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Best Chase United Credit Cards: Comparing the Benefits & Perks

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Chase offers 6 co-branded cards with United Airlines: 4 personal cards and 2 business cards.

When we talk about Chase cards, we often focus on how to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points. However, there are several benefits that come with the Chase United cards that should not be ignored. Let’s dig into each of these United cards and see what you get.

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Chase United Credit Cards

Whether looking for a card for your personal use or for your business, there are several cards in the United portfolio, from premium high-end cards to options without an annual fee! The following reviews will help you decide which card is right for you.

United Explorer Card (Best Sub-$100 Card for Checked Bags, Priority Boarding & United Club Access)

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000 bonus miles
$600
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros

  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
  • 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
  • First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion
  • 25% statement credit on United inflight purchases
  • Priority boarding
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit
  • 2 United Club 1-time passes each year
  • Premier upgrades on award tickets
  • Travel and purchase protections

Cons

  • $0 intro for the first year, then $95 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
  • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

Probably the most popular United card is the United Explorer card. This card comes with a sign-up bonus to get you started with a nice stash of MileagePlus miles, and there are several other useful benefits.

When you use this card to purchase a ticket on United, you will receive your first checked bag for free. Additionally, 1 traveling companion on your itinerary will also receive a free checked bag. This could save you up to $100 in checked bag fees charged by United.

Cardholders also receive priority boarding access which can be very useful when you want to ensure that you find overhead space for your carry-on bag. While it’s free to gate-check a bag, this can be very inconvenient if you have a tight connection.

You’ll also get 25% back on United inflight Wi-Fi, food, and drinks.

When you are approved for the card, you will receive 2 single-use passes to the United Club. These are great when you want to make a fun trip just that little bit better. You will continue to receive these for each cardmember anniversary.

When it comes to earning more United MileagePlus miles, you will earn 2x miles on all purchases with United, hotels, and dining and 1x miles on all other purchases. Your miles will not expire as long as your card is open.

Plus, every 4 years you can receive a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit (up to $100).

United Quest Card (Best Mid-tier Card for Checked Bags & Priority Boarding)

United Quest℠ Card

United Quest℠ Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000 miles
$720
$250
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The newest addition to United’s lineup of cards is the United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between the United℠ Explorer Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros

  • 3x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services
  • $125 annual United credit
  • 2 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits
  • Free first and second checked bag for you and 1 traveling companion
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases
  • Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United-operated award tickets (when available)
  • Expanded award availability
  • Up to 3,000 Premier Qualifying Points
  • Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
  • Travel and shopping protections including trip delay insurance, lost/delayed luggage insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection

Cons

  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Does not offer airport lounge access
  • $250 annual fee
  • Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel, dining and select streaming services
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and priority boarding
  • Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

The newest edition to the United lineup of credit cards is the United Quest card. With a mid-range annual fee, it sits squarely between the more affordable United Explorer card and the more premium United Club Infinite card.

In terms of rewards, United Quest cardholders earn 3x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on travel, dining, and streaming services, plus 1x miles on all other purchases.

The United Quest card comes packed with some benefits that United frequent flyers are sure to love. For starters, cardholders receive a $125 annual United purchase credit that can be applied to any United expense — including flights!

If you love booking award flights, the United Quest card helps stretch your miles even further by giving you up to 2 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits after you book an award ticket with your United miles. So as long as you book at least 2 United award tickets each year, you can count on receiving 10,000 United miles on your account anniversary.

Chasing United elite status? The United Quest card can help you get there by offering 25 PQPs for every $500 you spend on your United Quest card (up to 6,000 PQPs in a calendar year).

You and 1 traveling companion will also receive 2 free checked bags when you use your United Quest card to purchase your tickets, along with other great benefits like priority boarding, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit, and 25% back on United inflight purchases.

Hot Tip: Chase United credit cards are eligible for Chase Offers. Check out our complete guide to Chase Offers for ways to save a lot on special discount offers or earn a lot of extra points!

