I love using my Chase United Explorer card with a low annual fee. I get tons of travel perks, plus credits for DoorDash and more.

17.07.2024 - 21:47 / insider.com

Travel credit cards are hotter than ever, with over 41% of Americans having a card that provides travel rewards.  However, with many cards offering lounge access, statement credits, and travel insurance, some cards' annual fees have climbed to nearly $700 a year. 

As a frequent traveler, I have and use a credit card with a high annual fee. However, I've paired it with the United℠ Explorer Card, which has a much lower annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95.

This card, included in Business Insider's guide to the best airline credit cards, offers a surprisingly robust number of benefits, from priority boarding on United flights to statement credits that can be redeemed for a DashPass membership.

Here are some of the perks I get from using my United℠ Explorer Card.

Some travelers may not care which boarding group they're in, but I am not one of them. Whether I'm traveling with a carry-on and want to ensure I have space in the overhead compartment or just want to get myself situated and comfortable before a flight, boarding in a priority group is important to me. As a United℠ Explorer Card cardholder, I am always in a priority-boarding group. 

Although traveling can be a test of patience, I've found that having an expedited security process can make the experience much smoother. That's why I love that my United℠ Explorer Card reimburses me for services like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS.

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I've traveled with TSA PreCheck for years, and recently became a Global Entry member (which includes PreCheck). Both programs are valid for five years, with PreCheck costing $78 to apply and Global Entry costing $100. 

NEXUS, which allows for expedited entry between the US and Canada, is also valid for five years and costs $50 to apply. 

If I charge the application fee for one of these services to my United℠ Explorer Card, I get reimbursed on my statement once every four years, effectively making the membership free. 

Several other premium credit cards also offer Global Entry and TSA PreCheck statement credits. 

Although many people aim to travel using only a carry-on, it's not always possible to do so. Checked bag fees have only increased, with one bag costing $40 to check on United flights.

However, if you're a United℠ Explorer Card cardholder, you and your companion (on the same reservation) get your first bags checked for free when purchasing flights using the card. 

Airport lounges are popping up everywhere, generally as a benefit of a high-annual-fee credit card or for those flying in first or business classes. But if you want the benefit of a lounge without high spending, the United℠ Explorer Card includes two one-time lounge passes a year for United Club use, which typically