United Explorer Card vs. Discover it Miles
On the criteria below, United Explorer Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Discover it Miles
Discover
United Explorer Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
United Explorer Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and travel insurance; Discover it Miles wins on annual fee.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Discover it Miles if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Discover it Miles
Discover it Miles is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card earns more on its best category (2× vs 1.5×).
- Travel insurance United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $910
- —
- First-year net
- +$760
- +$0
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 1.5×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Everyday
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- United MileagePlus
- Discover Miles
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.