The New United Club Card Benefits for Active-Duty U.S. Military Members [$6,100+]

Military service involves sacrifice and commitment, but it can also bring financial challenges. Fortunately, there are laws to mitigate some issues.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act of 2006 (MLA) regulate how financial transactions are managed for military members.

We’ll touch on how the acts work briefly, but this article focuses more on how holding specific credit cards covered by the act results in bottom-line value for active-duty service members. Today, we’ve chosen to elaborate on the benefits of The New United Club℠ Card, a premium airline-branded rewards card issued by Chase.

If you frequent United Airlines, enjoy premium travel perks, want United flight benefits, and are an active-duty military member, it would be difficult to find a better fit than the United Club card. 

How Do the SCRA and MLA Work?

The SCRA and the MLA address the management of credit afforded to military members. The SCRA applies to credit secured prior to active duty, and the MLA applies to credit acquired during active duty.

The results overall included caps on interest rates and fees and how the process for defaulting on credit should be managed.

Though the acts govern all types of financial transactions, we’ll focus on how these laws apply to credit cards, specifically the United Club card.

• For credit cards acquired prior to active duty, annual interest rates are capped at 6% (SCRA). Chase caps this interest rate at 4%.
• The MLA caps interest rates at 36% annually for credit cards acquired during active duty. This percentage includes all rates and fees and is called the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR). Chase achieved this requirement by waiving all fees on personal consumer credit cards.

Chase’s decision to waive fees on credit cards acquired during active duty has significant implications. For example, the United Club card’s high annual fee is waived, giving active-duty military members no-cost access to a long list of valuable benefits.

Why We Like the United Club card for Active-Duty Military

If you frequent any airline, you could realize value from an airline-branded credit card. You have the potential for greater earnings, access to perks that make travel more comfortable, and protections and benefits that can provide peace of mind or save money.

With the United Club card, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy these benefits.

We’ve estimated the potential value of each card feature to illustrate the United Club card’s potential value. While this process can help determine the overall value you might realize, the results vary by how you use the card.

Annual Fee Waiver ($695 Value)

The annual fee waiver is among the most valuable Chase credit card benefits for active-duty military personnel. The United Club card has a stellar collection of benefits, but it comes with a high annual fee.

Fortunately, the $695 is waived.

Earning Potential and Redemption Options ($1,700+ Value)

The Value of a Welcome Offer ($1,080+ Value)

You’ll find generous welcome offers on the best travel rewards credit cards, including the United Club card. While credit card welcome offers can vary, you usually receive tens of thousands of United MileagePlus miles for meeting minimum spending requirements for this card in the specified period after card approval.

We value United miles at approximately 1.2 cents apiece, resulting in a welcome bonus offer value of $1,080.

Be sure to check below for the current offer before applying.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New United Club℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New United Club℠ Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$695

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Why We Like This Card

The New United Club℠ 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 card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Referral Bonus Opportunities ($360 Value)

Once approved for the United Club card, you can refer family or friends and receive bonus miles.

Your family member or friend can select any United-branded card via your referral link. Once they’re approved, you qualify for the 10,000-mile bonus. You can receive up to 100,000 miles each year by referring friends and family for this card.

If you were to successfully refer 3 approved applicants, you would receive 30,000 miles, which we value at around $360.

Spending on the Card ($282 Value)

You earn plenty of United MileagePlus miles when spending on the United Club card.

While your numbers may vary, here’s an example of how miles can add up when you use your card for purchases:

• Earn 5x miles on hotel stays prepaid through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
  • $500 spent equal 2,500 United miles
• Earn 4x miles on United purchases
  • $3,000 spent equal 12,000 United miles
• Earn 2x miles on all other travel, transit, and rideshares
  • $2,000 spent equal 4,000 United miles
• Earn 2 miles on dining and eligible delivery services
  • $1,000 spent equal 2,000 United miles
• Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • $3,000 spent equal 3,000 United miles

Earning 23,500 United miles is worth approximately $282.

With the card’s welcome offer, referral bonuses, and spending on the card, you should have enough miles for a getaway in no time.

Redemption Options (Value Varies)

When it’s time to redeem your United MileagePlus miles, you have a long list of choices, but the best value for your miles is to redeem them for award flights.

One advantage of booking award flights with miles is United’s unique Excursionist Perk, which allows you to add a segment to your itinerary for no additional miles!

We’ve put together some creative examples to help you learn about the best ways to redeem United MileagePlus miles.

In addition to award flights, you can redeem United miles for flight upgrades, hotels, rental cars, cruises, shopping with select retailers, experiences, events, and gift cards. Most of these redemptions result in less value for your points than booking award flights.

