Is the United Quest Card worth the higher annual fee?

The United Quest Card costs $300/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the United Explorer Card or United Quest Card?

Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the United Explorer Card have that the United Quest Card doesn't?

The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Quest Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the United Explorer Card or the United Quest Card?

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the United Quest Card if you spend enough to justify the $300/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the United Quest Card worth the higher annual fee?

The United Quest Card costs $300/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the United Explorer Card or United Quest Card?

Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the United Explorer Card have that the United Quest Card doesn't?

The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Quest Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the United Explorer Card or the United Quest Card?

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the United Quest Card if you spend enough to justify the $300/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the United Quest Card worth the higher annual fee?

The United Quest Card costs $300/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the United Explorer Card or United Quest Card?

Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the United Explorer Card have that the United Quest Card doesn't?

The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Quest Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the United Explorer Card or the United Quest Card?

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the United Quest Card if you spend enough to justify the $300/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

United Explorer Card vs United Quest Card

The United Explorer Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the United Quest Card ($300/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150(waived year 1)

$300

Welcome Bonus

70,000 Airline

80,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	United Explorer Card	United Quest Card
United Airlines	2X

Category-by-Category Winner

The United Quest Card wins in 4 of 5 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 1.

United Purchases

United Quest Card earns 3X vs 2X

Hotels

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Quest Card earns 3X vs 2X

Streaming

United Quest Card earns 2X vs 1X

Travel

United Quest Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The United Quest Card costs $300/yr — that's $150 more than the United Explorer Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $150 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The United Quest Card offers travel credits, free checked bags. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on united purchases and united airlines, the United Quest Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing United Quest Card means losing:

Airport lounge access

The Bottom Line

The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $300), making it the more accessible option.

The United Quest Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the United Quest Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the United Quest Card worth the higher annual fee?: The United Quest Card costs $300/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the United Explorer Card or United Quest Card?: Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the United Explorer Card have that the United Quest Card doesn't?: The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The United Quest Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the United Explorer Card or the United Quest Card?: Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the United Quest Card if you spend enough to justify the $300/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

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Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

United Explorer Card vs United Quest Card

The United Explorer Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the United Quest Card ($300/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.