Best in Class
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United Club Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The United Club Card caters to a specific audience, and only those who fly United multiple times per year will find the high annual fee ($695) justifiable. If you’re not a United loyalist but have a few United flights planned in the upcoming year, you could still benefit from getting the card and then cancelling. The signup bonus of 90,000 miles and United Club membership alone make this card valuable. If you’re at the point in your miles journey where you’re looking at co-branded airline cards, United is the one we recommend first. It’s our favorite airline for collecting points, as it offers great redemption, particularly for international and business flights, and it’s a partner with Chase, making topping off easy.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The United Club membership is its most significant perk, valued at about $750 annually. This membership provides unlimited access for you (and eligible companions) to United Clubs and select Star Alliance lounges. Additional travel benefits include first and second checked bags for you and one companion on the same reservation, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry reimbursement (up to $120 every four years), and Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards. You’ll also get premier access travel services such as priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling.
This card covers its bases by offering a range of credits to entice cardmembers to stick around. You’ll receive:
- $150 in annual rideshare credits ($12 per month, plus $18 in December)
- $240 in annual Instacart credits (two $10 credits per month)
- $200 in annual credits on prepaid hotel stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
- $200 in annual credits on flights purchased through JSX
- $100 in Avis or Budget credits (split into two $50 credits) and complimentary Avis President’s Club membership
You’ll also enjoy a 10% Saver Award discount when booking award flights. Remember, you can redeem MileagePlus miles with any Star Alliance partner airline to maximize your miles.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- If you don’t fly United/Star Alliance multiple times per year
- If you don’t often travel through airports with United Club or participating Star Alliance lounge
What to Know About United MileagePlus
United is a solid option for international flights, especially for business class.
- United has ample cards for collecting large sums of points.
- International business class seats can be found for as low as 60,000 points to South America and 80,000 to Europe.
- They’re a partner in our favorite rewards system, making top offs from Chase Ultimate Rewards both easy and a good value.
- United is also a decent option for domestic flights and standard international fares, but we generally use Southwest, American or Delta for those.
- We save our United points for those long international flights where business class is a difference maker.
How The United Club Credit Card Fits In The United MileagePlus Ecosystem
United has a card for everyone, depending on travel habits:
- United Gateway: $0 annual fee, low sign-up bonus, limited benefits (in line with no annual fee).
- United Explorer: $150 annual fee (waived the first year), decent 60,000-mile sign-up bonus, plus two United Club passes per year.
- United Quest: $350 annual fee, 70,000-mile sign-up bonus, two free checked bags, $200 in annual United credits, and additional credits to compare with the Explorer card.
If you’re close to hitting your 5/24 limit, there are two business cards to consider:
- United Business Card: 75,000-mile sign-up bonus, $150 annual fee (waived the first year), two United Club passes per year, and a free checked bag.
- United Club Business Card: $695 annual fee, offering United Club membership and similar perks to the personal United Club Credit Card.
Card Information
Bonus Points
90,000
Minimum Spend
$5,000 / 3mo
Point Value
1.3 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$695
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
United Club Membership
Free Checked Bags (2) + 1 Guest
9X on United Flight Purchases
Rules
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
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Total Annual Value
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Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
6.5¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
5.2¢
Per Dollar
Spent
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2.6¢
Per Dollar
Spent
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2.6¢
Per Dollar
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1.3¢
Per Dollar
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United Club Application Rules
If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus.
Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months.
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days
Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months
Point Transfer Options
+7 Lower Value Transfers Show
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
6th
Rank
3rd
Rank
6th
Honorable Mention
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Ranking of Cards Offering United MileagePlus
Downgrade Options
United Explorer
United MileagePlus
United Quest
United MileagePlus
United Gateway
United MileagePlus