Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The main difference between the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card is their earning potential. While the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card offers 1 - 3 miles per $1 spent on purchases, the United Explorer Card only gives you 1 - 2 miles per $1. On the other hand, the United Explorer Card has better features for frequent United Airlines travelers, such as the first free checked bag, priority boarding, 2 single entry club passes, among others.
However, it’s still worth seeing how they stack up against each other, especially if you already own the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card and consider applying for the United Explorer Card.
United Mileage Plus Select vs. United Explorer
| Card | United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card | United Explorer Card |
| Initial Bonus | 30,000 bonus miles and $50 United discount travel certificate after spending $250 | 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months |
| Ongoing Rewards | 1 - 3 miles per $1 spent on purchases | 1 - 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases |
| Regular APR | 14.24% (V) | 20.49% - 28.99% (V) |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 intro 1st yr, $150 after |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | $0 |
| Other Benefits |
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| Credit Score Requirement | Excellent credit (750+ credit score recommended) | Good credit (700+ credit score recommended) |
Overall, the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card earnings ratios for United purchases were more lucrative than what the United Explorer Card offers. That also applies to grocery purchases and home improvement purchases, where the former was twice as rewarding as the latter.
However, the United Explorer Card has the edge over the discontinued United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card, with a $0 annual fee during the first year ($150 after) and no foreign transaction fee.
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People also ask
What are the United MileagePlus Select benefits?
The best United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card benefits are rental car insurance and concierge service. These perks are certainly good to have, though it’s important to note that they’re also relatively common credit card benefits.
United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card Benefits
- Rental car insurance
- Concierge service
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Emergency card replacement
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Rewards of 1 - 3 miles per $1 on purchases
While these benefits aren’t bad, the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card simply doesn’t have as...
read full answer by Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards ModeratorHow much is the United Mileage Plus Select Card foreign transaction fee?
The United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card foreign transaction fee is 3%. This means Chase will add a 3% surcharge anytime you use the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card outside of the United States. The fee also applies to online purchases made through an internationally-based merchant.
To learn more, refer to our guide on foreign transaction fees and our editors’ picks for the best credit cards without foreign fees.
read full answer by Chip Lupo, Credit Card WriterDo I have to pay any baggage fees when booking trips with the United MileagePlus Select card?
Yes, you do have to pay baggage fees when booking trips with the United Mileage Plus® Select Visa® Credit Card, unfortunately. The New United℠ Explorer Card, on the other hand, does come with a free checked bag benefit. The primary cardholder’s and one companion’s first checked bag fee will be waived when the card is used to book flights.
read full answer by Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards ModeratorDid we answer your question?
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