Bottom Line:

With a generous welcome bonus offer, referral-earning opportunities, and spending on your United Club card, it’s easy to exceed $1,500 in value from your card during the first year. You generally find the greatest value for your miles in redeeming for award tickets.

Air Travel Advantages ($1,200+ Value)

United Club Membership ($750 Value)

Nothing beats enjoying complimentary food and drink during a peaceful respite away from the busy airport crowds during your travels.

An individual United Club membership costs $750 annually and doesn’t include guest access. To bring up to 2 adults with you into the lounge, you need to purchase the All Access membership for $1,200 to $1,400 per year.

However, with the United Club card, you receive a United Club membership with access for up to 1 guest and dependents under 18. If you spend $50,000 on the card in one calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to an All Access membership. If you reach this spending threshold and add an authorized user to your card, you’ll receive 4 single-visit guest passes.

If you’re already a United Club member, you receive a prorated refund of your club membership fee once approved for the card (assuming your qualifying refund is greater than $15).

Free Checked Bags (Up to $360 per Trip)

United Club cardholders receive a free first and second checked bag for themselves and 1 companion on the same reservation. This can provide savings of up to $360 per round-trip journey.

United charges $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second on domestic trips. Travelers can get a $5 discount per bag by prepaying their baggage fees. If you’re a checked bag traveler, the free checked bag benefit from the United Club card can add up substantially over time.

Premier Access (From $48 per Round-Trip Journey)

United’s Premier Access service provides time-saving perks like priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling. These perks can make navigating the airport much faster and hassle-free.

United Premier Access starts at $24 per person. However, United Club cardholders and companions traveling on the same reservation get this perk for free.

If you’re a frequent United traveler, this benefit can provide substantial value over time, especially since it applies to companions traveling on the same reservation.

25% Discount on United Inflight and Club Premium Drink Purchases (Value Varies)

Inflight meals and Wi-Fi are often significantly marked up (though United will soon have free Starlink connectivity across most of its fleet). However, with the United Club card, you can get 25% back as a statement credit on these purchases and premium drink orders at United Clubs.

This perk can result in hundreds of dollars in savings for frequent United flyers or those traveling occasionally with family members and large groups.

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Fee Reimbursement ($120 Value)

Pay your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application or renewal fee with your card and receive a statement credit for up to $120 every 4 years.

Hot Tip:

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck enrollment, so we recommend the former because the entire application fee is covered by the United Club card.

Award Travel Discount ($240+ Value)

The United Club card offers award travel discounts and savings worth at least $240 per year. The exact value varies depending on how often you travel and redeem miles.

10,000-Mile Award Flight Discount (Up to $240)

Cardholders receive a 10,000-mile award flight discount after spending $20,000 in purchases, up to twice a year. Considering 10,000 miles are worth around $120, this perk can offer $240 in value annually.

You can redeem these flight discounts on any United-operated award flight costing 10,000 miles or more. This is great for booking cheap flights or lowering the cost of a premium ticket.

For example, a United Polaris award flight to Paris costs 80,000 miles, but the discount drops the cost down to just 70,000 miles.

10% Award Discount (Value Varies)

One of the best perks of the United Club card is a 10% discount on United economy saver awards within the U.S. and Canada.

This discount can amount to thousands of miles in savings every year, allowing you to stretch your United miles even further.

Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs)

If you’re looking to fast-track your elite status goals, the United Club card can be an excellent option. Cardholders earn 1,500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) every year toward United elite status.

Additional PQPs can be earned via credit card spending at a rate of 1 PQP for every $15 in spending. Cardholders can earn up to 28,000 PQPs every year via eligible card spending, which is enough for top-tier Premier 1K status.

Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets (Value Varies)

Once you’ve earned elite status with United, you can qualify for a seat upgrade on United-operated flights while traveling on award tickets.

United Club cardholders and 1 companion on the same reservation are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades on select award flights.

Granted, your upgrade priority falls below the lowest paid fares. However, it gives you a definite advantage and may result in occasional upgrades, especially if you’re traveling during off-peak dates or on less popular routes.

Annual Travel Credits ($890 Value)

The United Club card includes over $890 in annual travel credits toward hotels, ride-sharing, flights, food delivery services, and more. These credits can help offset common travel expenses and provide a more comfortable experience.

