United MileagePlus Explorer 55,000 Mile Bonus

I've had the Chase United MileagePlus Explorer (personal and business) several times over the last few years.  Emily recently reached her 24 month anniversary of cancelling the personal version (Chase limits sign-up bonuses on products to once every 24 months) so she applied for the card.  The standard bonus you'll see on planes and in airports is terrible.  Only 30,000 miles which really won't get you very far on United.

You should be able to get the higher bonus offer (55,000 miles in total) by logging into your United MileagePlus account.  You'll typically see a banner add on the homepage or after clicking "View Account."

Click on "Learn More"

The higher offer provides 50,000 United miles are spending $2,000 in the first 90 days.  The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.  You will also receive an additional 5,000 miles for adding an authorized user (Perry has a few cards in our household) as well as 2 United Club passes.

55,000 total bonus miles

If you add an authorized user, you'll have 57,000 miles after reaching the bonus.  That is nearly enough for a roundtrip economy ticket from the US to Europe (60,000) or a one-way business class ticket between the US and Europe on United (Star Alliance partner flights cost 70,000).

United offers a free stopover and open jaw on award tickets making a roundtrip ticket even more valuable.  Given that purchasing that type of ticket (in economy) could run you north of $1,500, that's a pretty solid value from one sign-up bonus.

If you're a United flyer, this is a card worth acquiring.  You'll also receive priority boarding and a free checked bag.  Perks that are especially valuable if you don't already have United status.