It’s no secret that United and Chase have a healthy relationship. Between several different co-branded United credit cards and a transfer partnership with Chase’s Ultimate Rewards, it comes as no surprise that updated benefits for United’s top-tier credit card, the United Club℠ Infinite Card, now include new ties with other brands that also feature co-branded Chase credit cards.
Let’s take a look at all the new details for the United Club Infinite card, including its elite status perks, award discounts, and more.
IHG Platinum Elite Status and Annual Credit
Ever fancied a room upgrade at an IHG hotel? New benefits include IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status that offers complimentary room upgrades. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Image Credit: IHGAre you a fan of elite status? Well then, you’re in luck because the United Club Infinite card now comes with complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status. This is the same level of elite status as offered by the existing IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card. Although Platinum Elite status doesn’t offer free breakfast, you will get other perks, including late checkout, room upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more.
In addition to elite status, you’ll also receive a $75 statement credit for purchases at IHG hotels from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.
10% Mileage Discount
Ever wished you could stretch your miles a little further? If you’re a United loyalist (or a Chase Ultimate Rewards cardholder), you may want to consider getting a United Club Infinite card. Starting immediately, you’ll receive a 10% discount on economy mileage redemptions within the U.S. and Canada.
Ok, that may not sound so glamorous, but if you’re a frequent domestic flyer, then this could be a compelling reason to sign up for the card — especially if you’re trying to maximize United’s Excursionist Perk for free flights.
10,0000 Bonus Miles When Signing up for CLEAR
CLEAR is a service that allows you to skip most airport security lines — and yes, it’s even better than TSA PreCheck. Co-branded United credit cardholders are already eligible for a $70 credit when signing up for CLEAR, but through June 30, 2022, United Club Infinite cardholders will also receive a 10,000-mile bonus when they sign up and use their card.
Hot Tip: Those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express receive an annual fee credit of $189 for a CLEAR membership.
Expanded Upgrades
United credit cardholders have access to complimentary upgrades on award flights, but until now this perk has been limited only to cardholders. Now, however, it’s time to take your spouse out of economy class, because those with the United Club Infinite card can also receive complimentary upgrades for 1 companion who is traveling with them.
Additional Premier Qualifying Points From Spending
If you’ve ever tried to earn your way to top-tier elite status, you know the path is far from smooth. Some folks will try to earn United MileagePlus Premier elite status through real, butt-in-seat miles. Others, however, now have the opportunity to save their behinds and earn up to 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) each year when spending on their United Club Infinite cards. This is 1,000 PQPs more than the card’s previous threshold for PQPs — though the ratio for your spend here isn’t great. You’ll only receive $500 PQPs for every $12,000 you spend on your card, meaning that the full 4,000 will require you to spend a full $96,000 in a year.
Existing United Club Infinite Perks
As the most expensive United card, you’re already entitled to some pretty sweet perks when you hold this card. Perhaps the most enticing of these is a United Club membership that allows you access to United Club lounges when you’re traveling on an eligible ticket.
You’ll still earn 4x miles per $1 on United purchases, 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases, and 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases.
Other benefits include 2 free checked bags on flights, Avis President’s Club status, United Premier Access, 25% back on United inflight purchases, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/Nexus credit.
Final Thoughts
The United Club Infinite card was already a compelling prospect for travelers before these upgrades. Now, however, the addition of complimentary IHG Rewards elite status, award redemption discounts, and additional PQPs have thrown this card firmly into the well-worth-it territory. And the best part about all these additions? The annual fee isn’t changing. What are you waiting for?
Featured Image Credit:
IHG