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- As a frequent traveler, I rely on travel credit cards to save money and earn rewards.
- I love using my Chase United℠ Explorer Card, which comes with a $0 intro for the first year, then $95 annual fee.
- The card gets me perks like priority boarding on United flights, free checked bags, and more.
Travel credit cards are hotter than ever, with over 41% of Americans having a card that provides travel rewards. However, with many cards offering lounge access, statement credits, and travel insurance, some cards' annual fees have climbed to nearly $700 a year.
As a frequent traveler, I have and use a credit card with a high annual fee. However, I've paired it with the United℠ Explorer Card, which has a much lower annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95.
This card, included in Business Insider's guide to the best airline credit cards, offers a surprisingly robust number of benefits, from priority boarding on United flights to statement credits that can be redeemed for a DashPass membership.
Here are some of the perks I get from using my United℠ Explorer Card.
As a United℠ Explorer Card cardholder, I always get priority boarding
Some travelers may not care which boarding group they're in, but I am not one of them. Whether I'm traveling with a carry-on and want to ensure I have space in the overhead compartment or just want to get myself situated and comfortable before a flight, boarding in a priority group is important to me. As a United℠ Explorer Card cardholder, I am always in a priority-boarding group.
Every four years, I get a statement credit of up to $100 for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS
Although traveling can be a test of patience, I've found that having an expedited security process can make the experience much smoother. That's why I love that my United℠ Explorer Card reimburses me for services like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS.
I've traveled with TSA PreCheck for years, and recently became a Global Entry member (which includes PreCheck). Both programs are valid for five years, with PreCheck costing $78 to apply and Global Entry costing $100.
NEXUS, which allows for expedited entry between the US and Canada, is also valid for five years and costs $50 to apply.
If I charge the application fee for one of these services to my United℠ Explorer Card, I get reimbursed on my statement once every four years, effectively making the membership free.
The first checked bag is free for me and a companion on my reservation
Although many people aim to travel using only a carry-on, it's not always possible to do so. Checked bag fees have only increased, with one bag costing $40 to check on United flights.
However, if you're a United℠ Explorer Card cardholder, you and your companion (on the same reservation) get your first bags checked for free when purchasing flights using the card.
I get two United Club one-time-use lounge passes a year
Airport lounges are popping up everywhere, generally as a benefit of a high-annual-fee credit card or for those flying in first or business classes. But if you want the benefit of a lounge without high spending, the United℠ Explorer Card includes two one-time lounge passes a year for United Club use, which typically cost $59 apiece.
I've used my one-time passes when I have a long layover or a delayed flight to access a United Club for complimentary food, drinks, and a quiet place to wait for my flight. This benefit alone exceeds the entire cost of the card's annual fee.
The card comes with lots of added travel protections
For a card with a low annual fee, the United℠ Explorer Card packs a punch with travel insurance protections. This card includes lost luggage reimbursement (up to $3,000 per passenger), trip delay reimbursement (after 12 hours of delay, up to $500 per ticket for unreimbursed expenses), baggage delay insurance (after 6 hours of delay, up to $100 for three days), and trip cancellation or interruption insurance (up to $1,500 per person).
When booking my travel with the United℠ Explorer Card, these perks allow me to travel with much more peace of mind. In fact, I've personally used both the baggage delay and trip delay insurance without any issues.
I receive 25% back on in-flight purchases
Another benefit I really love is that United℠ Explorer Card cardholders receive 25% back on in-flight purchases on United flights. This includes food, alcoholic beverages, and even WiFi purchases. Since I travel often, this perk makes a huge difference for me.
The card also comes with a complimentary one-year membership to DashPass
The United℠ Explorer Card offers one year of complimentary DashPass membership, which can be used on DoorDash and Caviar. The benefit, normally $10 a month, offers various benefits like $0 delivery fees on orders that meet the minimum spend. If you regularly have food delivered at home or while traveling, these fees add up, making the membership a great money-saving benefit.
I also get primary rental car insurance
I often rent cars during my travels, and having as much coverage as possible when driving them is important to me. The United℠ Explorer Card includes primary rental car insurance coverage. This means that I'm eligible for reimbursement up to the vehicle's actual cash value for theft and collision damage for most rental cars within the US and abroad. With primary coverage, I also don't have to first file a claim with my own auto insurance company.