Chase United Club Infinite Card Benefits for Active-Duty U.S. Military Members [$4,100+]

While military service involves sacrifice and commitment, it can also come with financial challenges. Fortunately, laws have been passed to help alleviate some of these challenges.

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

We’ll touch on how the acts work briefly, but this article focuses more on the benefits of how holding specific credit cards, covered by the act, results in bottom-line value for the active-duty service member. Today we’ve chosen to elaborate on the benefits of the United Club℠ Infinite 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 Infinite card. 

How Do the SCRA and MLA Work?

The SCRA and the MLA were enacted to 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/fees and how the process for defaulting on credit should be managed.

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

The result of Chase waiving fees on credit cards acquired during active duty is significant. In the case of the United Club Infinite card, waiving the high annual fee gives active-duty military members no-cost access to a long list of valuable benefits.

Potential Value of the United Club Infinite Card Benefits for Active-Duty Military Members

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

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

To illustrate the potential value of the United Club Infinite card, we’ve estimated how much each card attribute might be worth and assigned a value.

While this process can help determine the overall value you might realize, the results will vary depending on how you use the card.

Waiver of the Annual Fee — Value of $525

The waiver of the annual fee is one of the most valuable Chase credit card active-duty military benefits.

While the United Club Infinite card has a stellar collection of benefits, it does have a high annual fee.

Fortunately, the $525 is waived.

Earning Potential and Redemption Options — Value of $1,500+

The Value of a Welcome Offer — Value of $1,080

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

We value United miles at approximately 1.2 cents each, resulting in a welcome bonus worth $1,080.

Be sure to check below for the most recent offer before applying.

Referral Bonus Opportunities — Value of $360

Once approved for the United Club Infinite 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, and once they’re approved, you’ll qualify for the 10,000-mile bonus. You can receive up to 100,000 miles each year.

If you were to have 3 approved referrals, you would receive 30,000 miles valued at ~$360.

Spending on the Card — Value of $252

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

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

• Earn 4 miles per dollar spent on United
  • $3,000 spent = 12,000 United miles
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other travel, transit, and rideshares
  • $3,000 spent = 6,000 United miles
• Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • $3,000 spent = 3,000 United miles

Earning 21,000 United miles is worth ~$252.

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

Redemption Options — Value Varies

You’ll have an endless list of choices when it’s time to redeem your United MileagePlus miles, but the best value for your miles will be to redeem them for free award flights.

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

To learn about some of the best ways to redeem United MileagePlus miles, we’ve put together some creative examples.

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 options will result in less value for your points versus booking award flights.

Bottom Line:

With a generous welcome bonus, referral-earning opportunities, and spending on your United Club Infinite card, it’s easy to exceed $1,500 in value. And, at redemption time, you’ll find the greatest value for your miles when redeeming for award tickets.

Travel Protections and Benefits — Value of $1,900

The United Club Infinite card is loaded with travel protections and benefits.

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 — Value of $200

Use your United Club Infinite 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 rent a vehicle just 10 days each year and decline the agency’s coverage costing $20 per day, you would save $200 annually.

Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Trip Delay Reimbursement — Value of $200

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

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

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 do apply.

Baggage Insurance — Value of $100

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

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

Roadside Assistance — Value of $50

No need to worry if you’re stranded roadside as you’ll have up to 4 complimentary service calls each year with Chase premium roadside assistance. Each service call has a maximum of $50, including emergency fuel delivery, limited towing, jump-start/lockout service, and more. Any services beyond the $50 will be charged to the card.

United Club Membership — Value of $650

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

United Club membership can cost $650 annually, but access for you and your eligible travel companions comes complimentary with the United Club Infinite card. If you’re a United Club member, you could receive a prorated refund of your Club membership fee once approved for the card.

