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News: The New United Explorer card is here - Credit-Land.com

The United MileagePlus Explorer card has been replaced with the United Explorer card. The new upgraded version of the Explorer card offers double miles when staying at hotels and eating out at restaurants. This is in addition to the double miles cardholders already earned when buying tickets via United Airlines with the previous version of the card.

They have also upped the ante with the sign-up bonus that comes with the card. Now new cardholders can get 40,000 bonus miles once they spend $2,000 during the first 90 days of having the card. They also get a $100 credit to cover the cost of their Global Entry or TSA PreCheck clearance. Both the enhanced bonus and statement credit are available for a limited time, slated to end July 16, 2018.

Cardholders also get 25 percent off their in-flight purchases when flying with United Airlines, saving them money on everything from snacks and food to drinks and Wi-Fi.

Somethings change, others stay the same

While cardholders do get some new perks and benefits, many things are still the same, including the fact that people get double miles when making purchases with United Airlines.

People also get a free checked bag as long as they use their United Explorer card to buy their tickets. Their traveling companion gets a free checked bag as well.

Cardholders get priority boarding, along with two United Club passes each and every year they are a cardholder. Last seat availability is also part of this package, and cardholders do not have to deal with foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.

With the United Explorer card, miles don't expire and there are no blackout dates to deal with when booking flights.

Miles can be used to book flights on United Airlines, as well as via the Star Alliance and other carriers they have partnered with. They can also be used to get upgrades, rent a car and book a hotel room.

If people don't want to use their miles for travel, they can use them for merchandise, gift cards and get access to events.

Giving away miles

To get the word out about the new card, United Airlines and Chase Card Services are running a sweepstakes, during which they are set to give away as many as 20 million Miles.

How does it work? Over the summer there will be a variety of opportunities for people to win miles and get some freebies. For instance, at three United Airline hubs, people will walk into a party of sorts where they can win everything from hotel stays and restaurant vouchers to in-flight perks. The locations of these events will be a surprise.

There will also be three "rewarded flights" during which people will be able to partake of some of the 20 million United MileagePlus miles being given away. People can get more information on the website about the events and the contest.

There will be other events this summer too. The United Explorer card food truck will be rolled out with some help from Visa. The truck will drive through New York City, giving away some tasty treats from restaurants located at Newark Liberty International Airport, the carrier's hub.