Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Amex Blue Cash Everyday wins 4-1. No-fee Amex with 3% supermarket — Blue Cash Preferred minus the fee. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Blue Cash Everyday | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 3% (shopping) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | · 2.7% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 6 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Blue Cash Everyday
- 3% on US supermarkets (up to $6K/year)
- 3% on US gas stations + online retail
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
Amex Blue Cash Everyday wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Blue Cash Everyday for its best categories, Chase United Explorer for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Blue Cash Everyday: $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 6 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.