Side-by-side comparison
United Explorer vs United Quest
Basics
Annual fee
$150/yr
$250/yr
Rewards type
United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus
Annual credits
$430/yr
$125/yr
Net cost (fee − credits)
$-280/yr
$125/yr
Earning rates
All other spending
1x mi
1x mi
Hotels
5x mi
2x mi
Flights
3x mi
3x mi
Dining
2x mi
2x mi
Streaming
—
2x mi
Car Rentals
—
2x mi
Credits & Benefits
Up to $100 United Hotels Credit
$50/yr
—
Up to $60 Rideshare Credit
$60/yr
—
Up to $120 Instacart Credit
$120/yr
—
Up to $100 JSX Credit
$100/yr
—
Up to $50 Avis/Budget Credit
$25/yr
—
Up to $125 United Credit
—
$125/yr
Perks & Features
First & Second Checked Bag Free
✓
—
2 United Club One-Time Passes
✓
—
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit
✓
✓
Which card should you pick?
After accounting for credits and benefits, the United Explorer has a lower net annual cost ($-280/yr vs $125/yr for the United Quest), making it the more cost-effective choice if you use the credits.
The United Explorer stands out with 5x mi on hotels, while the United Quest leads with 3x mi on flights. Pick the card that matches where you spend the most each month.
The United Explorer also offers more perks including First & Second Checked Bag Free and 2 United Club One-Time Passes.
Some links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may earn a commission or referral bonus points at no cost to you if you apply for a card through our links.