Here’s a look at the annual credits offered by the card:

• Renowned Hotels and Resorts credit (up to $200): The Renowned Hotels and Resorts travel portal is operated by Chase. It offers exclusive perks, such as room upgrades, resort credits, complimentary breakfast, and other complimentary amenities that can enhance your luxury hotel experience.
• Ride-sharing credits (up to $150): Cardholders receive $12 in monthly credits toward ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. The credit increases to $18 in December.
• JSX credits (up to $200): JSX is a small airline that offers semiprivate flights to popular destinations. United Club cardholders receive up to $200 in statement credits toward JSX flights every card anniversary.
• Avis or Budget car rentals (up to $100): Book an Avis or Budget rental car through cars.united.com and receive $50 in United TravelBank cash. Cardholders receive up to 2 credits per calendar year, totaling $100. United TravelBank cash can be used for United flights.
• Instacart credits (up to $240): Cardholders receive 2 monthly $10 Instacart credits when paying with the United Club card. Cardholders also receive Instacart+ Membership, which includes waived delivery fees on eligible orders. This benefit ends December 31, 2027.

Other Travel Perks ($300+ Value)

The United Club card has additional travel benefits that add recurring value to the card.

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status and Hotel Credit ($100 Value)

Primary cardholders receive complimentary Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards as long as they hold the card. Platinum status comes with complimentary room upgrades and extended checkout, when available, a welcome amenity at check-in, and 60% bonus points on stays.

Normally, you’d have to complete 40 nights or earn 60,000 base points to reach IHG Platinum status.

Renowned Hotels & Resorts Credits ($200 Value)

Make a prepaid reservation at a Renowned Hotels & Resorts property using your card and receive up to $200 back in statement credits each anniversary year.

Renowned Hotels & Resorts bookings include a space-available room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, an on-site amenity such as a dining or spa credit, free Wi-Fi, and early check-in and late checkout (when available).

Avis Preferred President’s Club Status (Value Varies)

Cardholders can upgrade to Avis Preferred President’s Club elite status and receive a complimentary 2-car class upgrade, guaranteed car availability, and expedited service.

To qualify for this status level, you’d normally have to spend $6,000 or have 20 rentals within a year, so receiving these perks right out of the gate is incredibly valuable.

No Foreign Transaction Fees ($30 Value)

The United Club card does not charge fees for foreign transactions. A standard fee charged on many credit cards for foreign transactions is 3% of the total amount.

If you spent $1,000 on purchases originating abroad, you would save about $30.

Additional Travel Benefits (Value Varies)

In addition to all the key benefits we’ve listed, cardholders can enjoy access to Visa Infinite concierge services 24/7. Concierges can offer assistance with travel planning, help secure dinner reservations, and find tickets to sporting and entertainment events.

Enjoy special access to United Card Events, including private chef events and concerts.

Travel Protections ($800+ Value)

As you glance at this list, consider making a mental note of the ones that could be useful to you. This can help you determine if the card delivers economic value for you now and for the period beyond active duty.

Car Rental Insurance ($200 Value)

Use your United Club card to reserve and pay for your car rental, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive primary coverage for damage, theft, and reasonable rental agency charges for loss of use and towing.

Primary coverage means you do not have to file a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage kicks in.

If you rented a vehicle for just 10 days each year and declined the agency’s coverage, which costs $20 per day, you would save $200 annually.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption

Pay for your common carrier ticket with your United Club card and receive up to $10,000 per person, up to $20,000 per trip, as a reimbursement if your trip is canceled or is interrupted for a covered reason.

Covered expenses include prepaid, nonrefundable tickets, tours, and lodging.

Trip Delay Reimbursement ($500+ Value)

If your trip is delayed more than 12 hours, you could receive up to $500 per ticket for you and your family members for unreimbursed expenses such as meals and lodging.

Hot Tip:

Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverages are particularly important for active-duty military members. Chase recognizes this and includes a change in military orders as a qualifying event for coverage. Terms apply.

Baggage Insurance ($100 Value)

If your bags are delayed 6 hours or more, you could receive up to $100 per day in reimbursement for up to 3 days toward qualifying essentials.

If bags are lost or stolen, you could receive up to $3,000 per covered passenger.

Bottom Line:

The United Club card has travel protections, including primary car rental insurance; trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays; and baggage insurance. Travel benefits include complimentary United Club access; United flight benefits and discounts; Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement; car and hotel program elite status; hotel credits; hotel and resort benefits; and no foreign transaction fees.

Shopping Protections and Benefits ($294 Value)

Purchasing eligible items with your United Club card could give you added protection for that item should something go wrong. Shopping benefits can save you money.

Here are the shopping protections and benefits on the card.

Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, and Return Protection ($50 Value)

Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive extra protection for damage or theft with purchase protection. You could receive up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per account up to 120 days from the purchase date.

If an item purchased with your card has a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less, the warranty could be extended for 1 additional year with extended warranty coverage.

If your eligible purchase is not accepted for return by the original merchant for up to 90 days from the purchase date, you could receive reimbursement of up to $500 per item, up to $1,000 per year.

Chase Offers ($25 Value)

When you log in to your Chase online card account, you’ll see plenty of Chase Offers from retail merchants and service providers. Add the offers you like to your card, make the eligible purchase, and receive a statement credit.

