United Club Card Review
The United Club Infinite Card is tailored for United Airlines enthusiasts. This review examines the card's premium features, airport lounge access, miles-earning opportunities, and annual fees, helping you decide if it aligns with your travel preferences.
The United ClubSM Infinite Card is a premium co-branded credit card offered by United Airlines in partnership with Chase. This card is designed for frequent United Airlines travelers who want to enjoy premium travel benefits, earn MileagePlus miles, and gain access to United Club lounges. Here's a review of the United Club Card:
Key Features and Benefits:
United Club Lounge Access: Cardmembers receive a United Club membership, providing access to United Club airport lounges. These lounges offer a comfortable environment with amenities like complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and business services.
Sign-Up Bonus: The card typically offers a substantial sign-up bonus when you meet the required spending threshold within the first few months of card membership.
MileagePlus Miles: Cardholders earn MileagePlus miles on purchases, including 4 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar spent on dining, and 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Free Checked Bags: When you fly with United Airlines, you and one companion on the same reservation can each check your first and second bags for free, which can result in significant savings.
Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets: If you're a MileagePlus Premier member, you may be eligible for upgrades on award tickets.
Priority Boarding: Cardholders receive priority boarding, allowing you to board early and secure overhead bin space.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: You can receive a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, helping expedite security and customs processing.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: This card is suitable for international travel because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Travel and Purchase Protections: Cardholders receive benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and purchase protection on eligible items.
Considerations:
Annual Fee: The United Club Card has an annual fee, which is relatively high. It's essential to ensure that the card's benefits and rewards justify this cost based on your travel and spending habits.
Credit Approval: To qualify for this premium card, you'll generally need an excellent credit score. The approval process can be competitive.
Limited Transfer Partners: While MileagePlus is United's frequent flyer program, it has some transfer partners, but it may not be as extensive as some other airline loyalty programs.
United Airlines Loyalty: This card is most beneficial for loyal United Airlines travelers. If you don't frequently fly with United, the rewards and benefits may not be as advantageous.
The United ClubSM Infinite Card is a top-tier premium credit card tailored for dedicated United Airlines travelers who want to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy premium travel perks. The card's rewards program, airport lounge access, free checked bags, and priority boarding can significantly enhance the travel experience for United loyalists. However, the annual fee and approval requirements mean that it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you're a frequent United flyer and prefer a card with premium rewards and travel benefits, the United Club Card is worth considering.
Assessing the premium benefits of the United Club Infinite Card..
The United Club Infinite Card offers a number of premium benefits, including:
- Access to over 650 United Clubs and Star Alliance lounges worldwide
- Priority boarding on all United flights
- First checked bag free on all United flights
- 25% back on in-flight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
- Travel insurance
These benefits can save you money and make travel more enjoyable and convenient. For example, access to United Clubs and Star Alliance lounges can give you a place to relax, work, or enjoy a meal before your flight. Priority boarding can help you save time at the airport and get on your flight quickly and easily. The first checked bag free benefit can save you money on baggage fees. The 25% back on in-flight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases can also save you money on your travel expenses.
The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit can help you save time and hassle at the airport. Purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel insurance can also give you peace of mind when you travel.
Overall, the United Club Infinite Card offers a number of valuable premium benefits that can save you money and make travel more enjoyable and convenient. If you are a frequent United traveler or a traveler who wants access to United Clubs and Star Alliance lounges, the United Club Infinite Card is a good option to consider.
Here is a comparison of the premium benefits of the United Club Infinite Card to other premium travel rewards credit cards:
| Card | Annual fee | Premium benefits |
|---|---|---|
| United Club Infinite Card | $550 | Access to over 650 United Clubs and Star Alliance lounges worldwide, priority boarding on all United flights, first checked bag free on all United flights, 25% back on in-flight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance |
| American Express® Platinum Card | $695 | Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance |
As you can see, the United Club Infinite Card compares favorably to other premium travel rewards credit cards. It offers a number of valuable premium benefits, including access to United Clubs and Star Alliance lounges, priority boarding on all United flights, and first checked bag free on all United flights.
If you are a frequent United traveler or a traveler who wants access to United Clubs and Star Alliance lounges, the United Club Infinite Card is a good option to consider.