Head to head

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card vs. United Explorer Card

On the criteria below, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Chase

United Explorer Card

Chase

At a glance

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card wins on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on travel insurance.

Pick the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

3 vs 1
  • First-year math Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

    Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

    Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is $55 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

    Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card earns more on its best category (6× vs 2×).

  • Travel insurance United Explorer Card

    United Explorer Card carries built-in travel insurance.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$95
$150
Welcome offer (typical value)
$1,000
$910
First-year net
+$905
+$760
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Marriott Hotels, Grocery, Gas
Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
No
Yes
Elite status
Yes
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Marriott Bonvoy
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.