Choosing between the Citi Double Cash Card (no annual fee) and the United Explorer Card ($150/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in travel at 5%. Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. Earns a solid 2.0% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 2%. 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.
Apply Now| Feature | Citi Double Cash Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $150 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $200 after $1,500 spend in 6 months | 70,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>2.0%</strong> | 1.0% |
| Travel Rewards | <strong>5%</strong> | 2% |
| Dining Rewards | 2% | 2% |
| Key Benefits | Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. |
Citi Double Cash Card pulls ahead for travel, groceries, gas spending.
The $150/year fee difference means United Explorer Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.