United Club Infinite Card (Best Top-tier Card for United Club Membership & Premier Access)

United Club Heathrow Seating
Enjoy access to United Clubs with either of United’s co-branded Club cards. Image Credit: Greg Stone

United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles
$960
$525
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros

  • 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
  • Complimentary United Club membership
  • Free first and second checked bag for you and 1 traveling companion
  • United Premier Access
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases
  • Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United-operated award tickets (when available)
  • Expanded award availability
  • Up to 10,000 Premier Qualifying Points
  • $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
  • Trip protections like trip delay insurance, lost and delayed luggage insurance, and rental car insurance
  • Shopping protections like return protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection
  • IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and a $75 annual credit
  • Avis President’s Club elite status
  • 10% discount on United Economy Saver Awards within the continental U.S. and Canada

Cons

  • $525 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

The United Club Infinite card is a high-end card with perks and benefits to match. The annual fee is $525, and it’s pretty easy to see why.

As a cardholder, you’ll receive full membership to the United Club. This allows you and 2 guests to access United Clubs anytime you’re traveling on United or a Star Alliance partner. As a comparison, United Club memberships are sold by United for $650 per year.

This card also earns 100% more on United purchases than the United Explorer card, which means you can earn 4x miles on all United purchases, as opposed to 2x with the United Explorer card.

You (and a companion) will also receive 2 free checked bags, as well as Premier Access at the airport where available. Premier Access provides 4 main benefits: dedicated check-in lines, priority security lanes, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling so you can get your checked bags quickly.

The travel perks don’t stop with United, though. You will also receive a $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, orNEXUS credit and 25% back on United inflight purchases.

This card also provides access to The Luxury Hotel & Resorts Collection. When you book stays with this card, you can receive benefits such as breakfast for 2, a dining or spa credit, complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades when available, and early check-in and late checkout when available.

The United Club Infinite card also recently launched new perks, including IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, Avis President’s Club elite status, and 10% discount on United Economy Saver Awards within the continental U.S. and Canada.

United Gateway Card (Best for Earning United Miles With No Annual Fee)

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Gateway℠ Card

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.
Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
20,000 miles
$240
$0
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The United Gateway℠ Card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without wanting to pay a credit card annual fee. Plus, the card offers other solid benefits like a 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.

Pros

  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
  • 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
  • Rental car insurance
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty coverage

Cons

  • If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
  • It does not earn transferable rewards
  • Earn 20,000 bonus miles
  • No annual fee
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Want to earn United miles and benefits but aren’t keen on the idea of paying an annual fee? Then the United Gateway card might be the perfect option for you. The no-annual-fee card offers you 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and transit and commuting (including ride shares, trains, and mass transit), and 1x miles on all other purchases.

While the United Gateway card doesn’t offer nearly as many benefits as all of the other co-branded United cards, you’ll still get perks like 25% back on United inflight purchases, expanded United award availability, trip cancellation insurance, and purchase protection.

Hot Tip: Cardholders of the United Business card, United Club Business card, United Club Infinite card, and United Explorer card are also eligible for a 12-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (enroll by December 31, 2024).

United Business Card (Best Sub-$100 Business Card for Checked Bags, Priority Boarding & United Club Access)

United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Business Card

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 100,000 bonus miles
$1,200
$99
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)

The United Business card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will the card help you earn more United miles, but it also offers great perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, a discount on inflight purchases, and much more.

Pros

  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on dining
  • 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting
  • 1x mile per $1 all other purchases
  • Free checked bag
  • 2 United Club 1-time passes each year
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases
  • Priority boarding
  • $100 United Annual Travel Credit after you make 7 United flight travel-related purchases, each totaling $100 or more, with your card
  • 5,000 anniversary bonus miles when you have the United Business card and a personal United credit card
  • Employee cards at no added cost
  • Earn 25 PQPs towards United status for every $500 you spend on your United Business card (up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year).
  • Travel and purchase protections

Cons

  • Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
  • Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases
  • Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
  • Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
  • $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

The United Business card is a great option for small business owners who frequently fly with United. The card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting charges.