Chase Offers includes discounts on travel gear, hotels, airfare, clothing retailers, and everything in between.

DoorDash DashPass ($120 Value)

Enroll by December 31, 2027, and receive a 1-year, complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership with free delivery and reduced service fees. After the 1-year membership, normal rates (currently $9.99) apply.

Instacart+ Membership ($99 Value)

Cardholders are eligible for a complimentary Instacart+ membership, which is valued at $99 per year and includes free delivery on eligible orders.

You also receive 2 monthly $10 credits toward eligible orders. You must enroll by December 31, 2027, to take advantage of this perk.

Hot Tip:

Keep an eye out for Chase email promotions that offer spending bonuses. A recent spending offer on United cards included spending $1,500 and receiving 1,500 bonus miles in addition to any base miles you’d normally earn on the purchase.

Who Qualifies for Military Benefits?

The United Club card offers many benefits that active-duty military members might value if they fly United Airlines.

Let’s continue and look at who qualifies for Chase military benefits, tips for applying for the card, and how to request SCRA or MLA benefits.

You may qualify for Chase military benefits if you fall under one of the following categories:

• Active-duty military
• A full-time or reserve National Guard member on active duty
• An active-duty commissioned officer of NOAA or the U.S. Public Health Service

Spouses, domestic partners, children, and other qualifying dependents of the active-duty military member may also qualify for Chase SCRA or MLA benefits.

How To Apply for the Card as a Military Member

Before applying for any credit card, you should know the level of credit score you need to be approved. For the United Club card, a good to excellent credit score of 700 or better is recommended. You also need a satisfactory credit history and sufficient income to make monthly payments (even if you plan to pay off your balance each statement period).

Review Chase’s 5/24 rule to ensure you comply with the maximum number of credit cards (from any card issuer) that Chase allows for its credit card approvals.

Next, check the Department of Defense database via the SCRA and MLA website to validate that your active duty status is showing properly in the records. If your qualifying dependent is applying, be sure the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System reflects their status. Chase uses these databases to verify eligibility.

How To Request Benefits After You’re Approved

Once you’re approved for the United Club card, request your SCRA or MLA benefits. It is possible that when you completed the application and indicated that your income source was “military” on the application, Chase may automatically apply benefits to your account. If so, you will receive a confirmation letter.

If not, requesting the benefits via a secure message is easy.

• Log in to your online card account.
• Select “Secure Messages” from the menu on the upper left of the page.
• Select “New Message,” then “Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)” from the drop-down menu
• Complete the request, including your United Club card number.
• Attach any supporting documents, such as a copy of your active-duty orders or verification for eligible spouse benefits.

Chase also has a dedicated phone line for SCRA and MLA questions. Call 877-469-0110 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time on Saturdays. If you are out of the country, call collect at 318-340-3348.

Mailed requests can be sent to: Chase, Attention SCRA Request, P.O. Box 183240, Columbus, Ohio, 43218-3240.

Additional Recommended Chase Cards for Active Military

We like the United Club card for active-duty military members, but if you’re not flying primarily United Airlines, there are 2 other Chase cards we’d recommend.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a good choice for active-duty military personnel, as it offers a generous welcome bonus offer, flexible rewards, and a strong collection of some of the best travel insurance benefits.

BEST BEGINNER CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-Duty Military Members

• Waiver of the $95 annual fee
• With the card’s lower annual fee, it’s a card you can keep even beyond your active-duty military assignment period.
• Elevated bonus earnings on travel, online grocery purchases, dining, and select streaming services
• Flexible Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel for 1.25 cents each via the Chase Travel portal or transferred to airline or hotel partners for even greater potential value.
• Up to $50 annual hotel credit
• Excellent travel insurance benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

With earning power, redemption value, and premium travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card checks all those boxes. And with a high annual fee that’s waived, the active-duty military member can receive plenty of value.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel^SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $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 $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-Duty Military Members

• Waiver of the $550 annual fee
• An annual travel purchase statement credit of $300
• Earns flexible Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel via the Chase Travel portal for 1.5 cents each or transferred to hotel or airline partners (including United MileagePlus for greater potential value
• Access to over 1,300 airport lounge properties worldwide with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement
• Excellent travel insurance benefits, including emergency medical evacuation

Final Thoughts

For active-duty military members who frequently fly United, there’s no better airline-branded card than the United Club card. With a load of benefits and a waived annual fee, the net result is a win for the qualifying military member and their family.

Another consideration for the United loyalist who is a military member is The New United℠ Explorer Card. The card has a lower annual fee, and while it doesn’t have all the premium benefits of the United Club card, it may be a card you can keep for a long period, even after active-duty service.