IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins 3 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
United Explorer Card
Chase
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins 3 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card leads on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling, while United Explorer Card only ties the rest.
Pick the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card if year-one math is your priority; take the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 0- First-year math IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is $51 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns more on its best category (10× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $99
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,295
- $910
- First-year net
- +$1,196
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 10×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, Gas
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- IHG One 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.