Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card vs. United Explorer Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America
United Explorer Card
Chase
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card and United Explorer Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and travel insurance.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card earns more on its best category (3× vs 2×).
- Travel insurance United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- $910
- First-year net
- +$0
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 3×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Travel
- Airfare, Dining, Hotels Resorts
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- No
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Points
- 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.