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Side-by-side
Citi Simplicity Card vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Simplicity Card comes from Citi 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 ($1,040 more in estimated value) than the Citi Simplicity Card's. Get the United Explorer Card first; revisit the Citi Simplicity Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Citi Simplicity Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program | 70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Chase |
| Card category | airline | |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Citi Simplicity Card
$0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program
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, Citi Simplicity Card or United Explorer Card?
- The United Explorer Card has a public bonus (70,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040), while the Citi Simplicity Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Citi Simplicity Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- The Citi Simplicity 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 Citi Simplicity Card.
- Can I have both the Citi Simplicity Card and United Explorer Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi 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 Citi Simplicity Card or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Simplicity Card: no published min spend. 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.