United Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It?

When it comes to credit cards, the United Credit Card stands out as a popular choice for those who travel frequently or need a reliable and beneficial rewards program. This card offers a wide range of features, from valuable travel perks to straightforward cashback benefits, making it a top contender in the competitive world of credit cards.

United Credit Cards come with various versions tailored to different types of users, from casual travelers to frequent flyers. Whether you are looking to maximize your rewards points for airline travel or earn cash back on everyday purchases, the United Credit Card might be the perfect fit.

Key Benefits of the United Credit Card

The United Credit Card offers a range of valuable benefits tailored to travelers, business owners, and those looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending. These benefits make it a versatile option in the competitive credit card market, particularly for those who are loyal to United Airlines or frequently travel. Below, we’ll dive deeper into the key benefits that set the United Credit Card apart from other cards in the market.

1. Generous Rewards System

One of the most attractive features of the United Credit Card is its rewards system. United offers multiple credit card tiers, each designed to help cardholders earn miles with every purchase. Miles can then be redeemed for a variety of travel-related expenses such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even vacation packages. The miles you accumulate are part of the MileagePlus program, which is United’s frequent flyer program, offering extensive redemption options.

United Explorer Card and United Club Infinite Card are some of the most popular options, with both cards providing excellent mileage-earning potential. Here’s how the reward system works across the different cards:

United Explorer Card: You earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel accommodations, as well as 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. This makes the card a good fit for those who frequently dine out or book travel, as well as for everyday purchases.
United Club Infinite Card: For those who prefer a higher earning rate, the United Club Infinite Card offers 3 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, including tickets, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases. It also provides 2 miles per dollar on dining and travel, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases, making it an excellent card for frequent flyers who want to earn maximum miles.

Moreover, all United Credit Cards typically offer lucrative welcome bonuses for new cardholders. You can earn thousands of bonus miles when meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first 3 months, which can quickly boost your mileage balance and help you redeem for free flights or upgrades sooner.

2. Exclusive Travel Perks

Another key benefit of the United Credit Card is the array of exclusive travel perks it provides. These perks enhance the travel experience by saving time, money, and offering added comfort. Some of these perks are exclusive to higher-tier cards, like the United Club Infinite Card, while others are available across multiple United Credit Cards.

Priority Boarding: Cardholders of certain United Credit Cards, such as the United Explorer Card, enjoy priority boarding on United Airlines flights. This benefit allows you to board earlier than most passengers, ensuring you have a better chance of finding space in the overhead bins for your carry-on luggage. It also provides a more comfortable and relaxed boarding experience.
Free Checked Bags: United Credit Cards include free checked bags for cardholders and a companion when traveling on United Airlines flights. This perk is incredibly valuable for travelers, as it can save up to $35 per checked bag on each flight, especially for families or groups traveling together. Cardholders of the United Explorer Card enjoy one free checked bag for themselves and one travel companion, while those with the United Club Infinite Card can receive this benefit for up to two companions.
United Club Access: Cardholders of the United Club Infinite Card enjoy complimentary access to United Club airport lounges. These lounges offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of airport terminals, with amenities such as comfortable seating, free snacks and beverages, high-speed internet, and workstations. This benefit is particularly beneficial for frequent flyers who want a quiet space to relax, recharge, or work before their flights.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: The United Credit Card also provides a statement credit for the application fees of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. These programs expedite your security screening at airports, which can be a significant time-saver when traveling domestically or internationally. Global Entry, which is available for international travelers, helps you breeze through U.S. customs when returning to the United States. TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, gives you access to expedited security lines at U.S. airports for quicker screenings.

3. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For travelers who venture abroad, the no foreign transaction fees benefit of the United Credit Card is a game-changer. With many credit cards charging a foreign transaction fee of around 3% on purchases made outside the United States, this benefit ensures that you can make purchases without worrying about additional fees. Whether you’re shopping in London, dining in Paris, or booking a hotel room in Tokyo, the United Credit Card saves you money by waiving this fee, making it an ideal card for international travel.

4. Special MileagePlus Benefits

United’s MileagePlus program is one of the most extensive frequent flyer programs, and United Credit Cards come with a range of benefits designed to enhance your earning and redemption opportunities.

Bonus Miles for Specific Purchases: As mentioned earlier, certain United Credit Cards offer additional miles per dollar for specific categories like United purchases, dining, and travel. This allows cardholders to accelerate their earning of miles and take advantage of promotions to boost their account balance.
Access to Special Deals and Offers: United often provides cardholders with exclusive offers through the MileagePlus program, including discounts on flights, hotel bookings, car rentals, and vacation packages. This can significantly reduce travel costs, making the United Credit Card a useful tool for budget-conscious travelers.
MileagePlus Premier Status: With some of the higher-tier United Credit Cards, like the United Club Infinite Card, you may also be able to earn Premier qualifying miles toward achieving Premier status with United Airlines. This status unlocks even more travel perks, such as priority check-in, upgrades, and access to premium seating.

