The best airline credit card for you is likely the card offered by the airline you fly with most. For total value, the United Explorer Card is tough to beat. Perks like free checked bags and complimentary airport lounge passes can more than compensate for its $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year.
The cardholder and a companion can get one free checked bag each way. Use that once per calendar year for a roundtrip flight and you’ve already saved $140 with the card, more than the annual cost.
Additionally, new cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
United Mileage Plus Miles can be used for United flights, as well as with partner airlines, upgrades, hotel accommodations, car rentals, gift cards and more. Read our full review of the United Explorer Card.
Offer Details
Annual Fee: $95 (fee waived first year)
Bonus: 60,000 bonus miles
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-2X Miles
Details: Full Review
Annual Fee: $95, waived for the first year
APR: Variable APR depending on credit worthiness.
Rewards Rate: The card features 2X miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, at restaurants and eligible meal-delivery services like GrubHub, DoorDash, Seamless and Caviar. You also earn 2X miles for every dollar spent on hotel accommodations booked directly through the hotel. Additionally, you get 1X miles per dollar everywhere else.