United Explorer Card vs. Discover it Student Cash Back
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover
United Explorer Card and Discover it Student Cash Back split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and travel insurance; Discover it Student Cash Back wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Discover it Student Cash Back 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 Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover it Student Cash Back is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover it Student Cash Back earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).
- 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×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Rotating Quarterly
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- United MileagePlus
- Discover Cashback
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.