Chase United Explorer vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Chase United Explorer wins 2-0. United loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is still the right call if american airlines loyalists — free checked bag + boarding..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase United Explorer | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | · $99 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 2% (travel) | = 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months | = 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.2/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
- 2x miles on American Airlines + dining + gas
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag for cardholder + 4 companions
- Preferred boarding
- Annual fee waived first year
FAQ
›Chase United Explorer vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: which is better?
Chase United Explorer wins on more dimensions (2 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 United Explorer for its best categories, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months.