Name: Kristen Bowdoin
Title: Managing Director
Company, city: Chase Bank Credit Cards; Wilmington, Delaware
Number of employees: 12
Recent project: Relaunched the United MileagePlus Explorer Card from Chase on June 1; now called the United Explorer Card, it rewards cardmembers with two times the miles on dining and hotel stays, offers up to a $100 statement credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, and gives 25 percent back on in-flight purchases, including Wi‑Fi.
First job: My first job was at a fast-food Greek restaurant in Paramus Park Mall, where I developed a taste for Greek salads. My first role in credit cards began 23 years ago at a banking management company serving a Pennsylvania regional bank.
Little-known fact about you: I love to dance and am usually the first person on the dance floor at weddings.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years? The travel and payments space will continue to prioritize digital experiences. Card issuers will need to make credit cards more personally relevant on an individual level, tailoring offers and benefits across the entire travel journey. That personalization will touch pre-trip planning, in-trip conveniences and post-trip rewards.
Best career advice you’ve received: Be a strong, active listener. Attending meetings without truly listening prevents you from achieving the best outcomes. Equally important is surrounding yourself with people who bring different perspectives and backgrounds.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Always put the customer first. At Chase we design brands and products with the customer front and center, and that focus should guide decisions at every stage of a career in this industry.
Kristen Bowdoin as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: I traveled to Cuba with my brother, sister and oldest son. My mother was born there, so the trip carried special meaning. Cuba felt untouched in many ways, and I appreciated learning more about its history and people while experiencing the place through a personal, family lens.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Pack items in a coordinated color scheme to simplify outfits, and always pack workout clothes — you’ll be more likely to use them if they’re there.
Best advice for business travelers: Bring your own portable Wi‑Fi and a power bank. Reliable connectivity and a charged device make travel days and meetings more productive and less stressful.
About Chase Bank Credit Cards
What benefits can premium travelers expect from the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase? Premium travelers benefit most from lounge access, which provides a comfortable place to relax, work or eat while at the airport. The card also includes Premier Access and two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation, which can save time and money.
Tell our readers more about the United Explorer Card from Chase. The United Explorer Card is designed for travelers who want straightforward, meaningful rewards. It enhances the travel experience by offering stronger earning on United flights and new rewards for hotel stays and dining. Cardmembers also receive improved airport perks and increased earning potential across travel and everyday purchases, making it easier to be rewarded both in the air and on the ground.
What are the can’t-miss events happening with Inside Access from Chase? Inside Access events take place in United Airlines’ hub cities and give cardholders exclusive experiences, from culinary events to access to coveted reservations and weekend activations. Recent highlights have included the Kentucky Derby and Wimbledon, and seasonal programs like curated concert series. These events aim to connect cardmembers with memorable cultural and travel moments throughout the year.