Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 60k bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights.
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Side-by-side
United Explorer Card vs U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Explorer Card comes from Chase at $95/yr; the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite from U.S. Bank at $400/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | United Explorer Card | U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $400 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 miles | 50,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $780 | $750 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 3 mo | $4,500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | U.S. Bank |
| Card category | airline | travel |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$95/yr · 60,000 miles
Read the full review
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
$400/yr · 50,000 points
Editorial take: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
The hidden-gem premium card for mobile-wallet users — 5x on travel + dining via Apple Pay or Google Pay is the strongest single earning multiplier available. The $325 travel credit applies broadly (almost anything coded as travel or dining). Worth the $400 fee for anyone who taps to pay.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Explorer Card or U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite?
- The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 miles, worth roughly $780, versus 50,000 points (~$750) on the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite.
- Is the United Explorer Card's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite?
- At $95/yr, the United Explorer Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the United Explorer Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and U.S. Bank) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the United Explorer Card or the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Explorer Card: $3,000 spend in 3 months. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite: $4,500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.