Nearing the end of the explorer, now what?
 

In December I signed up for the Chase UA MP Explorer to get the bonus and the statement credit for a trip I purchased. I was drawn by the singup bonus and the United Club Passes (which I still haven't received.....), but I do not charge enough to the card ($1500/yr) for it to be worth me paying the fee, especially since I already get most the benefits of the card with my status on UA.

I am planning to cancel the card (would keep it if I didn't have to pay the fee next year), but wanted to sign up for something else to get points. I fly UA almost exclusively as I am out of EWR. When I travel, I stay mostly (80%) of my time at Marriotts.

I'm trying to determine my best bet. I would like to earn more miles that I can use on UA, but do not know what to do as far as the order of cancelling this card and starting another. Also, I'm not sure which new card I should get. Was thinking Marriott or Sapphire Preferred.

Also, when I cancel, I was going to try to say that part of the reason I am cancelling is that I never got my club passes and see if that can inspire them to waive the fee.

Just not really sure what to do here. I'm not really concerned

I'm not familiar with the Marriott Chase card's perks or rewards, however, I have the Sapprire Preferred card. If you get the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) card your reward points will transfer from CSP to Marriott Rewards at 1:1 and you'll have the flexibility to move your points to other brands of hotels, airlines, etc.

Welcome to FT, OP.

Hopefully you are a UA elite. Otherwise, unless you fly international exclusive, you should evaluate the 1st checked baggage free feature. That $90 is a easy save from paying more.

See whatever you want. Did not have club pass? Send you a new set.

Unless you have extremely good relationship with Chase, I do not see how you can get the annual fee waived, especially airlines card. $1,500 of purchase in the year does not seem worthy for Chase to retain you, to be honest.

+1

You used the card to boost a trip and obviously have no other need for it.
Cancel and move on.