Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
One of our favorite keeper cards. The free night award on every card anniversary easily exceeds the $95 fee, and the 15 elite qualifying nights help you reach Marriott status faster.
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Side-by-side
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comes from Chase at $95/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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($540 more in estimated value) than the United Explorer Card's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless first; revisit the United Explorer Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 4 Free Night Awards | 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,580 | $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 (Marriott) | 6x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
$95/yr · 4 Free Night Awards
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 50k + 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, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or United Explorer Card?
- The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless has the bigger bonus, 4 Free Night Awards, worth roughly $1,580, versus 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus (~$1,040) on the United Explorer Card.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $95/yr, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: $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.