New Benefits for United Club Card [IHG Elite Status, 10% Off Awards]

It’s no secret that United and Chase have a healthy relationship. Between several different co-branded United credit cards and as a Chase transfer partner with Chase’s Ultimate Rewards, it comes as no surprise that updated benefits for United’s top-tier credit card, the The New United Club℠ 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 card, including its elite status perks, award discounts, and more.

IHG Platinum Elite Status and Annual Credit

Are you a fan of elite status? Well then, you’re in luck because the United Club 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 One 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.

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 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 apply for the card — especially if you’re trying to maximize United’s Excursionist Perk for free flights.

10,000 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.

Hot Tip: Those who hold The Platinum Card^® from American Express receive an annual fee credit of $199 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 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 28,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) each year when spending on their United Club cards. You’ll only receive 1 PQP for every $15 you spend on your card.

Existing United Club Card 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, or Nexus credit.

Final Thoughts

The United Club card was already a compelling prospect for travelers before these upgrades. Now, however, the addition of complimentary IHG One Rewards elite status, award redemption discounts, and additional PQPs have thrown this card firmly into the well-worth-it territory. What are you waiting for?