Chase United Explorer vs Wells Fargo Reflect
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Wells Fargo Reflect wins 3-2. 21-month 0% intro APR, best balance-transfer card on the market. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists, free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase United Explorer | Wells Fargo Reflect |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $150 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 2% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months | = No welcome bonus, value is the long 0% APR |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
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
Wells Fargo Reflect
- 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases + balance transfers
- 1% cashback on rotating bonuses (rare for Wells Fargo)
- Cell phone protection
- No annual fee
FAQ
›Chase United Explorer vs Wells Fargo Reflect: which is better?
Wells Fargo Reflect wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›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, Wells Fargo Reflect 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. Wells Fargo Reflect: No welcome bonus, value is the long 0% APR.