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United Explorer Card vs U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | United Explorer CardChase | U.S. Bank Smartly Visa SignatureU.S. Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| APR | 19.49% - 27.99% | 17.49% - 27.49% |
| Signup Bonus | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months | None publicly listed |
| Rewards Rate | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else | 2% cash back on every purchase, up to 4% with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 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 | 2% unlimited cash back with no annual fee — matches Citi Double Cash Up to 4% back with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
| Cons | $95 annual fee 2X earning rate is low compared to general travel cards Best value only if you fly United regularly | Best rates (3-4%) require U.S. Bank banking relationship with large balances No signup bonus publicly listed Limited to U.S. Bank ecosystem for maximum value |
| 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 U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature (4.2/5). 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.