5. Travel and Purchase Protection

Another key advantage of the United Credit Card is the travel insurance and purchase protection that comes with certain cards. This is particularly important for those who want peace of mind when making large purchases or when traveling.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason, such as illness or severe weather, United Credit Card holders may be eligible for reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
Baggage Delay Insurance: If your checked bags are delayed for more than a few hours, the cardholder may receive compensation for the purchase of necessary items, such as clothing and toiletries, while waiting for their luggage.
Travel Accident Insurance: This benefit offers coverage in the event of an accident while traveling. If an accident occurs during your trip, the United Credit Card provides coverage for medical expenses and even provides a death benefit for certain types of accidents.
Purchase Protection: The card provides protection for purchases made with your United Credit Card. If an item is damaged or stolen within a specific time frame after purchase, you may be eligible for reimbursement or repair.

The key benefits of the United Credit Card make it a standout option for travelers and those looking to earn valuable rewards on everyday purchases. From generous miles-earning potential and travel perks like priority boarding and free checked bags to no foreign transaction fees and special MileagePlus benefits, the United Credit Card provides a wide range of advantages. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, business owner, or someone who loves to dine out and shop, this card offers rewards that can significantly improve your travel experience and help you save on future trips.

Real-World Examples of United Credit Card Products

To provide a comprehensive understanding of how the United Credit Card works, let’s take a look at some examples of real-world products related to the United credit card ecosystem. These examples will help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs.

Example 1: United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card is one of the most popular offerings from United Credit Cards. This card is designed for those who fly often with United Airlines, offering an array of travel benefits and rewards. The key features of the United Explorer Card include:

Bonus Miles: New cardholders can earn a substantial number of bonus miles when they meet a minimum spend requirement within the first three months.
Priority Boarding: This feature allows cardholders to board early on United Airlines flights.
Free First Checked Bag: Cardholders can check their first bag for free, saving up to $35 per flight.
MileagePlus Miles: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases and 1 mile on other purchases.

Pros:

Excellent bonus miles for sign-up
Strong rewards for frequent United Airlines customers
Access to United Club lounges with a companion pass

Cons:

Annual fee applies
Limited to United Airlines partners for reward redemption

Price: The United Explorer Card comes with an annual fee, which is waived for the first year. Afterward, the standard fee is typically around $95.

Example 2: United Club Infinite Card

The United Club Infinite Card is aimed at business travelers or those who value premium services. This card is designed to maximize rewards while offering elite travel benefits, making it one of the top-tier products from United Credit Cards.

Access to United Club: Cardholders get access to United Club lounges, which are perfect for relaxing before flights.
3 Miles per Dollar: Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, making this card ideal for frequent flyers.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: The card includes a range of insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation, travel accident, and baggage delay coverage.

Pros:

Free access to United Club lounges
Higher miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases
Comprehensive travel insurance

Cons:

Higher annual fee compared to other United cards
Not ideal for casual travelers

Price: The United Club Infinite Card has an annual fee of $525, but the luxury perks and travel benefits are well worth it for those who frequently travel internationally or domestically.

Example 3: United Business Card

The United Business Card is tailored for business owners who want to earn miles for their company’s travel expenses. It offers a wealth of benefits aimed at streamlining business travel while offering flexibility and rewards.

Earn 2 Miles per Dollar: Cardholders can earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases and business-related expenses.
Expanded MileagePlus Benefits: Like other United cards, it allows users to earn additional miles on travel-related purchases, which can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades.
Business-Specific Perks: Includes useful tools for managing business expenses and accessing employee cards.

Pros:

Excellent for businesses with regular travel needs
Extra miles for business expenses
Access to priority boarding and free checked bags

Cons:

Annual fee applies
Best suited for businesses that spend a lot on travel

Price: The annual fee is typically around $99, making it a reasonable option for businesses with significant travel expenses.

How to Buy the United Credit Card

If you’re interested in purchasing a United Credit Card, the process is straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Choose the Right Card: Depending on your needs, you can choose between the various United Credit Cards, such as the United Explorer Card, United Club Infinite Card, or United Business Card.
Visit the Official Website: Head to United’s official website or trusted third-party sites like United.com for the latest card offers and applications.
Submit an Application: Complete the online application form by providing necessary details such as personal information, financial history, and income.
Wait for Approval: If your application is approved, your card will be mailed to you. You can then start using it for purchases and earning rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between the United Explorer Card and the United Club Infinite Card?

The primary difference lies in the level of benefits offered. The United Explorer Card is great for frequent travelers looking for a solid rewards program, while the United Club Infinite Card offers more luxurious perks like free access to United Club lounges and more extensive travel insurance coverage.

2. How can I earn miles with the United Credit Card?

You can earn miles by making everyday purchases using your United Credit Card. Depending on the card you choose, you may earn additional miles for specific categories such as travel, dining, and United Airlines purchases.

3. Are there any hidden fees with the United Credit Card?

While the United Credit Cards are designed to offer great rewards, be aware that some versions come with annual fees. Additionally, you should watch out for foreign transaction fees and late payment fees. Always read the terms and conditions before applying.

In conclusion, the United Credit Card offers a variety of benefits for frequent travelers, business owners, and casual users alike. From earning valuable miles for travel rewards to enjoying priority boarding and free checked bags, it’s a versatile option for anyone looking to make the most of their credit card purchases. Whether you’re interested in the United Explorer Card or the premium United Club Infinite Card, you’re sure to find a plan that fits your travel needs and financial goals.