IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card

This comparison aims to help you decide between the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers, so understanding their features can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Card Overviews

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer IHG Hotels & Resorts. With a focus on earning points for hotel stays, this card offers a robust rewards structure, including bonus points for travel-related purchases and an anniversary free night stay.

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for United Airlines travelers. This card provides a variety of travel perks, including priority boarding, a free checked bag, and bonus miles on United purchases, making it a great choice for those who frequently fly with United.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Rewards Highlights

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

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

Pros and Cons

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Pros:
• Generous welcome bonus
• Anniversary Free Night benefit
• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• No foreign transaction fees
• High earning potential at IHG Hotels

• Cons:
• Annual fee of $99
• Less flexibility outside of IHG Hotels

The New United℠ Explorer Card

• Pros:
• $0 intro fee for the first year
• Free checked bag on United flights
• Priority boarding privileges
• Global Entry fee credit

• Cons:
• Annual fee of $150 after the first year
• Limited rewards outside of United-related purchases

Who Should Consider Which Card?

• The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts and want to maximize their points earnings with hotel stays and travel-related purchases.
• The The New United℠ Explorer Card is better suited for those who often fly with United Airlines and appreciate travel benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card comes down to your individual travel habits and preferences. Consider where you spend most of your travel-related dollars—at hotels or on flights—to choose the card that aligns best with your financial goals.

“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.”