In mid April Chase announced they would be implementing changes on the personal version of the United MileagePlus Explorer card. Those changes are now live and are as follows:
- Card will earn 2 United miles per $1 spent on hotel stays and restaurant purchases (this is in addition to the 2 cardholders already receive on United purchases)
- 25% off in flight purchases when using your card (including WiFi and food/beverages)
- Addition of $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Removal of 10,000 miles after $25,000 in spend
- Removal of return protection/price protection benefit (purchase protection remains)
- Annual fee stays the same at $95
- Other standard benefits remain the same:
- 2 miles per $1 spend with United Airlines
- 1 mile per $1 spend on all other purchases
- Last seat availability
- Miles don’t expire
- Free checked bag when you pay with card (for 2 people)
- Priority boarding
- 2 Club passes per year
- No FX fees
The removal of the 10,000 miles after $25,000 in spend is significant as some people spend $25,000 to receive a PQD waiver. To make matters worse this is being removed mid year and cardholders are only being compensated with 4,000 miles if you’ve spent $10,000-$24,999 up until this date. To me that is completely unfair and I’d be filing complaints directly with Chase if this affected me, when you put spend on a card to receive an anniversary benefit it’s reasonable to expect that benefit to be offered.
In other news some people have also been able to get a bonus of 60,00 miles after $3,000 in spend in the first three months, plus 5,000 miles for adding an authorized user. This card is subjected to the Chase 5/24 rule and we have seen higher bonuses of up to 75,000 miles so it might make sense to wait for something better to come along (hat tip to Running with Miles for pointing this offer out).
Ok, dumb here-what is 5/24?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-524-rule-explained-detail-need-know/
Is there a no annual fee version to downgrade this card?
MileagePlus Rewards Card is no AF. Available as a PC option only. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-united-no-annual-fee-card-review/
Thank you. I gave Chase a call and said that I can’t change my card until I’ve had the card for a full year. Will change when that happens.
The deal is still there offer ends now 8/15/18 and has no annual fee the first year.
Direct link: https://www.theexplorercard.com/60kAFWLTO
use the app. when logged in 60K bonus shows up with $0 intro annual fee
TSA Pre-check costs $75 for 5 years. Is this a $25 MM?
newbie here… i got targeted for the 60K offer and have never had a chase card before (and i’m definitely under 5/24) does this mean I am pre-qualified … or what?
Nope. You’ll still get a credit pull. Getting a mailer just means you’re targeted.
There is also a similar targeted offer with 50K + $100 statement credit (also has first-year fee waived and 5K for AU), direct link is: http://www.unitedexplorercard.com/new50k
Another direct lin for that offer is https://www.theexplorercard.com/50k100AFWIC
Is this a new card or just the updated version of the old UA Explorer card? I just applied for this old card 2 months ago. Can I apply for this new card? If no, can I match the targeted offer? Can anyone explain more about this to me? Thanks!
With these changes, the Explorer becomes similar to the Sapphire Preferred — provided a person lives in a United hub and always flies United. Both cards will earn 2x points/miles for hotels and dining, and both will earn 2x for airfare, provided that the airline is United in the case of Explorer. The only two additional earnings opportunities on Sapphire Preferred are (a) airfare on all airlines earns 2x, and (b) rail, taxis, subways, and cruises earn 2x. And, of course, the Explorer has certain United perks not available on the Sapphire.
My complaints via SecureMessage on the $25k/10k thing when they were announced got nowhere.
“We apologize that we were unable meet your expectations. Our decision is firm in order to remain fair and consistent with all members with the same request.
Chase is fully committed to keeping you as a satisfied customer and we will continue to work hard every day to maintain your confidence and trust. We hope you continue to consider Chase for your financial needs in the future. ”
When my AF hits in August I will call to complain.
If they had some way to convert me to the business version that (for now) keeps the $25k/10k, I’d be happy. I may toss up an app for the business version even though it is subject to 5/24 and plead my case. Probably later in the year to time the AF better than mid-year.
Might be worth contacting the Points Attorney’s. I’m personally not usually a fan of legal action but I’d pursue it in this case just to prove a point. Doesn’t affect me personally though so not much I can do.