United℠ Explorer Card vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed
United℠ Explorer Card
Chase
4.2
Free 1st + 2nd checked bags. 60,000-mile bonus. 2x on United, dining, hotel.
Full review →
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
4.6
6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr). 6% on select streaming.
Full review →WealthSpott Verdict
United℠ Explorer Card and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express are closely matched. The right choice depends on your top spending categories and whether you'll use each card's perks.
Feature
United℠ Explorer Card
Blue Cash Preferred®
Annual Fee
$95/yr
$95/yr
Sign-up Bonus
60,000 miles
$350
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
1%-6%
Rewards Type
Miles
Cash Back
0% Intro APR
N/A
0% for 12 months
Regular APR
22.49%-29.49% Variable
19.24%-29.99% Variable Best
Foreign Transaction Fee
None Best
Yes
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
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
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Pros
- 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/year)
- 6% on select streaming subscriptions
- $0 intro annual fee for first year
Cons
- $95 annual fee after first year
- 6% grocery bonus caps at $6,000/year
- Foreign transaction fee
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