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The New United℠ Explorer Card vs United Club℠ Infinite Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the The New United℠ Explorer Card and the United Club℠ Infinite Card. Both cards offer unique benefits and rewards tailored to frequent United travelers, but they cater to different spending habits and travel preferences.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is designed for casual travelers who want to earn rewards on their everyday purchases while enjoying some travel perks. With a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, this card is a cost-effective option for those looking to dip their toes into travel rewards.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is tailored for frequent travelers who prioritize luxury and convenience. With a higher annual fee, this card provides extensive benefits, including a United Club membership and enhanced rewards on United purchases, making it ideal for those who travel often and seek a premium experience.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | The New United℠ Explorer Card | United Club℠ Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 | $525 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
| Rewards Structure | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel; 1x mile on all other purchases. | 4x miles on United® purchases; 2x miles on all other travel and dining; 1x mile on all other purchases. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Priority boarding, 2 one-time passes to United Club℠, free first checked bag, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, $100 travel credit after $10,000 spending. | United Club℠ membership, free first and second checked bags, Premier Access® travel services, earn up to 15,000 Premier qualifying points per year. |
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.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 4x miles on United® purchases.
- 2x miles on all other travel and dining.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- Low introductory annual fee.
- Valuable travel perks such as priority boarding and free checked bag.
- Flexible rewards structure for casual travelers.
- Good welcome bonus.
- Cons:
- Lower rewards on non-United purchases compared to premium cards.
- Limited benefits compared to higher-tier cards.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Pros:
- High earning potential with 4x miles on United purchases.
- Includes United Club membership, enhancing travel experience.
- Free first and second checked bags add significant savings.
- Access to Premier Access® travel services.
- Cons:
- High annual fee may deter occasional travelers.
- Requires a higher spending threshold for the welcome bonus.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- The New United℠ Explorer Card: Ideal for casual travelers who fly occasionally with United, want to enjoy basic travel perks, and prefer a lower annual fee.
- United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for frequent United travelers who value premium benefits, travel often, and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for enhanced rewards and services.
Conclusion
Both the The New United℠ Explorer Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card offer unique rewards and benefits tailored to different types of travelers. Consider your individual spending habits, travel frequency, and preferences when making your decision to choose the card that best aligns with your financial goals and travel experience.