Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Premier
A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.
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Side-by-side
IHG One Rewards Premier vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Premier comes from Chase at $99/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
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Premier | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 185,000 bonus points | 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $925 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | airline |
| Best earning category (Ihg) | 10x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 185,000 bonus points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 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, IHG One Rewards Premier or United Explorer Card?
- The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, versus 185,000 bonus points (~$925) on the IHG One Rewards Premier.
- Is the IHG One Rewards Premier's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $99/yr, the IHG One Rewards Premier 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 IHG One Rewards Premier 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 IHG One Rewards Premier or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 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.