Chase United Explorer vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US Bank Cash+ wins 4-1. 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen — fully customizable. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase United Explorer | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $95 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
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
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Chase United Explorer vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
US Bank Cash+ 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 Chase United Explorer for its best categories, US Bank Cash+ 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. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.