What the Chase United Card Does and Who It's For
The Chase United credit card is a co-branded card issued by Chase Bank and United Airlines. It earns points on every purchase, with bonus points on United flights and United-related spending. You can redeem those points for United flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards.
This card makes sense if you fly United regularly or want to accumulate points toward a free flight. It's less useful if you rarely fly, fly other airlines most of the time, or prefer cash back over points. The card charges an annual fee, so you need to use the rewards enough to make that fee worthwhile.
Chase offers several versions of the United card at different reward levels and annual fees. The basic version is the United Card, the mid-tier is the United Club Card, and the premium version is the United Club Infinite Card. Each one earns points at different rates and includes different perks.
Key Takeaways
- The Chase United card charges an annual fee that ranges depending on which version you choose, and you receive a one-time bonus of points after you meet a spending requirement in the first few months.
- You earn points on every purchase, with higher earning rates on United flights, United dining programs, and certain other categories depending on which card version you have.
- Points can be redeemed for United flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards, but their value depends on how you book and which flights you choose.
- You need a good credit score to be approved, and the card's value depends entirely on how much you actually fly United and whether you use the included benefits.
Annual Fees and Sign-Up Bonuses
Each version of the United card charges a different annual fee. The United Card has the lowest annual fee, the United Club Card has a higher fee, and the United Club Infinite Card has the highest fee. Chase charges this fee once per year, usually on your card anniversary.
When you first open the card, Chase offers a sign-up bonus of points if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. The bonus amount and spending requirement vary depending on which card version you choose and current promotions. You receive the bonus points once you meet the spending threshold, not upfront.
To decide whether the card is worth the annual fee, compare the fee amount against the value of the points you expect to earn and the perks included with the card. If you fly United only once or twice a year, the fee may be hard to justify. If you fly United monthly or use the card for everyday spending, the fee becomes easier to offset.
How Points Earning Works
The United card earns points on every dollar you spend, but the earning rate varies by purchase category. You earn a base rate on all purchases, a higher rate on United flights booked directly with United, and bonus rates on dining and other categories depending on your card version.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and you have account activity at least once every 24 months. Account activity includes earning points, redeeming points, or making a purchase. If your account closes, you lose any remaining points.
You can also earn bonus points through United's shopping portal, by dining at partner restaurants, and through other promotions that United runs throughout the year. These bonuses stack on top of your regular earning rate, so a single purchase might earn points in multiple ways.
Redeeming Points for Flights and Upgrades
Points are redeemed through the United website or mobile app. You can use them to book flights, purchase seat upgrades, pay for baggage fees, or buy other travel-related services. You can also transfer points to United's partner airlines, though the transfer rate and availability vary.
The value of your points depends on which flight you book and how you redeem them. A point is worth more when you book an expensive flight than when you book a cheap one. Some flights cost fewer points than others, and award availability changes based on demand and how far in advance you book.
Redeeming points for flights typically requires booking at least 21 days in advance, though some flights may have shorter windows. Seat upgrades using points are available at the time of booking or sometimes after you check in, depending on the flight and your elite status.
Credit Score Requirements and Approval
Chase typically approves the United card for people with a good credit score, which most lenders define as 670 or higher. Your credit score is a number based on your payment history, how much debt you carry, how long you've had credit accounts, and other factors that appear on your credit report.
You can check your own credit score for free through services like AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government site for free credit reports. You can also check your score through your bank's website or through free credit monitoring services, though these sometimes show a slightly different score than what lenders see.
If your score is lower than 670, you may still be approved, but your chances are lower. If you're denied, you can reapply after improving your score by paying down debt, correcting errors on your credit report, or waiting for negative items to age off your report.
Comparing the Three Card Versions
| Feature | United Card | United Club Card | United Club Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Lowest | Mid-range | Highest |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Varies by promotion | Varies by promotion | Varies by promotion |
| United Club Access | No | Yes, limited | Yes, full |
| Earning Rate on Flights | Standard | Higher | Highest |
| Baggage Fee Waiver | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The United Card is the entry point if you want to test whether a United card makes sense for your travel habits. The United Club Card adds access to United's airport lounges and higher earning rates. The United Club Infinite Card includes the most perks and highest earning rates, but the annual fee is substantially higher.
Your choice depends on how often you fly, whether you value lounge access, and how much you're willing to spend on annual fees. If you fly United fewer than four times a year, the basic United Card is usually the best choice. If you fly monthly or more, one of the Club versions may be worth the extra cost.
What Happens After You're Approved
After Chase approves your process, you receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request to pick it up at a Chase branch if one is near you. Once you receive the card, set up it through the Chase website or mobile app before you use it.
Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to the card at any time. Chase sets this limit based on your credit score, income, and credit history. You can request a higher limit after you've had the card for a few months and made on-time payments.
The sign-up bonus clock starts the day your account opens, not the day you receive the card. Make sure you understand the spending requirement and important date so you can plan your purchases accordingly. If you don't meet the requirement by the important date, you don't receive the bonus points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use this card only for United flights?
No. You can use the card for any purchase anywhere that accepts credit cards. You earn points on all spending, but at a higher rate on United flights and certain other categories. Using the card for everyday purchases helps you reach the sign-up bonus and earn points toward free flights.
What if I want to cancel the card?
You can cancel anytime by calling Chase. If you cancel before your annual fee is charged, you avoid paying it. If you've already paid the fee, Chase may refund it if you cancel within 30 days of the charge date, depending on their current policy. Check your cardholder agreement or call to confirm.
Can I transfer my points to someone else?
United allows you to transfer points to another person's United account, but there are limits on how many points you can transfer per year and to whom. You can also use your points to buy a ticket for someone else without transferring the points themselves. Check United's website for current transfer rules.
What's the difference between points and miles?
United uses the term "miles" for its frequent flyer program, but the Chase United card earns "points." The two are the same thing — points and miles are interchangeable terms for the same currency you redeem for flights and upgrades.
Do points expire if I don't use them?
Points don't expire as long as your account stays open and you have activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes earning points, redeeming points, or making a purchase with the card. If your account closes or goes inactive for more than 24 months, you lose your points.