Updated: November 15, 2024
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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card and the United℠ Explorer Card are excellent choices for frequent travelers and offer airline-specific perks. The Delta SkyMiles Blue is the better option for those who frequently fly Delta or prioritize dining rewards. It charges no annual fee and provides 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining.
However, the United Explorer Card should be considered for its extensive travel perks and higher rewards on United flights despite its annual fee.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue is likely to be better for budget-conscious travelers who frequently fly with Delta Airlines. With no annual fee and 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, it offers a cost-effective way to earn rewards. It also provides a 20% savings on in-flight purchases. However, those who don't often fly with Delta may find limited value in its airline-specific perks.
The United Explorer is suitable for frequent United Airlines flyers who value perks like a free first-checked bag and priority boarding. This card also offers 2X miles on United purchases, dining and hotel stays. However, if you rarely fly with United, the annual fee may not be justified.
Detailed comparisons of key differences like APRs, fees and rewards between the Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Explorer cards can help you see beyond overall scores. For instance, if dining rewards matter, Delta SkyMiles Blue is a good choice with its 2X miles, but United Explorer provides 2X miles on both dining and hotel stays, making it more versatile.
Regular APR: Delta SkyMiles Blue
Delta SkyMiles Blue has a lower regular APR range of 20.49%–29.49% variable, compared to United Explorer's 21.49%–28.49% variable.
Annual Fee: Delta SkyMiles Blue
Delta SkyMiles Blue has no annual fees, while United Explorer charges $95, though there's no fee to pay for the first year.
Introductory 0% APRs: Tie
Neither Delta SkyMiles Blue nor United Explorer offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Rewards: United Explorer
United Explorer offers better rewards, including 2X miles on United, dining and hotel purchases. Delta SkyMiles Blue also provides 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, but United's broader categories offer more earning opportunities.
Welcome Offers: United Explorer
The United Explorer card has better welcome offers, offering 60,000 bonus miles and a better return on investment, compared to the Delta SkyMiles Blue card, which provides 10,000 miles after spending $1,000 in six months.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Explorer require a good to excellent credit score, typically ranging from 670 to 850. This makes them equally accessible to individuals with strong credit histories.
Penalties and Fees: Tie
Both Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Explorer charge a late fee of up to $40, a penalty APR of 29.99% and no foreign transaction fees.
Issuer Satisfaction: Delta SkyMiles Blue
Customers are reportedly more satisfied with American Express, Delta SkyMiles Blue's issuer, than Chase, the issuer of United Explorer.
Card Benefits: United Explorer
United Explorer's card benefits are better, offering free checked bags, priority boarding and United Club passes. Delta SkyMiles Blue provides 20% back on in-flight purchases and Pay with Miles, but these have lower values.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue card provides 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, making it a strong option for those who frequently dine out or fly with Delta. On the other hand, the United Explorer card offers 2X miles on United purchases, dining and hotel stays, appealing to those who often travel with United or stay in hotels.
Both cards use airline-specific rewards programs, with Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus miles valued at approximately 1.4 cents each. This makes them comparable in terms of rewards value.
Below is a table detailing the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to see their rewards structure.
Category | Delta SkyMiles Blue | United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
Delta Purchases | 2X miles | 2X miles |
Dining | 2X miles | 2X miles |
All Other | 1X miles | 1X miles |
Delta SkyMiles Blue miles never expire, providing flexibility in redemption. They can be used for Delta flights and upgrades, but options are limited to Delta and partners. United Explorer miles are redeemable for United flights and experiences and don't expire as long as the account is active.
The United Explorer Card stands out for its perks, offering two United Club passes annually. Delta SkyMiles Blue provides 20% back on in-flight purchases. Both cards offer free checked bags, but the United Explorer includes priority boarding.
Delta SkyMiles Blue offers various perks to suit different needs, from travel protection to everyday discounts.
Travel Perks
Insurance & Protections
Credits & Discounts
All Other Perks
The United Explorer Card offers a range of perks for frequent travelers and United Airlines loyalists.
Travel Perks
Status
Insurance & Protections
Credits & Discounts
All Other Perks
Delta SkyMiles Blue has no annual fee, while the United Explorer has a $95 fee, waived the first year.
The United Explorer card offers free checked bags and priority boarding, making it better for frequent United flyers.
Both cards offer 2X miles on dining. Delta SkyMiles Blue offers 2X on Delta purchases, while United Explorer offers 2X on United purchases.
Both Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Explorer have no foreign transaction fees.
Both cards require a good to excellent credit score, around 670 or higher.
MoneyGeek's scoring process evaluates each card based on multiple use cases, ensuring the scores reflect the cards' strengths. In this comparison, the scores shown represent the best performance of each card in the 'Airline' category. Several factors determine this score:
For more details on our scoring process, review our ranking methodology.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