It also includes perks like priority boarding, your first checked bag free, a $100 annual United travel credit (after you make 7 United flight travel-related purchases, each totaling $100 or more) with your card, 25% back on United inflight purchases, 2 United Club 1-time passes, and 5,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary when you have both the United Business card and a personal United card.

United Club Business Card (Best Top-tier Business Card for United Club Membership & Premier Access)

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
United Club℠ Business Card

United Club℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

United Club℠ Business Card

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
75,000 miles
$900
$450
21.99%–28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The United Club℠ Business Card is a premium card option for dedicated United loyalists seeking a card that offers complimentary United Club access, helps them earn and retain status, and doesn’t skip on the benefits.

From free checked bags to upgrades on award tickets and the ability to earn Premier qualifying points, there is plenty to the United Club Business card that United flyers are sure to love.

Pros

  • 2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases
  • 1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Complimentary United Club membership
  • Free checked bags
  • Premier Access travel services
  • Discount on inflight purchases
  • Upgrades on award tickets
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • Travel and purchase protections

Cons

  • $450 annual fee
  • Earning rate for United purchases is poor compared to other United cards
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
  • Earn 2x miles on United purchases
  • Earn 1.5x miles on all other purchases
  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • United Club membership — up to a $650 value per year. Relax in comfort while waiting for your flight with complimentary beverages, snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more
  • Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, save up to $320 per round-trip
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.99%–28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Card Categories

The United Club Business card differs a bit from the personal version of the card. This card earns 2x miles on all United purchases and 1.5x miles on all other purchases, but the annual fee is less expensive at $450.

This card comes with complimentary United Club membership, Premier Access at the airport where available, free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, 25% back on United inflight purchases, upgrades on award tickets, and more.

Cardmembers will also receive complimentary Avis President’s Club elite status and benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resorts Collection.

Hot Tip: United Club membership does not allow you access to United’s Polaris Lounges. To gain access to a Polaris Lounge, you must be traveling on a United flight in Polaris first class or business— this is different than United first or business — or in first or business class on an international Star Alliance flight.

Extra Award Space on United Flights

United Polaris seat on Boeing 787 9 Dreamliner
While standard awards are not a great deal, if you need 1 in a pinch, then guaranteed space is nice to have. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

One of the best perks provided by all 6 of these United cards? Guaranteed access to extra award availability on United flights.

With these cards, you’ll receive access to award space in the fare class XN, which is only available to cardholders and those who have earned status on United. The XN fare class is a saver-level economy fare class.

While we often talk about booking United business class and first class, this extra economy award space can be extremely useful when you need to book a flight but ticket prices are sky-high.

Additionally, cardholders are guaranteed the ability to book a standard level award in first class, business class, or economy on United if there is a seat for sale. While we don’t recommend booking standard-level awards, they can be useful if you’re in a tough spot.

Bottom Line: Access to extra award space on United might be the best perk offered by its co-branded airline cards.

What Can You Do With United Miles?

United MileagePlus miles can be used to book awards on United or any of its Star Alliance partners. Thanks to the large Star Alliance network, you can travel just about anywhere.

In fact, some of the best redemption options are on United’s partners. With United miles, you can book Lufthansa first class, which is considered one of the best flying experiences in the world.

You could also book an award flight on EVA Air to Taiwan in one of the nicest business class cabins out there.

Hot Tip: For some inspiration, check out the best ways to redeem United MileagePlus miles and see all the amazing trips you could take.

Elite Status Premier Qualifying Points

If you fly with United regularly and are looking to reach a certain Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) or Premier Qualifying Flight (PQF) requirement, one of these co-branded United cards can help.

First, let’s look at the requirements of each elite status level with United.

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2024 StatusEarn Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF)and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP)… or Meet a Higher PQP Goal
Premier Silver124,0005,000
Premier Gold248,00010,000
Premier Platinum3612,00015,000
Premier 1K5418,00024,000

United Explorer card, United Quest card, United Club Infinite card, United Business card, and United Club Business cardholders can earn 25 PQPs for every $500 they spend on their card — for a maximum of 1,000 PQPs per year with the United Business card, United Club Business card, and the United Explorer card; 6,000 for the United Quest card; and 10,000 for the United Club Infinite card).

