Card comparison

Chase Aeroplan® Card vs United℠ Explorer Card

Compare fees, rewards, welcome offers, APR terms, protections, and long-term value for Chase Aeroplan® Card and United℠ Explorer Card.

Why compare Chase Aeroplan and United Explorer?

Chase Aeroplan® Card and United℠ Explorer Card belong on the same shortlist when the goal is to balance rewards with the real cost of carrying a card. Chase Aeroplan® Card is issued by Chase and currently shows a $95 annual fee, while United℠ Explorer Card comes from Chase with a $150 annual fee. That fee difference is the first useful dividing line, but it is not the whole decision.

The comparison becomes more meaningful after matching each rewards structure to actual spending. Chase Aeroplan® Card currently reports Varies earning, and United℠ Explorer Card reports 1x-9x. Those shorthand rates do not show category caps, redemption restrictions, transfer partners, or enrollment rules, so readers should use them as a starting point and verify the detailed issuer terms.

Chase Aeroplan® Card has the lower listed annual fee. United℠ Explorer Card therefore needs to return enough extra value through rewards, credits, protections, or convenience to justify its additional cost. People comparing travel benefits, everyday rewards, a welcome offer, or long-term account value should keep reading because the winner changes with the way the card will be used.

This Wafacard comparison uses the same Sanity records that power each individual review and category page. Unknown facts are marked Not Available rather than inferred. Rates and offers can change, so the final application decision should always be based on the issuer's current disclosures.

Quick winner

Overall winner

Chase Aeroplan® Card

Chase Aeroplan® Card has the stronger documented fit for overall based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.

Best for travel

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for travel; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best for cashback

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for cashback; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best for beginners

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for beginner; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best long-term value

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for long term; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best welcome bonus

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for welcome; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Side-by-side comparison

Every available normalized field from the two Sanity card records appears below. Not Available means Wafacard does not currently hold a verified value for that field.

FeatureChase Aeroplan® CardUnited℠ Explorer Card
IssuerChaseChase
NetworkMastercardVisa
Card typetraveltravel
Annual fee$95$150
Regular APRAPR range: 19.74% - 28.24%APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%
Intro APRIntro APR period: 12 monthsIntro APR period: 12 months
Balance transfer APR0% intro balance-transfer period for 12 months; variable APR applies after.APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%
Balance transfer feeNot AvailableNot Available
Foreign transaction feeNot AvailableNot Available
Credit score neededGood (670-719)Good (670-719)
Rewards rateVaries1x-9x
Sign-up bonus60,000 points or cash-equivalent units60,000 points or cash-equivalent units
Welcome offerIntro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.
Point valueNot AvailableNot Available
Cashback structureNot AvailableNot Available
Travel benefitsWafacard note: key fit signals include intro apr or transfer-focused terms, partner status benefits may apply, travel-focused card positioning. Availability, exclusions, and enrollment rules can vary by issuer terms.Wafacard note: key fit signals include intro apr or transfer-focused terms, priority boarding may be available, travel-focused card positioning. Availability, exclusions, and enrollment rules can vary by issuer terms.
Purchase protectionNot AvailableNot Available
Extended warrantyNot AvailableNot Available
Rental insuranceNot AvailableNot Available
Airport lounge accessNot AvailableNot Available
Global Entry creditNot AvailableNot Available
Hotel benefitsNot AvailableNot Available
Airline benefitsNot AvailableBenefit indicated; confirm coverage terms with the issuer
Mobile wallet supportNot AvailableNot Available
Business or personalPersonalPersonal
Intro offer expiryNot AvailableNot Available
Card imagePlaceholder artworkPlaceholder artwork
Current statusListed in Wafacard databaseListed in Wafacard database

Feature-by-feature comparison

Rewards: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For rewards structures, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Wafacard summary: this travel rewards card should be compared by its annual fee, issuer terms, reward fit, and benefit usefulness for your normal spending.. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Wafacard summary: this travel rewards card shows miles earning from 1x-9x depending on where the card is used. Confirm category definitions and caps with the issuer before applying.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Welcome bonus: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For welcome offers, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Annual fee: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For annual fees, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists $95. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists $150. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Travel benefits: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For travel benefits, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Wafacard note: key fit signals include intro apr or transfer-focused terms, partner status benefits may apply, travel-focused card positioning. Availability, exclusions, and enrollment rules can vary by issuer terms.. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Wafacard note: key fit signals include intro apr or transfer-focused terms, priority boarding may be available, travel-focused card positioning. Availability, exclusions, and enrollment rules can vary by issuer terms.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Cashback: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For cash-back potential, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

APR: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For purchase APR, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Balance transfers: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For balance-transfer terms, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists 0% intro balance-transfer period for 12 months; variable APR applies after.. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists APR range: 19.74% - 28.24%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Foreign transaction fees: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For international-use costs, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Insurance: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For insurance benefits, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Purchase protection: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For purchase protections, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Customer support: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For customer support, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Approval requirements: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For approval requirements, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Good (670-719). By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Good (670-719). The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Business features: Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer

For business tools, Chase Aeroplan® Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, United℠ Explorer Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Pros and cons

Chase Aeroplan® Card pros

  • $95 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
  • Varies earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
  • A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
  • Good (670-719) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
  • Mastercard is documented for acceptance planning.
  • Included in Wafacard's travel category.
  • Included in Wafacard's balance transfer category.

Chase Aeroplan® Card cons

  • The $95 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
  • Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
  • Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
  • Purchase protection details are not available.
  • Airport lounge access is not documented.
  • Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.

