what's the point in signing to the explorer card?
Aug 23, 2014, 11:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 14
what's the point in signing to the explorer card?
I was about to get the explorer card to earn premier qualifying dollars, but its scam. You dont earn pqd with it at least you purchase a ticket through United. You just get standard reward points everytime you shop. What's the point of getting the explorer card? Has anyone ever tried to get the representative to sign you up for the presidential card instead. That one I am most interested in right now because you have unlimited lounge visit.
Aug 23, 2014, 11:24 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,139
For us, it's all about upgrading award tickets.
That card is gone, but you can apply for the United Club Card.
Aug 23, 2014, 11:25 am
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,168
Well, the card does nothing for me, but it's an easy 50k sign up bonus so there you go.
Gotta make up for reduced future RDM earning somehow.
Gotta make up for reduced future RDM earning somehow.
Aug 23, 2014, 11:27 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: EWR
Posts: 680
I was about to get the explorer card to earn premier qualifying dollars, but its scam. You dont earn pqd with it at least you purchase a ticket through United. You just get standard reward points everytime you shop. What's the point of getting the explorer card? Has anyone ever tried to get the representative to sign you up for the presidential card instead. That one I am most interested in right now because you have unlimited lounge visit.
Aug 24, 2014, 9:52 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 14
the 50k is just reward points not pqd or pqm, which i can earn with the airline, i am flying intersland with in hawaii. there no point to pay high interested with a credit card that offers no benefits to people who dont have the option to fly united.
Aug 24, 2014, 10:00 pm
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,139
I'm having trouble parsing this into English, but if you're concerned with the interest rate, I really recommend you don't get into reward cards. Reward cards are best for people who pay in full every month because they never have good interest rates. And if the card isn't right for you, it's not right. I'm sure there are plenty of other cards that would be a better fit.
Aug 24, 2014, 10:00 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott/SPG/Hilton Gold, PreCheck + Clear
Posts: 2,306
-- in connection with the card, but rather pay off the balance in full during the grace period. If you put all your expenses on the card, it's a great way to earn tens of thousands of extra miles per year with no effort.
Aug 24, 2014, 10:02 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 60
The 50k bonus is huge for me as it gives me just enough to upgrade an upcoming international trip for me and my wife.
In retrospect, perhaps I should've gone for the chase Sapphire plus and spent the remainder to reach 50k but still the point remains, some people out there do value those 50k points even if it doesn't add to your status with the airline
In retrospect, perhaps I should've gone for the chase Sapphire plus and spent the remainder to reach 50k but still the point remains, some people out there do value those 50k points even if it doesn't add to your status with the airline
Aug 24, 2014, 10:40 pm
#10
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
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You need to spend $25K in a year to get the PQD waiver (up until plat only). Spending $10K will get you the earned reward miles for using the card, but no waiver of anything.
Aug 24, 2014, 11:53 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,019
I was about to get the explorer card to earn premier qualifying dollars, but its scam. You dont earn pqd with it at least you purchase a ticket through United. You just get standard reward points everytime you shop. What's the point of getting the explorer card? Has anyone ever tried to get the representative to sign you up for the presidential card instead. That one I am most interested in right now because you have unlimited lounge visit.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Aug 25, 2014 at 12:11 am
Aug 25, 2014, 12:11 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
Ha
There's no scam. United/Chase tells you what you get with the card. Failure to dislike the terms doesn't mean it's a scam. The only UC in the Islands is in the Diamond Head wing at HNL, at the other end of the airport from Inter-island and commuter terminals. If that's the main reason for getting a card, it seems pointless. You would probably do better w the HA/FHB/Barclays MasterCard and HA Premier Club membership.
Aug 25, 2014, 12:26 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
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Yes, but why bother going to the UC for inter-island flights? Membership is a lot cheaper than UC. Unless OP plans on eating breakfast daily at UC, the idea of acquiring a UC membership when your flights are mostly inter-island borders on just plain dumb.
Aug 25, 2014, 12:56 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
I think sitting in the terminal or better yet one of the better restaurant is better than the HA club which makes the UC club look great by comparison. Frankly, I would not bother with either lounge unless it were free.
Aug 25, 2014, 10:12 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 14
well i dont travel offer, but when i do go the mainland is useful to have. Your paying 500 dollars a year to use the lounge twice, thats a waste of money. I was a member of continental airlines, and it said to see what united has done to such a great airline with great customer service. United destory continental reputation.