The United Business Card Is Underrated — Here’s Why I Applied

I’ve been strict about my single-card strategy for some time now. The peace of mind of having 1 credit card bill — rather than several — is worth the small sacrifice for me.

However, there’s nothing wrong with taking new opportunities or adjusting your strategy to fit your travel needs. Here’s why I applied for United℠ Business Card, the trick I used after being approved, and why I think it’s vastly underrated.

Applying for the United Business Card

I’ve traveled to Chicago frequently this year. Since Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a hub for United Airlines, I’ve searched for a card that could complement my Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card by giving me United-related benefits.

A few days ago, I came across the United Business card, which quickly piqued my interest. Here are the perks that led me to apply:

• Valuable welcome bonus offer: At the time of my application, the card offered 75,000 United miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. After the $5,000, I would have at least 80,000 United miles, worth roughly $960.
• Solid bonus for purchasing United flights: I earn 7 miles per $1 spent on United flights, based on earning 2x that I get by being a cardholder and 5x base miles as a program member. Since we value United miles at 1.2 cents apiece, that is an effective 8.4 cents per dollar back in value.
• Free first checked bag: I strongly prefer bringing my backpack as a carry-on. But of course there are times when I may travel with more or want to pack something that isn’t carry-on compliant. It’s nice knowing I can check a bag on United for no additional cost with the card.
• Up to $125 United credit after 5 purchases: This is a benefit I can use in the future. When you book 5 United flights over $100, you earn a $125 United travel credit.
• 2 United Club one-time passes: This is a “nice to have,” but it didn’t sway my decision to apply. I prefer to arrive at airports as close to boarding time as possible. But if I arrive early, I can visit the United Club to kill time.

This list of benefits and perks offers excellent value for an annual fee of $150.

The card has several other benefits, including travel insurance, priority boarding, 25% back on United in-flight and United Club drink purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. However, none of these perks influenced my decision.

Finally, I’m under the Chase 5/24 rule and in Amex pop-up jail, so I’ve been eager to apply for another Chase card.

My Application Experience

I submitted my application for the United Business Card and was immediately met with a “we’re reviewing your application” notice. Typically, I would call the Chase reconsideration line right away, but I decided to be patient.

The next day, I got an email about my United Club passes that come with the card, so I was sure I was approved. I logged in to my Chase account, and sure enough, it was there. After being approved, I called Chase customer service to confirm and ask for my card to be overnighted. 22 hours later, my card was at my doorstep.

Lastly, I was approved for a smaller credit line. However, I talked with the Chase representative about moving credit from other Chase business cards I don’t regularly use. Within a minute, I had a healthy credit line on my new United Business card.

3 Best Benefits of the United Business Card

In general, no-annual-fee cards can deliver value but typically lack the benefits needed to save on travel expenses. Elaborate cards, like the Platinum Card^® from American Express, come with a laundry list of benefits (some require enrollment) but a high $895 annual fee (rates & fees).

The United Business Card is my favorite kind of card: efficient. Here’s why.

1. High Value for a Modest Annual Fee

The total value proposition of the United Business card vastly outweighs the annual fee. Even in the second year, when there is no welcome bonus and an ongoing annual fee, this card can easily make back its value by eliminating checked bag fees, travel insurance, and the generous rewards on United flights.

I typically don’t keep cards after the first year, but depending on my travel habits 1 year from now, I may keep this one.

2. Everyday Card With Flexible Airline Redemption Options

This card can easily be someone’s everyday card as it earns multiples in several categories. It earns:

• 7x total miles on United flights — 5x miles as a United MileagePlus member and 2x miles from the United Business card
• 5x total miles on hotel stays booked through United Hotels — 2x miles as a United MileagePlus member, 2x miles when paying with this card, and 1x mile when you prepay
• 2x miles on other United purchases, gas stations, dining, office supply stores, and local transit, including ride-share
• 1x miles on everything else

These miles automatically go to your United MileagePlus account, which you can redeem with United’s Star Alliance partners, including Air Canada, Lufthansa, ANA, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines.

3. Pair With Another Chase Credit Card

If you want another Chase business credit card, the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a great choice. This card earns Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer to United and several other airlines and hotel loyalty programs.

Chase offers several United credit cards and cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred directly to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio.

If a personal card is a better fit, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® also earn Ultimate Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

The United Business card may be a lesser-known card, but it packs a punch for travelers. Even if you’re someone who isn’t particularly loyal to a specific airline, this card could potentially tilt that playing field for me.

When you’re considering a new credit card for your wallet, evaluate the value the card can bring to you in the short and long term. Additionally, be critical of paying an annual fee for any card. There’s nothing wrong with an annual fee, but be sure you can extract enough value from a card to justify it.