Editorial take: American Express Business Gold
The 4x on your top two categories each month is uniquely flexible, if your business spend varies, this auto-adapts. The credits need active use to offset the fee.
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Side-by-side
American Express Business Gold vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Business Gold is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($760 more in estimated value) than the United Explorer Card's. Get the American Express Business Gold first; revisit the United Explorer Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Business Gold | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $375 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 Membership Rewards points | 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,800 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $15,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | business | airline |
| Best earning category (Top_two_categories) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Business Gold
$375/yr · 100,000 Membership Rewards points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Business Gold or United Explorer Card?
- The American Express Business Gold has the bigger bonus, 100,000 Membership Rewards points, worth roughly $1,800, versus 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus (~$1,040) on the United Explorer Card.
- Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $375/yr, the American Express Business Gold is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Explorer Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Business Gold and United Explorer Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Business Gold or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 spend in 3 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.