United Explorer Card vs. United Quest Card
On the criteria below, United Explorer Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
United Explorer Card
Chase
United Quest Card
Chase
United Explorer Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and annual fee; United Quest Card wins on earning ceiling.
Pick the United Explorer Card 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
2 vs 1- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card is $200 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling United Quest Card
United Quest Card earns more on its best category (10× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $350
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $910
- $910
- First-year net
- +$760
- +$560
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 10×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Airfare, Travel, Hotels Resorts
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- United MileagePlus
- 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.