United Flight Benefits — Value of $320

• Waived Baggage Fees — Purchase your United flight with your card (the requirement is waived for the first 90 days after card approval) and receive your first and second checked bags at no charge. 1 travel companion on the same reservation is also included.
• Inflight and Club Purchase Credits — Receive a statement credit of 25% of the purchase amount for inflight beverages, food, Wi-Fi, or premium beverages in the United Club.
• Discount on Economy Saver Award Tickets — Cardholders can book economy award saver flights for 10% fewer miles.
• Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets — If you have United MileagePlus elite status, having the United Club Infinite card qualifies you for seat upgrades on United award flights when available.
• Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) — For every $500 you spend on your card each year, you’ll receive 25 PQP (up to 10,000 PQP per calender year) toward UnitedPlus Premier elite status.

Free checked bags may be the most valuable benefit here as just 1 major round-trip flight each year, with a travel companion, could save you as much as $320 in checked bag fees. A first checked bag normally costs $35, and a second bag is $45. That’s $80 per person, one way, or $160 per round trip per person.

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Fee Reimbursement — Value of up to $100

Pay your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application or renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement as a statement credit for the fee, up to $100 every 4 years.

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status and Hotel Credit — Value of $100

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, and bonus elite points on stays.

The primary cardholder will also receive a $75 statement credit for IHG Hotels and Resorts purchases each calendar year.

The Luxury Hotel & Resorts Collection Benefits — Value of $150

Make a reservation at an LHR property via Chase using your card and receive an upgraded room, when available, daily breakfast for 2, an on-site amenity such as a dining or spa credit, free Wi-Fi, and early check-in/late checkout, when available.

Avis Preferred President’s Club Status — Value Varies

Enroll and receive a complimentary 2-car class upgrade, guaranteed car availability, and expedited service with your Avis Preferred President’s Club elite status. You normally have to spend $6,000 or have 20 rentals within a year to qualify for this status level.

No Foreign Transaction Fees — Value of $30

The United Club Infinite 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 spend $1,000 on foreign transactions, you would save ~$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 securing dinner reservations, and finding tickets to sporting and entertainment events.

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

Bottom Line:

The United Club Infinite card has travel protections, including primary car rental insurance; trip cancellation/interruption/delay; baggage insurance; and roadside assistance. 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; onsite hotel/resort benefits; and no foreign transaction fees.

Shopping Protections and Benefits — Value of $195

Purchasing eligible items with your United Club Infinite 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 you’ll find on the card.

Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, and Return Protection — Value of $50

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 for 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 — Value of $25

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.

DoorDash DashPass — Value of $120

Enroll by December 31, 2024, 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.

Hot Tip:

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

Qualification and Requesting Benefits

The United Club Infinite card offers many benefits 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/MLA benefits.

Who Qualifies for Military 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 Public Health Service

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

How To Apply for the United Club Infinite Card as a Military Member

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

You’ll also want to review Chase’s 5/24 rule to make sure you comply with the maximum number of credit cards (from any card issuer) Chase allows to approve you.

Next, check the Department of Defense database via the SCRA/MLA website to validate that your active duty status is showing properly in the records. If your qualifying dependant is applying, be sure the Defence Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) reflects their status. Chase will use these databases to verify eligibility.

How To Request Benefits After You’re Approved

Once approved for the United Club Infinite card, you’ll want to request your SCRA/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 dropdown menu
• Complete the request, including your United Club Infinite 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/MLA questions. Call 877-469-0110 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET on Saturdays. If you are out of the country, call collect at 318-340-3348.

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

Additional Recommended Chase Credit Cards for Active-Duty Military Members

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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

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 is waived, the active-duty military member can receive plenty of value.

Why We Like the Card for Active-Duty Military Members

• Waiver of the $550 annual fee
• An annual travel purchase statement credit of up to $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 airline or hotel partners for greater potential value
• Access to over 1,400 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 Infinite 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 United℠ Explorer card. The card has a lower annual fee, and while it doesn’t have all the premium benefits of the United Club Infinite card, it may be a card you can keep for a long period, even after active-duty service.