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Chase Freedom Flex vs United Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chase Freedom FlexChase | United Explorer CardChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 |
| APR | 18.24% - 27.74% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | $200 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/quarter, activation required), 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining & drugstores, 1% on everything else | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 5% rotating categories plus 3% on dining and drugstores $0 annual fee with a $200 welcome bonus 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers | Free first checked bag saves $70+ per round trip for 2 travelers Two United Club one-time passes per year 25% back on United in-flight purchases |
| Cons | Must activate quarterly categories to earn 5% $1,500 quarterly cap on 5% categories 3% foreign transaction fee | $95 annual fee 2X earning rate is low compared to general travel cards Best value only if you fly United regularly |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Chase Freedom Flex
With a 4.6/5 rating, the Chase Freedom Flex edges out the United Explorer Card (4.3/5). No annual fee makes it easy to justify. The Chase Freedom Flex combines rotating 5% categories with permanent 3% on dining and drugstores. It's a no-fee powerhouse that pairs with Sapphire cards to unlock travel transfer partners.