Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless wins 3-0. Free annual night ($85K Bonvoy) covers the $95 fee easily. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = $95 | = $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 6% (travel) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 3 free nights (each up to 50K Bonvoy points) after $3,000 spend in 3 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.4/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- 6x Bonvoy points at Marriott
- 2x on everything else
- Free annual award night (35K points)
- Marriott Silver Elite status (15 elite night credits)
- No foreign transaction fees
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
›Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless wins on more dimensions (3 vs 0). 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 Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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?
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: 3 free nights (each up to 50K Bonvoy points) after $3,000 spend in 3 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.