United℠ Explorer Card pros

  • $150 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
  • 1x-9x earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
  • A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
  • Good (670-719) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
  • Visa is documented for acceptance planning.
  • Included in Wafacard's travel category.

United℠ Explorer Card cons

  • The $150 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
  • Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
  • Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
  • Purchase protection details are not available.
  • Airport lounge access is not documented.
  • Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.

Who each card is best for

Chase Aeroplan® Card is best for

  • People whose spending matches its travel positioning.
  • Applicants comfortable with a $95 annual fee and Good (670-719) credit guidance.
  • Cardholders who can use its documented Varies earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
  • People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.

United℠ Explorer Card is best for

  • People whose spending matches its travel positioning.
  • Applicants comfortable with a $150 annual fee and Good (670-719) credit guidance.
  • Cardholders who can use its documented 1x-9x earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
  • People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.

Winner by category

Best rewards

Chase Aeroplan® Card

Chase Aeroplan® Card has the stronger documented fit for overall based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.

Best cashback

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for cashback; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best travel

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for travel; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best balance transfer

Chase Aeroplan® Card

Chase Aeroplan® Card has the stronger documented fit for balance transfer based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.

Best students

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for beginner; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best business

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for business; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best premium

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for premium; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best no annual fee

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for no fee; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best dining

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for dining; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best grocery

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for grocery; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best gas

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for gas; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best lounge access

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for lounge; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best purchase protection

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for protection; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Best international travel

Tie

Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for international; compare issuer terms and your spending.

Similar cards to consider

Related comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Which card is better overall: Chase Aeroplan or United Explorer?

Chase Aeroplan® Card is the current overall Wafacard pick because chase aeroplan® card has the stronger documented fit for overall based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits. That verdict is not universal. A cardholder who spends in different categories, values a particular issuer ecosystem, or can use a specific protection may reasonably prefer the other card. Compare the annual fee against rewards and benefits you can realistically use, then confirm the issuer's live terms before applying.

Which card earns more rewards?

Chase Aeroplan® Card currently shows Varies, while United℠ Explorer Card shows 1x-9x. Headline rates are only part of the answer because category definitions, caps, redemption values, and transfer options can change the realized return. Estimate rewards using a normal month of spending rather than an idealized maximum. If neither published structure clearly matches your expenses, the simpler or lower-fee card may produce better long-term value.

Is Chase Aeroplan harder to get than United Explorer?

Chase Aeroplan® Card is associated with Good (670-719) guidance, compared with Good (670-719) for United℠ Explorer Card. These ranges are directional rather than approval guarantees. Issuers can also evaluate income, existing debt, recent applications, account history, and identity information. Applicants should avoid treating a score range as a promise and should use issuer prequalification tools when available.

Which card has the better welcome bonus?

Chase Aeroplan® Card lists Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer., while United℠ Explorer Card lists Intro value may include 60,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. A larger number is not automatically more valuable because points, miles, and cash rewards can have different redemption values. Check the required spending, qualifying purchase window, eligibility restrictions, and whether the reward can be used for your intended redemption before naming a personal winner.

Which card is better for travel?

Tie has the stronger documented travel fit in this comparison. Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for travel; compare issuer terms and your spending. Travelers should also check foreign transaction fees, acceptance network, rental coverage, trip protections, baggage benefits, lounge rules, and transfer partners. Any benefit marked Not Available should be treated as absent until the issuer confirms it in the current guide to benefits.

Which card is better for cashback?

Tie has the stronger documented cash-back fit. Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for cashback; compare issuer terms and your spending. The useful comparison is the net cash earned after annual fees, category caps, activation requirements, and excluded purchases. A flat-rate card can outperform a higher category rate when most spending falls outside bonus categories, while a category card can win for concentrated household spending.

Which card has lower fees?

Chase Aeroplan® Card lists an annual fee of $95 and United℠ Explorer Card lists $150. Annual fees are only one cost. Review purchase APR, balance-transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, cash-advance charges, and late-payment terms. Paying in full and avoiding fee-triggering transactions matters more than a small rewards difference for many cardholders.

Can I have both Chase Aeroplan and United Explorer?

It may be possible to hold both cards, subject to each issuer's approval rules and any product-family restrictions. Holding both makes sense only when their reward categories and benefits complement one another enough to justify the combined complexity and annual fees. Consider application timing, credit inquiries, minimum-spending requirements, and whether splitting purchases would make rewards harder to manage.

Which card is better for everyday spending?

For everyday spending, compare Chase Aeroplan® Card's Varies summary with United℠ Explorer Card's 1x-9x summary across groceries, dining, gas, transit, utilities, and uncategorized purchases. Use actual statements to estimate the result. The card with the highest maximum rate may not win if that rate applies to a narrow or capped category, so simplicity and broad earning can be valuable.

Should I upgrade or switch later?

A later product change can be useful when spending, travel frequency, or willingness to pay an annual fee changes. Issuer rules determine whether an upgrade, downgrade, or new application is available and whether it earns a welcome offer. Revisit this comparison before renewal, calculate the value received during the year, and ask the issuer how a product change would affect account age, benefits, and existing rewards.

Chase Aeroplan vs United Explorer: final verdict

Chase Aeroplan® Card has the lower annual fee, while United℠ Explorer Card may still win if its benefits match your spending. The overall score favors Chase Aeroplan® Card, but the right choice depends on which documented rewards and benefits will actually be used. Compare the annual fee against realistic yearly value, avoid carrying interest for the sake of rewards, and confirm every current term with the issuer before applying.