Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Chase United Explorer vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Chase
Chase United Explorer
VISA
Wins 1 of 10
US
Citi
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie, neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase United Explorer | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $150 | $99 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 2% (travel) | = 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months | = 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.2/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase United Explorer
- 9x total miles on eligible United flights
- 3x miles on all other eligible United purchases
- 2x miles on dining, including eligible delivery services
- 2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on United-operated flights
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
- 2x miles on American Airlines + dining + gas
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag for cardholder + 4 companions
- Preferred boarding
- Annual fee waived first year
FAQ
›Chase United Explorer vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: which is better?
It's a true tie, pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase United Explorer wins on 1 criteria, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select on 1.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase United Explorer for its best categories, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months.