Review: Is the United Explorer the best credit card for you? The United℠ Explorer Card is a great way to save money and get better access to United awards while earning United MileagePlus miles with every dollar you spend. Regular United customers will love a free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion on each trip, a statement credit worth up to $100 every four years for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and two one-time passes to the United Club each anniversary year. The United℠ Explorer Card carries an annual fee of $95, waived the first year, which is on par with other entry-level airline credit cards. Since you'll get $95 in value with the free checked bags in one or two trips each year alone, it's easy to see how this card could be worth it for United flyers.