Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card vs. United℠ Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America
4.2
1.5x points on all purchases. No annual fee. No foreign transaction fee.
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
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. United℠ Explorer Card may still win for your wallet depending on how you spend.
Feature
Bank of America®
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee
$0 Best
$95/yr
Sign-up Bonus
25,000 points
60,000 miles
Rewards Rate
1.5x
1x-2x
Rewards Type
Points
Miles
0% Intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles
N/A
Regular APR
19.24%-27.24% Variable Best
22.49%-29.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Pros
- 1.5x on all purchases with no annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles
Cons
- Lower earning rate than premium travel cards
- Points only redeem as travel statement credits
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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