New: Compare up to 3 cards side-by-side instantly Compare now →
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs United Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
[ 01 / 02 ]
·
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chase Freedom UnlimitedChase | 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 | $250 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 5% on travel via Chase, 3% on dining & drugstores, 1.5% on everything else | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 1.5% base rate beats most flat-rate cards 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers Pairs perfectly with Chase Sapphire for point 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 | 3% foreign transaction fee Points worth more when paired with a Sapphire card No premium perks | $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 → |
[ 02 / 02 ]
·
Verdict
Our Pick: Chase Freedom Unlimited
With a 4.6/5 rating, the Chase Freedom Unlimited edges out the United Explorer Card (4.3/5). No annual fee makes it easy to justify. The Freedom Unlimited is the best no-fee companion card. With 1.5% on everything plus 3% on dining, it earns strong rewards solo — and becomes elite when paired with a Chase Sapphire for point transfers.