Comparing the United Club Infinite Card with the United Explorer Card: Which option is ideal for United enthusiasts?

For loyal United travelers, there are four primary choices in the realm of cobranded airline credit cards. These include the United℠ Explorer Card (a mid-tier option) and the United Club℠ Infinite Card (the premium choice), both offered by Chase.

The typical traveler might find better value in cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, as they offer bonus points on various purchases that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners.

However, if you're seeking benefits tailored specifically to United, you'll want to explore cobranded United cards. Here are some considerations to help you determine the best United card for your needs.

Comparison of United Club Infinite and United Explorer

Welcome bonuses for United Club Infinite vs. United Explorer

The United Club Infinite Card currently provides a sign-up bonus of 80,000 United miles after you spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening your account. According to TPG's valuations, these bonus miles are valued at $1,080.

In contrast, the United Explorer Card offers a smaller sign-up bonus of 50,000 bonus United miles after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of your account opening. Based on TPG's valuations, these bonus miles are worth $675.

Winner: Infinite.

Benefits of United Club Infinite versus United Explorer

As anticipated, both cards provide advantages tailored for United flyers. Let’s first examine their comparable benefits.

Both cards include a complimentary first checked bag, priority boarding, a 25% discount on inflight United purchases, a credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus, no foreign transaction fees, and enhanced award availability.

Additionally, you’ll earn 25 PQPs for every $500 spent on net purchases, with a cap of 1,000 PQP per calendar year for the Explorer and up to 10,000 PQP for the Infinite.

A significant distinction between the two cards is their annual fees. The Explorer offers a $0 introductory fee for the first year, transitioning to $95 thereafter, while the Infinite charges $525 annually.

Regarding lounge access, the Explorer provides two one-time passes to the United Club each year, whereas the Infinite grants full United Club membership.

The Infinite offers cardholders enhanced United benefits, including a second complimentary checked bag, priority check-in and baggage handling (when available), IHG One Rewards Platinum status, a $75 IHG statement credit, free upgrades on award flights (when available), and a 10% discount on Economy Saver Awards.

Winner: Infinite.

Earning miles with the United Club Infinite versus the United Explorer

Both United cards offer 2 miles for every dollar spent on dining, but that's where their similarities end.

The United Explorer Card also provides 2 miles per dollar on purchases made with United and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel, as well as 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

In contrast, the United Club Infinite Card earns 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel expenses (including airfare, trains, local transit, cruises, hotels, car rentals, taxis, resorts, rideshare services, and tolls), and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.

According to TPG's valuation of United miles at 1.35 cents each, the Explorer Card yields a 2.7% return on United, restaurant, and hotel expenses, while providing 1.35% on all other purchases. Conversely, with the United Club Infinite Card, you earn a 5.4% return on United purchases and a 2.7% return on other travel and dining expenses.

None of these earning rates are particularly enticing unless you require United miles for an upcoming redemption. Even then, from an earning perspective, you might find it more advantageous to use cards in the Chase Trifecta or Chase Quartet and then transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United miles.

Winner: Infinite.

Using miles with the United Club Infinite versus the United Explorer

Both cards enable you to accumulate United miles through your credit card spending, which are automatically credited to your MileagePlus account. You can redeem these miles for flights on United and United Express, as well as on Star Alliance partners and other affiliated airlines.

When redeeming United miles, the best value comes from booking saver-level tickets, as they are the most economical option. Unfortunately, United's recent devaluation has significantly impacted redemption costs, leading to substantial increases in some award prices.

Winner: Both. These cards earn United miles, which are redeemable through the MileagePlus program.

Should I choose the United Club Infinite or the United Explorer?

If you're looking to earn United miles while enjoying priority boarding and a free checked bag on your United flights frequently, the United Explorer Card is your best bet. However, if you're a devoted United frequent flyer, the United Club Infinite Card is superior, offering a United Club membership and enhanced benefits while flying the airline.

Final thoughts

The United Explorer and United Club Infinite are among the top cobranded cards offered by United. Your choice depends on which card's benefits you can leverage to achieve your travel objectives and justify its annual fee. If you travel frequently with United, the Infinite is a solid option. However, if you only fly with them 3-4 times a year, the Explorer may suffice.

For more information, be sure to check out our comprehensive reviews of the Infinite and Explorer cards.