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Discover it Secured Credit Card vs United Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Discover it Secured Credit CardDiscover | United Explorer CardChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 |
| APR | 26.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | Cashback Match — unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned in first year | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on everything else | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | poor | good |
| Pros | Earn cash back rewards even while building credit — rare for a secured card Cashback Match doubles all rewards in year one No annual fee and automatic review for upgrade to unsecured card | 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 | Requires refundable security deposit ($200 minimum) High 26.49% APR Discover not accepted as widely as Visa/Mastercard | $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: United Explorer Card
With a 4.3/5 rating, the United Explorer Card edges out the Discover it Secured Credit Card (4.1/5). At $95/yr, the value proposition is strong. The United Explorer is a must-have for United flyers. Free checked bags, priority boarding, and 2X on United purchases offset the $95 fee after just a couple of round trips.