Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. United Explorer Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
Chase Freedom Unlimited and United Explorer Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and foreign transactions.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).
- Foreign transactions United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $200
- $910
- First-year net
- +$200
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- 3.00%
- None
- Reward currency
- Chase Ultimate 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.