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United MileagePlus® Explorer vs American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

Compare Rewards, Interest Rates, Fees, and Benefits

United MileagePlus Explorer is an excellent airline card for United frequent flyers. How does it compare to American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card, a points credit card? Read our comparison chart below.

Keep in mind, the United MileagePlus Explorer has a $95 annual fee, while the American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card has a $175 annual fee. Both cards' annual fees are waived for the first year.


 United MileagePlus® ExplorerAmerican Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
 Apply for United MileagePlus® ExplorerApply for American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
 

United MileagePlus® Explorer

American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

 

Credit Card Summary

 
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Airline RewardsNo Expiration on Rewards
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward Points
 
  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free, a $95 value*
  • First checked bag is free for you and a companion when you fly United flights, up to a $50 value
  • Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges
  • Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value
  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United and 1 mile per $1 for everything else
  • Your miles don't expire and there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn
  • Membership Rewards(R) bonus: 25K points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $250, when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of card membership
  • Membership Rewards(R) points multiply fast! Earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, 1X points on everything else
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Destinations and events – Enjoy special travel packages and amenities at hotels worldwide, as well as select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more, nationwide.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175
  • Get approved in 60-seconds.
 

Credit Card Interest Rates & Fees

Purchases APRas low as 15.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors 
Balance Transfers APRas low as 15.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors 
Annual Fee$95 annual fee, annual fee waived for first year$175 annual fee, annual fee waived for first year
 

Credit Card Rewards & Benefits

Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsIntroductory Bonus Airline Rewards: Earn 25,000 bonus miles after first use and 5,000 additional bonus miles after your first Card use and for adding an authorized user within two months of opening your account. 
Introductory Bonus Reward Points Introductory Bonus Reward Points: 25,000 points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $250, when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of card membership
Airline RewardsAirline Rewards: Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from United and 1 mile per $1 everywhere elseAirline Rewards: Earn triple points on airfare.
Point Rewards Point Rewards: Earn 1 point for virtually every dollar spent.
Travel RewardsTravel Rewards: Redeem MileagePlus miles for any seat, any time, on any United flight*Travel Rewards
Bonus Airline RewardsBonus Airline Rewards: Earn 10,000 bonus miles when you spend $25,000 or more on your Card each calendar year. 
Bonus Reward Points Bonus Reward Points: Earn an extra 15,000 bonus points when you spend $30,000 in a calendar year.
Airline StatusAirline Status: First checked bag is free for you and a companion when you fly United flights, up to a $50 value. Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges. Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value. 
Gas Rewards Gas Rewards: Earn double points on gas.
Grocery Rewards Grocery Rewards: Earn double points on groceries.
 Go to issuer's official application, terms, and detailsGo to issuer's official application, terms, and details
 

CreditDonkey® Credit Card Reviews

 United MileagePlus® ExplorerAmerican Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Up to 40000 bonus points
  • First checked bag free
  • Priority boarding
  • United Club passes
Cons:
  • $95 annual fee
Bottom LineExcellent airline card for United frequent flyers... Read full review
 Apply for United MileagePlus® ExplorerApply for American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

See issuer's website for details including terms and conditions. While reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate and updated information, the information shown on this site may vary, be out of date, or not applicable to you. All information is provided without warranty. When you click on the Apply Now button, you can review the terms and conditions on the issuer's website.

Blank fields indicate either the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the issuer's website for details.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on United MileagePlus® Explorer


Compare United MileagePlus Explorer to:

United MileagePlus® Club Card
Apply for United MileagePlus® Club Card
  • Annual Club Membership - up to a $475 value
  • Premier Access? Priority Airport Services
  • Earn a 50% Mileage Bonus
  • Check your first and second bag for free
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees*
  • Receive Access to exclusive events with Inside Access from Chase
Airline RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsConciergeExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionEmergency Card Replacement
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$395

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Apply for Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • Check your first bag FREE - for up to 9 people on your reservation - on every Delta flight
  • Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent
  • NEW — Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsBonus Airline RewardsInstant ApprovalEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection$0 Fraud Liability Emergency Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
$95

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May
20
2012

How to Choose the Best Airline Credit Card for You

Frequent Flyer If you’re want to rack up points or miles, look for airline credit card deals with lucrative bonus offers. If you fly frequently with one airline, signing up for a branded card with that company can be a good deal.

Compare American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card to:

American Express® Gold Card
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events – select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more.
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Point RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending LimitEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionReturn Protection Baggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityIdentity Theft AssistanceRoadside Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$125

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConciergeEventsExtended Warranty Purchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityIdentity Theft Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$450

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