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Side-by-side

United Club Business Card vs United Explorer Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Club Business Card comes from Chase at $695/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

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the United Explorer Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureUnited Club Business CardUnited Explorer Card
Annual fee$695$150
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$1,040
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorybusinessairline
Best earning category (United)2x2x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • United Club membership
  • 1.5x catch-all (highest)
  • Premier Access
  • Free 2 checked bags
  • Free checked bag
  • 2 United Club passes/year
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
Read the full review
United Club Business Card
$695/yr · 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus

Editorial take: United Club Business Card

Pure United Club access card. Cash equivalent of the lounge membership is $750+/year, so the $695 fee makes sense if you're at United hubs frequently. The 1.5x base earning is the highest catch-all rate among premium business cards.

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, United Club Business Card or United Explorer Card?
The United Club Business Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP, worth roughly $1,500, versus 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus (~$1,040) on the United Explorer Card.
Is the United Club Business Card's $695 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
Premium cards like the United Club Business Card ($695/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $695+ of those credits, the math works. The United Explorer Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the United Club Business Card and United Explorer Card?
Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 United Club Business Card or the United Explorer Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Club Business Card: $5,000 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.