Chase United Explorer returns $230 over its fee and Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite returns $70, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | BANK OF AMERICA PREMIUM REWARDS ELITE | UNITED EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| 🌎Travel | $330 | $200 |
| 🍽️Food & Dining | — | $120 |
| 🚗Transportation | — | $60 |
| Total credits | $480 | $380 |
| Annual fee | $550 | $150 |
You use travel.
You use food & dining, transportation. Food & Dining and Transportation alone are worth $180 here and nothing on the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite.
The Chase United Explorer is better with $230 net annual value compared to the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite at -$70. The Chase United Explorer wins by $300/year.
The key differences: Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite has a $550 annual fee and $480 in annual benefits, while Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $400.
The Chase United Explorer has a lower annual fee at $150 compared to the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite at $550. However, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite offers $480 in total annual benefits.
Yes, the Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value compared to -$70 for the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite. It also has a lower annual fee.
For these specific cards, Chase's Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite is better for travel with $330 in annual travel benefits compared to $200 for the Chase United Explorer.
| Net value | -$70 | +$230 |
If you're deciding between the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite and Chase United Explorer, the Chase United Explorer is the better choice with $230 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.