American Express® Gold Card vs. United℠ Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed
American Express® Gold Card
American Express
4.7
4x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. $120 dining credit.
Full review →
United℠ Explorer Card
Chase
4.2
Free 1st + 2nd checked bags. 60,000-mile bonus. 2x on United, dining, hotel.
Full review →WealthSpott Verdict
United℠ Explorer Card wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. American Express® Gold Card may still win for your wallet depending on your spending patterns.
Feature
American Express® Gold
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee
$250/yr
$95/yr Best
Sign-up Bonus
60,000 points
60,000 miles
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
1x-2x
Rewards Type
Points
Miles
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Regular APR
See terms
22.49%-29.49% Variable Best
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
American Express® Gold Card
Pros
- 4x at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets
- $120 dining credit + $120 Uber credit annually
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- $250 annual fee
- Credits require specific merchants to maximise
United℠ Explorer Card
Pros
- Free first and second checked bags on United
- 60,000-mile sign-up bonus
- Two United Club passes per year
- 2x on United, dining, and hotels
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Miles tied to United/Star Alliance
- Standard 1x earning on non-bonus purchases
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