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Comparison of The New United℠ Explorer Card vs United Quest℠ Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between The New United℠ Explorer Card and the United Quest℠ Card from Chase by outlining their key features, benefits, and ideal users.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is designed for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines. With an introductory annual fee and a robust rewards structure, this card offers excellent benefits for those who want to maximize their travel experiences.
- Annual Fee: $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150
- 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.
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary.
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit.
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year.
- Over $400 in partner credits each year.
- Member FDIC.
United Quest℠ Card
The United Quest℠ Card is aimed at frequent United Airlines travelers who seek higher rewards on their purchases. With a higher annual fee, it provides additional perks that enhance the travel experience, making it a great choice for those who frequently travel with United.
- Annual Fee: $250
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 3x miles on United® purchases.
- 2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply).
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and priority boarding.
- Earn up to 9,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (1 PQP for every $20 you spend on purchases).
- Member FDIC.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | The New United℠ Explorer Card | United Quest℠ Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 | $250 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months | Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel | 3x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 | $250 annual fee |
| Additional Benefits | Free first checked bag, priority boarding, access to United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes annually | Free first and second checked bags, priority boarding, up to a $125 United® purchase credit |
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 Quest℠ Card
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 3x miles on United® purchases.
- 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- Lower annual fee, especially in the first year.
- Great introductory bonus offer.
- Free first checked bag and priority boarding.
- Access to United Club℠ with one-time passes.
- Wide range of additional credits.
- Cons:
- Lower rewards rate on non-United purchases.
- Limited additional benefits compared to higher-tier cards.
United Quest℠ Card
- Pros:
- Higher rewards on United purchases.
- Additional checked bag benefits and travel credits.
- Increased earning potential for Premier qualifying points.
- More comprehensive travel benefits.
- Cons:
- Higher annual fee.
- Welcome bonus requires higher spending threshold.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The New United℠ Explorer Card may be ideal for occasional travelers or those just starting to accumulate rewards with United Airlines, thanks to its lower annual fee and appealing introductory offer. In contrast, the United Quest℠ Card is better suited for frequent United Airlines flyers looking for premium benefits and higher rewards on their spending, especially if they travel often and value extra perks like additional checked bags and travel credits.
Conclusion
When deciding between The New United℠ Explorer Card and the United Quest℠ Card, consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and the value you place on various benefits. Each card has its unique advantages, so reflect on what aligns best with your financial goals and lifestyle.