United Explorer Card vs. Apple Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Apple Card
Goldman Sachs Bank USA
United Explorer Card and Apple 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; Apple Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Apple 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 Apple Card
Apple Card is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Apple Card
Apple 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, Dining, Hotels Resorts
- Apple And App Store, Apple Pay, Bonus Daily Cash Merchants
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- United MileagePlus
- Apple Daily Cash
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.