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The New United℠ Explorer Card vs United Gateway℠ Card
This comparison aims to help potential cardholders choose between the The New United℠ Explorer Card and the United Gateway℠ Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and travel preferences.
Card Overviews
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is designed for frequent travelers, offering a host of benefits aimed at enhancing the travel experience. With a generous welcome bonus and several travel perks, this card is perfect for those who prioritize travel rewards and benefits.
United Gateway℠ Card
The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for casual travelers and those who want to earn miles without an annual fee. It offers a straightforward rewards structure and benefits that cater to everyday spending, making it accessible for a broader audience.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | The New United℠ Explorer Card | United Gateway℠ Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 80,000 bonus miles | Earn 20,000 bonus miles |
| Rewards Structure | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel | 2x miles on United® purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Priority boarding, United Club℠ access with anniversary passes, free first checked bag, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit | 25% back on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases on United flights |
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 Gateway℠ Card
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- Multiple travel perks
- Free first checked bag
- Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Higher spend requirement for bonus
United Gateway℠ Card
- Pros:
- No annual fee
- Lower spend requirement for bonus
- Simple rewards structure
- Cons:
- Fewer travel benefits
- No introductory bonus as high as the Explorer Card
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The New United℠ Explorer Card is ideal for frequent travelers who will take advantage of its travel benefits and are willing to pay an annual fee for enhanced perks. It's best for those who spend significantly on travel and dining.
The United Gateway℠ Card is better suited for casual travelers or those who prefer a no-annual-fee option. It's perfect for users who want to earn miles on everyday purchases without the commitment of an annual fee.
Conclusion
Both the The New United℠ Explorer Card and the United Gateway℠ Card offer unique benefits catering to different types of users. Consider your individual spending habits and travel goals to determine which card aligns best with your financial lifestyle.