I receive compensation for content and many links on this blog. Citibank is an advertising partner of this site, as is American Express, Chase, Barclays and Capital One. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners. I do not write about all credit cards that are available — instead focusing on miles, points, and cash back (and currencies that can be converted into the same). Terms apply to the offers and benefits listed on this page.
The United ClubSM Infinite Card is the best way for most United flyers to gain access to United’s clubs. It has a $525 annual fee and currently has an offer to earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That makes getting the card a no-brainer for many who can do so.
Ongoing the card will earn earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
Benefits with this Visa Infinite product include up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck® fee credit and 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights when you pay with your Club Infinite Card. You receive free first and second checked bags (a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip, terms apply).
The initial bonus offer is worth way more than the card’s fee, and the card comes with access to United’s clubs. For United flyers that’s an unbeatable combination, and also fantastic for those looking to earn a lot of United miles quickly, great for Star Alliance business class award tickets without fuel surcharges. And having elite status or a United credit card gets you access to better award availability at lower prices on United, too.
For those looking for a lower annual fee, the airline’s primary co-brand UnitedSM Explorer Card has an offer to earn up to 70,000 bonus miles. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 miles after you spend $6,000 total on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open.
What’s more the UnitedSM Explorer Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. That makes this potentially a more efficient card for earning a lot of miles than the United ClubSM Infinite Card for those who do not value club lounge access.
What’s great about this $0 intro annual fee the first year then $95 annual fee card is the travel benefits when flying United. You get first bag for free when you use your card to purchase your ticket. You get priority boarding (avoid having to gate check your carry on, and indeed on a Basic Economy fare you can still bring on a full-sized carry on bag).
You’ll get 2 one-time United Club passes each year for your account anniversary as well. And the card offers up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck® fee Credit.
Cardmembers get access to extra award availability at lower mileage prices that general members don’t have. Elites with either card can receive complimentary domestic upgrades on award tickets.
Both cards of course will only be open to those who have opened fewer than 5 new cards in the past 24 months (Chase’s ‘5/24’).
