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If you frequently fly with United Airlines or simply love to travel, the Chase United Explorer Card could be the ideal travel companion for you.
Designed specifically for those who enjoy the perks of flying with United, this rewards credit card is packed with benefits that can enhance your travel experiences while helping you save money along the way. The United Explorer Card prioritizes both comfort and your finances.
In this review, we’ll delve into the standout features of the card, tips on maximizing its benefits, and reasons why it might just be the perfect choice for your next adventure.
Whether you’re looking to rack up miles for an upcoming vacation or seeking a reliable credit card that offers great travel rewards, this card can elevate your travel game.
Features of the Chase United Explorer Card
The Chase United Explorer Card is packed with valuable features. One is the Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, which provides primary coverage for theft or collision damage on most rental cars when you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and use your Chase United Card for payment.
This not only saves you money on rental insurance but also alleviates the stress of managing travel expenses.
Baggage delays can throw a wrench into your travel plans, but the Chase United Explorer Card has your back with its Baggage Delay Insurance. If your luggage is delayed for over six hours, you can get reimbursed up to $100 per day for three days to cover essentials like toiletries and clothing.
In case your luggage is lost or damaged, you could receive up to $3,000 in Lost Luggage Reimbursement, providing added peace of mind while you’re on the go.
For those unpredictable moments, the card offers Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, reimbursing you up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses if your plans are disrupted.
Additionally, if your travel is delayed for more than 12 hours, you can access Trip Delay Reimbursement, covering up to $500 per ticket for meals and lodging.
Everyday purchases are also protected, thanks to Purchase Protection, which safeguards new items against damage or theft for up to 120 days, with coverage up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
The card also features Extended Warranty Protection, adding an extra year to eligible manufacturers’ warranties of three years or less.
Cardholders also benefit from access to the Visa Signature® Concierge Service, providing complimentary 24/7 assistance for various needs – from booking tickets for top events to securing reservations at favorite restaurants or arranging gift deliveries.
Pros and Cons of the Chase United Explorer Card
Like any credit card, the Chase United Explorer Card has its pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.
Pros
Here are some benefits:
- Complimentary DashPass Membership: Cardholders receive a year of complimentary DashPass, which offers unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash and Caviar orders.
- Automatic DashPass Renewal: After the complimentary year, DashPass will automatically renew at the current monthly rate unless you cancel it. To take advantage of the DashPass benefit, you need to activate it by December 31, 2024.
- Chase Pay Over Time Flexibility: This feature allows you to break larger purchases into manageable monthly payments, either after making a purchase or at checkout on Amazon.com.
- Enjoy free checked bags: As the primary cardholder, you and one companion can check your first bag for free, saving you up to $160 per round trip.
Cons
- Penalty APR for Missed or Returned Payments: If you miss a payment or have a returned payment, you may incur a penalty APR, which can impact your financial planning.
Rates and Fees
While the Chase United Explorer Card offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the rates and fees that can affect your overall costs. The Purchase APR ranges from 21.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness and other factors.
This APR may fluctuate based on market conditions and the Prime Rate. The same rates apply to My Chase Loan℠ and balance transfers, while cash advances have a higher APR of 29.74%. A Penalty APR of up to 29.99% may apply for missed or returned payments and could remain in effect indefinitely.
The card annual fee is $0 for the first year and $95 thereafter. If you utilize Chase Pay Over Time, you will incur a monthly fee of up to 1.72% of the selected purchase amount, without any interest – just a fixed monthly charge.
For transactions, balance transfers will cost either $5 or 5% of the transfer amount (whichever is greater), while cash advances have a fee of either $10 or 5% per transaction. Notably, foreign transactions are free, but late and returned payments can cost up to $40.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
To qualify for the Chase United Explorer Card, you must be at least 18 years old (19 if you live in Alabama or Nebraska, and 21 in Puerto Rico). Even if you are married, you can apply for a separate account, giving you complete control over your credit.
Before approval, your credit report and the information provided with your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the criteria for the offer.
Based on this review, you may receive a card with different terms or might not be approved at all. If approved, your credit line will start at a minimum of $5,000.
How to Apply for the Chase United Explorer Card?
Applying for the Chase United Explorer Card is simple. Just visit their website, and if you’re a returning customer, you can sign in to speed up the process.
You can apply as a guest if you’re new to Chase. You just need to fill out the application with your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN).
Furthermore, you’ll also need to provide your home address, email, and annual income, which will help determine your eligibility.
Once submitted, you may receive a decision in minutes. If you’re approved, your new card will arrive by mail within a few days. Make sure to activate it immediately to start enjoying all the perks.
Conclusion
For frequent travelers, especially with United Airlines, the Chase United Explorer Card provides valuable benefits.
With its generous rewards structure and travel protections, it’s an excellent choice for maximizing rewards and enhancing your travel experiences. Consider applying today if it suits your needs!
