United℠ Explorer Card vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
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 →
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover
4.5
Secured card that earns 2% at gas and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter). Cashback Match year one.
Full review →WealthSpott Verdict
United℠ Explorer Card wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. Discover it® Secured Credit Card may still win for your wallet depending on how you spend.
Feature
United℠ Explorer Card
Discover it® Secured
Annual Fee
$95/yr
$0 Best
Sign-up Bonus
60,000 miles
Cashback Match
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
1%-2%
Rewards Type
Miles
Cash Back
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Regular APR
22.49%-29.49% Variable Best
28.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fee
None Best
Yes
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
300-669
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
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Pros
- Earns rewards while building credit
- Cashback Match first year
Cons
- Requires refundable security deposit
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