
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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.
Pros and Cons
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- High bonus point potential.
- Anniversary free night benefit.
- Automatic Platinum Elite status.
- Strong rewards for IHG stays.
- Cons:
- Annual fee of $99.
- Not as beneficial for non-IHG travelers.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year.
- Free first checked bag and priority boarding.
- Valuable rewards for United purchases.
- Travel credits and club passes.
- Cons:
- Higher annual fee after the first year ($150).
- Less beneficial for non-United travelers.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is ideal for business travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties and want to maximize hotel rewards. It benefits those who enjoy luxury hotel stays and prefer accumulating points for hotel redemption.
The The New United℠ Explorer Card is recommended for users who often fly with United Airlines and are looking for travel perks that enhance their flying experience, such as free checked bags and priority boarding. This card is suited for those who value airline rewards over hotel points.
Conclusion
Choosing between the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card ultimately depends on your travel preferences and spending habits. Consider where you spend the most, whether on hotel stays or airline tickets, to determine which card will provide greater value for your lifestyle.