While hitting these spending thresholds certainly won’t fast-track you to any particular elite status level, it can certainly help if you’re already flying with United frequently.

Which United Card Should You Get?

If you’re looking for an easy way to earn United MileagePlus miles and want access to award space, and some of the benefits that come with low-level United elite status, the United Explorer card is a great choice.

However, if you know you will be flying out of airports with United Clubs regularly and would prefer to earn 4x miles on United purchases, the United Club Infinite card might be right for you.

If you’re looking for something a little more robust than the benefits offered with the United Explorer card, but don’t quite want to pay the large annual fee of the United Club Infinite card, then the United Quest card is a happy medium.

On the other hand, if you really prefer to avoid paying an annual fee, but still want to earn United miles and receive a few benefits, too, then the United Gateway card would be your best bet.

For business cards, the United Business card is great thanks to 3 bonus categories that earn 2x miles per dollar. If your spending lines up with those categories, it can easily outweigh the 4x miles on United purchases with the United Club Business card. In this case, you have to decide if the other perks from a higher-end card are worth it.

Alternatives to the Chase United Credit Cards

Singapore Suites First Class Morning Coffee and Champagne
With the flexibility of Ultimate Rewards, you could transfer to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program to fly Suites class. Image Credit: Alex Miller

We can’t forget to mention that earning United miles with a United-branded card locks you into booking with United miles. If you aren’t concerned about extra award space, United Club access, or other perks, you might want to consider earning Chase Ultimate Rewards that can be transferred to United as well as the other Chase travel partners.

Cards that earn Ultimate Rewards often come with more bonus categories that can help you earn points even faster. Since you won’t be locked in with a single airline program, you’ll have many more options to redeem Ultimate Rewards.

If you want to use United miles but flexibility is important to you, consider earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points with these cards:

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros

  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
  • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
  • 10% annual bonus points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
  • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
  • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass airport lounge access
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
  • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
  • Rental car elite status with National and Avis

Cons

  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Hot Tip: United is also transfer partners with Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. While American Express Membership Rewards cannot be directly transferred to United, you can utilize its Star Alliance airline partners (Air Canada, ANA, Singapore Airlines) to book United flights.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking for a card for personal use or business expenses, Chase has plenty of options to choose from. If you prefer to stick to redeeming United MileagePlus miles, one of the co-branded United cards might be just what you need.

In search of extra perks such as United Club access? One of the United Club cards can provide that.

Finally, if you want the ability to earn tons of points but don’t want to be locked into United’s MileagePlus program (just in case there’s a better option for some of your travel), you can look to Amex, Bilt, Chase, and Marriott Bonvoy cards that earn transferrable points.

Whatever you choose, you’re going to get some great value out of these cards. Whether it’s free checked bags and priority boarding or flexible points that can be transferred to United, you’re on the way to enjoying a better travel experience!

The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do miles earned with the United credit cards count toward elite status?

No, the miles you earn with the United cards are redeemable miles. They do not count towards elite status.

Can you transfer United miles to other airlines?

No, but you can book flights on United’s partners using United miles. As a member of Star Alliance, there are plenty of other airlines that you can fly with United miles.

Can you have more than 1 United co-branded credit card?

Yes, you could technically get all of them — but that wouldn’t necessarily be the best decision. In all likelihood, you can choose just the 1 card that best fits your needs.

Which United credit card is best?

The “best” United card will depend on what you are looking for out of the card. If you want to earn the most possible for your United purchases and get United Club access, then you should go with the United Club Infinite card.

Prefer not to pay an annual fee but still want to earn United miles? The United Gateway card makes the most sense here.

If you want a middle-of-the-road option that offers a nice balance of perks relative to the annual fee, then consider the United Explorer card or United Quest card.

Spencer Howard's image

About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

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