The Platinum Card from American Express vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, The Platinum Card from American Express wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Amex
United Explorer Card
Chase
The Platinum Card from American Express wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
The Platinum Card from American Express wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and lounge access; United Explorer Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if year-one math is your priority; take the United Explorer Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1- First-year math The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card is $745 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).
- Lounge access The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $895
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $2,800
- $910
- First-year net
- +$1,905
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Flights, Prepaid Hotels
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- centurion, delta-sky-club, priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.