Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
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Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/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 United Explorer Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($650 more in estimated value) than the United Gateway Card's. Get the United Explorer Card first; revisit the United Gateway Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 2x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
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, United Gateway Card or United Explorer Card?
- The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, versus 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the United Explorer Card's $150 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the United Explorer Card's benefits to clear $150 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway 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 Gateway Card or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 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.