United Explorer Card vs. Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card
Synchrony
United Explorer Card and Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card 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; Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card 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 Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card
Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card
Venmo Visa Signature Credit Card earns more on its best category (3× 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×
- 3×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Top Spend Category, Second Top Spend Category
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- United MileagePlus
- Venmo Cash Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.