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United Explorer vs Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
The United℠ Explorer Card is a great fit for frequent United Airlines flyers who want to save money with perks like a free first checked bag and priority boarding.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards Elite credit card is designed for frequent travelers looking for premium benefits like airport lounge access and travel credits, particularly those who are already Bank of America customers.
United Explorer Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why the United℠ Explorer Card stands out to us.
- Cardholders receive two one-time United Club℠ passes each year on their cardmember anniversary, offering a taste of lounge access without a premium price tag.
- It offers a statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.
- The free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion can offset the annual fee with just a single round-trip flight (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Enjoy an elevated airport experience with priority boarding, a free first checked bag for you and a companion on United flights, and annual United Club℠ passes.
- Travel with confidence thanks to comprehensive protections like primary car rental coverage and trip delay reimbursement, plus no foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
- Earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) toward United MileagePlus Premier status through card spending, a unique perk for a mid-tier airline card.
Cons
- An annual fee applies after the first year, which may not be justifiable for infrequent travelers.
- The card’s benefits are heavily skewed toward United Airlines, offering limited value if you aren’t loyal to the carrier.
- Reward miles can't be transferred to other airline or hotel partners, and earning rates on everyday purchases are less competitive than some rival cards.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons why we think the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite card is a top-tier choice.
- This card is packed with valuable travel benefits, including unlimited airport lounge access with a complimentary Priority Pass membership and a suite of travel protections.
- Cardholders can receive up to $300 in annual statement credits for airline incidental fees and up to $150 for lifestyle purchases like food delivery and streaming services.
- By maximizing the card's statement credits, it's possible to recoup the $550 annual fee in the first year (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Offers generous annual statement credits for airline incidentals and a variety of lifestyle purchases, including rideshare and food delivery.
- Cardholders receive complimentary airport lounge access through a Priority Pass membership, plus perks at premium hotels and with major car rental companies.
- Features a simple rewards structure with a broad definition of travel and includes a suite of travel protections for peace of mind.
Cons
- Lacks travel transfer partners, a significant drawback for those looking to maximize point value with airline or hotel loyalty programs.
- Carries a high annual fee, yet offers the same rewards-earning structure as its less expensive counterpart.
- Point redemptions are limited, requiring travel to be booked through the Bank of America portal to get the most value.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite vs United Explorer
Categories
Deciding which is better, United Explorer or Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, comes down to your specific travel habits and loyalty preferences.
- United℠ Explorer Card: This card is ideal for frequent travelers who regularly fly with United Airlines. It offers perks tailored to the airline's loyal customers, including benefits for airport security and international travel.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards Elite credit card: This card is designed for premium travelers seeking luxury perks, especially those already using Bank of America's banking and investment services. It provides benefits like airport lounge access and premium hotel advantages.
Redemption
United℠ Explorer Card: Points are redeemed through the United MileagePlus program, making them most valuable for booking flights with United and its airline partners, as well as for other travel-related purchases.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card: This card offers more flexible redemption options, allowing you to redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Travel Perks
- United℠ Explorer Card:
- Travel Portal: The card's ecosystem is built around the United MileagePlus program, making it ideal for booking award travel on United and its Star Alliance partner airlines.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: No foreign transaction fees are charged on purchases made abroad.
- Lounge Access: Includes two one-time passes to the United Club each year.
- Airline Perks: Provides a free first checked bag and priority boarding on United flights.
- Security Program Credits: Offers a statement credit for the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card:
- Travel Portal: Provides access to the Bank of America Travel Center, offering flexible booking options for flights, hotels, and car rentals without being tied to a single airline.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Does not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Lounge Access: Comes with a Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to a global network of airport lounges.
- Travel Credits: Features an annual airline incidental statement credit for qualifying expenses and a statement credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
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Who Should Choose the United Explorer?
The United℠ Explorer Card is an excellent choice for frequent United Airlines flyers who can maximize perks like a free first checked bag and priority boarding. It also appeals to international travelers looking to avoid foreign transaction fees and those who want a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. With a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, it's a strong contender for budget-conscious individuals seeking a mid-tier travel card packed with value.
Who Should Choose the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite?
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card is primarily designed for frequent travelers who are already deeply integrated into the Bank of America ecosystem, especially those in the Preferred Rewards program. These cardholders are willing to pay the $550 annual fee in exchange for a suite of luxury travel benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits that help offset the cost. Ultimately, this premium travel card is best for users who appreciate a simple rewards structure and prefer redeeming points through the bank's travel portal over transferring them to airline or hotel partners.
Alternatives to Consider
If you've weighed the United Explorer vs. the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite and found that neither a dedicated airline card nor a premium travel card with a high annual fee is right for you, there are plenty of other options. Let's explore a few alternatives that might be a better match.
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Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score: You’ll generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
- Plan your spending: Make sure you can meet the welcome offer’s spending requirement without forcing purchases.
- Have a redemption plan: Know how you’ll use the points and credits before you apply.
Application Strategy
- Know the issuer's rules: Some issuers have restrictions on how many cards you can open in a certain period.
- Leverage existing relationships: Your loyalty to a specific bank or airline can unlock better rewards and benefits.
- Time your application: Apply when welcome offers are elevated to maximize your initial return.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better if I don't fly United often?
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card is likely the better choice, as its rewards are more flexible and not tied to a single airline. You can redeem points for various travel options or even cash back, which is ideal if your loyalty isn't with United.
Are United miles or Bank of America points more flexible?
Bank of America points offer greater flexibility, with redemption options for travel, statement credits, or gift cards. United miles provide the most value when used for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners, making them more specialized.
Can I have both the United Explorer Card and the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card?
Yes, you can absolutely hold both cards since they are issued by different banks. This strategy allows you to enjoy United-specific benefits while also earning flexible points for other travel and purchases.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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