10sjoec

I am interested in converting from the United Mileage Plus Select to the Explorer card because of the "No Foreign Transaction Fee". A few questions to see if anyone in this forum has recommendations:

1. Does the Explorer card has favorable foreign exchange rates? That is, the total amount charge for a foreign spending is better for the Explorer card than the Mileage Plus Select.

2. I have a long history with the Mileage Plus select and don't want to lose the credit history. Can I keep the same card number and credit history after converting to the Explorer card.

3. Any benefits on the Mileage Plus Select that is better than the Explorer, besides the lower annual fee?

A bit of background. I am a lifetime Premier Gold so I don't need the free check bags privileges. Main reason for change is the no foreign transaction fee.

Thanks.

Joe