United Club℠ Infinite Card
vs. United℠ Explorer Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card and the United℠ Explorer Card are co-branded with United Airlines, making them great choices for loyal United travelers. The United Club Infinite Card is the better choice for frequent flyers seeking premium perks, including unlimited lounge access and high rewards on United purchases, which justify its $525 annual fee.

However, the United Explorer Card offers a lower annual fee and valuable travel perks like two free checked bags, making it suitable for those who want to save on costs while enjoying United benefits.

The United Club Infinite Card is likely to be better for frequent United flyers seeking premium perks and lounge access. With unlimited United Club membership, this card suits those who value airport comfort and convenience. However, the high annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel less frequently or don’t regularly use the lounge and other premium benefits.

The United Explorer Card is likely to be better for travelers wanting United Airlines benefits without a high annual fee. With a $95 fee waived in the first year, it offers two United Club passes each year and two miles per dollar on United purchases. This card suits occasional travelers seeking rewards without committing to a premium card. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking extensive lounge access or higher rewards rates.

A point-by-point credit card comparison covers APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers. For instance, if you're focused on maximizing miles, United Club Infinite Card's 4X rate on United purchases outperforms United Explorer Card's 2X rate, making it a better choice for frequent United flyers.

The United Club Infinite Card generally offers better rewards value due to its higher earning rate on United purchases and travel-related expenses. This card benefits frequent United flyers, maximizing mileage accumulation. United miles are valued at about 1.4 cents, making them a valuable currency for travelers.

The United Explorer Card, while offering fewer miles per dollar on United purchases, still provides solid rewards for dining and hotel stays. This makes it a versatile option for those wanting to earn miles on everyday expenses.

Below is a table detailing the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to compare rewards structures quickly.

Both cards offer miles redeemable for United flights, hotel stays, rental cars and gift cards. Miles from both cards never expire, ensuring flexibility and long-term value. However, redemption options are primarily tied to United's network, which may limit choices for travelers seeking broader flexibility.

The United Club Infinite Card offers superior benefits for frequent travelers, with unlimited lounge access and two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion. Its Premier Access provides priority check-in, security and boarding. The United Explorer Card includes two United Club passes annually, one free checked bag and priority boarding, making it a cost-effective choice for occasional travelers.

Travel Perks

• Free checked first and second bags for you and a companion, saving up to $360 per roundtrip
• Access to United Club lounges, providing a comfortable space to relax before flights
• Priority boarding and check-in services for a smoother airport experience

Status

• Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status for enhanced hotel benefits
• Avis President's Club membership for car rental upgrades

Insurance and Protections

• Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, delays and lost luggage
• Primary auto rental collision damage waiver for rental cars

Credits and Discounts

• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fees
• 25% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases

All Other Perks

• One-year complimentary DashPass membership for food delivery savings

Travel Perks

• Free checked first and second bags for you and a companion, potentially saving $200 per roundtrip
• Priority boarding and baggage handling, valued at $48
• Access to United Club lounges, valued at $169, providing a comfortable space to relax before flights

Status

• IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status for enhanced hotel stays, valued at roughly $25
• Avis President's Club membership for car rental upgrades and expedited service, valued at $16

Insurance and Protections

• Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations and baggage delays, valued at around $155
• Primary auto rental collision damage waiver for rental cars, valued at $160

Credits and Discounts

• $100 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fees, valued at $25
• Up to $75 in statement credits for IHG purchases, valued at around $9
• 25% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases, valued at $2

All Other Perks

• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for reduced delivery fees, valued at $24

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:

• Expected value for travelers: Measures the monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for frequent travelers.
• Airline scope: Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which helps inform the breadth of travel options for the airline program.
• Introductory offer ROI value: Assesses the return on investment (ROI) from the card's sign-up bonus.
• Airline rewards rate for travelers: Evaluates the rewards earned on airline expenditures for frequent travelers.
• Issuer satisfaction: Based on customer satisfaction ratings from studies like J.D. Power.
• Foreign transaction fees: Rates the card's fees for international transactions.
• Recommended credit: Indicates the credit score range required for approval.

For more details on our scoring process, review our ranking methodology.