Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Card Changes Coming June 1st
Chase has announced that it will revamp its United MileagePlus Explorer Card starting June 1st. The card will have a new name and some added benefits, but we’ll also see some negative changes.
Chase United Explorer Credit Card
The name of the new card will be United Explorer Credit Card. The new card will replace the United MileagePlus Explorer Card, but it is not considered a new product. All current card members and those who apply before June 1st, will be automatically upgraded to the new card at launch.
I’m sure not many of you care what the card is called (although that old name was a mouthful), so let’s now look at what this new revamped card will mean.
New Benefits
- Earn 2x miles on dining and hotels (in addition to United purchases)
- $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck credit
- 25% off United in-flight purchases, including Wi-Fi, food and beverages
Removed/Changed Benefits
- No 10,000 bonus miles after spending $25,000 annually
- Trip cancellation coverage will be reduced
- Removal of return/price protection (purchase protection remains)
Other Remaining Benefits
- Earn 2X miles on tickets purchased from United
- Free first checked bag for up to two travelers on United flights, up to $100 per roundtrip
- Priority boarding (Group 2)
- Two United Club passes each year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Waived PQD requirement up to Platinum status when you spend $25,000 on your card each calendar year
Conclusion
These are not major changes, but depending on your use of the card you could see them as lightly negative or positive.
For the negatives we see the 10,000 mile bonus gone for those who spend $25K. This will not impact most people, besides those going for the PQD waiver. Return and price protection was also a great feature that might not have been used much, but was surely useful for some people.
There is some positive changes as well. You can earn 2x miles on dining and hotels, but you could do a little better with other cards. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit is another added perk but many readers will already have this benefit from other cards. You will also get 25% off United in-flight purchases.
What do you think about these changes? What new or removed benefits impact you most?
HT: Doctor of Credit and TPG
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Mile U meant!
I wish it would have a higher than 40,000 mike reward! Any chance of that!
I have the Chase United Mileage Plus MasterCard (converted from the Continental card years ago). I received the letter and new benefit booklet in the mail today, and my card will still have price protection.
Will they still allow upgrades for elite members on award tickets? I consider this one of the best benefits.
Primary rental car insurance coverage?
If you complete your 25K spend before June 1st, would you get 10K mile bonus? What if you are a little short of that? Would you be grandfathered in? or no such luck?
I wish the retention rep who I spoke to 18 hours ago had mentioned this. I would have kept the card since we need a Global Entry renewal. But, too late! The card is GONE.
You can usually reactivate a card within 30 days I believe – may be worth a try if you want it back.