United Credit Cards Offer Different Rewards for Different Travelers
United Airlines issues several credit cards through Chase, each designed for a different type of flyer. The main cards are the United Club Infinite Card, the United Explorer Card, the United Gateway Card, and the United TravelBank Card. Each one earns miles on United flights and purchases, but they differ in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and perks like lounge access and checked baggage allowances.
The card you choose depends on how often you fly United, whether you value airport lounge access, and how much you are willing to spend on an annual fee. A frequent business traveler might prioritize lounge access and elite status benefits, while an occasional leisure traveler might choose a card with no annual fee and a modest sign-up bonus.
Key Takeaways
- United offers four main credit cards through Chase, each with different annual fees and benefits aimed at different travel patterns.
- The United Club Infinite Card includes airport lounge access and higher earning rates, but carries the highest annual fee.
- The United Explorer Card is the mid-tier option, offering a checked baggage waiver and moderate earning rates at a moderate annual fee.
- The United Gateway Card and United TravelBank Card have no annual fees and are designed for occasional flyers or those building credit.
United Club Infinite Card: Premium Lounge and Status Benefits
The United Club Infinite Card is the premium option and includes unlimited access to United Club lounges at U.S. airports, plus access to partner lounges worldwide. It also grants complimentary United Club passes to give to family members or friends traveling with you. The card earns 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining and gas, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
This card carries an annual fee that is higher than the other United cards. It also includes a $100 annual United travel credit, which offsets some of the cost. If you fly United frequently and value lounge access, this card's benefits may justify the fee. However, if you fly only a few times per year, the lounge access may go unused.
United Explorer Card: Checked Baggage and Moderate Rewards
The United Explorer Card sits in the middle of the United lineup. It includes a free checked bag on United flights for you and one companion traveling on the same ticket, a benefit worth $35 to $70 per round trip depending on your route. The card earns 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and dining, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
The annual fee is moderate and typically includes a statement credit toward United purchases after your first year. The sign-up bonus is usually substantial—often 50,000 miles or more after you meet a spending requirement. For someone who takes a few United flights per year and wants to offset the annual fee with the checked baggage benefit, this card is often the most practical choice.
United Gateway Card and United TravelBank Card: No Annual Fee Options
The United Gateway Card and United TravelBank Card both carry no annual fee, making them suitable for people who fly United occasionally or want to earn miles without paying to hold the card. The Gateway Card earns 1 mile per dollar on all purchases, while the TravelBank Card earns 1.5 miles per dollar on United purchases and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
These cards typically offer smaller sign-up bonuses than the premium cards, but the lack of an annual fee means you can hold them indefinitely without cost. If you take one or two United flights per year and want to accumulate miles slowly, either of these cards lets you do so without a yearly charge.
How to Compare These Cards Side by Side
| Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Checked Bag Benefit | Earning Rate (United) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Infinite | Highest | Unlimited Club access | No | 4 miles per $1 |
| Explorer | Moderate | No | Free checked bag | 2 miles per $1 |
| Gateway | None | No | No | 1 mile per $1 |
| TravelBank | None | No | No | 1.5 miles per $1 |
Understanding Miles and How They Translate to Travel Value
United miles can be redeemed for flights on United and partner airlines, seat upgrades, or transferred to hotel and car rental partners. The value of a mile varies depending on how you use it. A mile redeemed for a short domestic flight might be worth less than a mile used toward a premium cabin seat on an international flight.
Most people value United miles at 1 to 1.5 cents per mile when calculating whether a card's rewards justify its annual fee. If a card earns 2 miles per dollar on dining and you spend $10,000 per year on dining, you earn 20,000 miles. At 1.25 cents per mile, that is worth about $250 in travel value. If the annual fee is $95, the net benefit is $155 before factoring in other perks like checked baggage or lounge access.
Which Card Matches Your Travel Pattern
If you fly United more than four times per year and value airport lounge access, the Club Infinite Card may be worth the cost. The lounge access alone can save you money on food and drinks at the airport, and the higher earning rate accelerates your mile accumulation.
If you fly United two to four times per year, the Explorer Card usually offers the best balance. The free checked bag benefit saves you money on every trip, and the moderate earning rate builds miles without requiring heavy spending on the card.
If you fly United once per year or less, or if you want to hold a United card without paying an annual fee, the Gateway or TravelBank Card keeps you earning miles at no cost. The TravelBank Card's higher earning rate on United purchases makes it the better choice if you plan to use the card for United bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to fly United to benefit from these cards?
No. All United cards earn miles on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining, not just United flights. However, the earning rates on non-United purchases are lower than on United bookings, so the cards are most valuable if you do fly United at least occasionally.
Can I hold more than one United credit card at the same time?
Yes, you can hold multiple United cards simultaneously. Some people hold both the Explorer Card and the Club Infinite Card to combine benefits. However, you will pay the annual fee on each card, so make sure the combined benefits justify the total cost.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Your miles remain in your United MileagePlus account even after you close the card. The miles do not expire as long as you have some account activity—such as earning or redeeming miles—at least once every 18 months.
Do these cards offer travel insurance or other protections?
Yes. United cards typically include trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling, and other protections. The specific coverage varies by card tier, with the Club Infinite Card offering the most comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to earn enough miles for a free flight?
A domestic round-trip flight on United typically costs 25,000 to 50,000 miles depending on the route and how far in advance you book. A sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles can cover one domestic round trip, or you can combine the bonus with miles earned on everyday purchases to reach higher redemption levels.