What United credit cards offer and how they differ
United offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase, each designed for different travel patterns and spending habits. The main cards are the United Club Infinite Card, the United Explorer Card, the United Gateway Card, and the United TravelBank Card. Each one earns miles on United flights and everyday purchases, but they differ in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, lounge access, and perks like checked baggage allowances.
The cards are not interchangeable — which one makes sense depends on how often you fly United, whether you value lounge access, and how much you spend annually. A frequent business traveler will find different value in a premium card than someone who takes one or two leisure trips per year.
Key Takeaways
- United's premium cards (Club Infinite and Explorer) charge annual fees but include perks like free checked bags and lounge access that offset the cost for regular flyers.
- The Gateway and TravelBank cards have no annual fee and are designed for occasional United flyers or those building credit history.
- Sign-up bonuses vary by card and change throughout the year, so the current offer matters as much as the card's ongoing benefits.
- All United cards earn miles on United purchases and everyday spending, but earning rates and bonus categories differ between cards.
- You can hold multiple United cards at once, though Chase typically limits new applications to one card every 30 days.
United Club Infinite Card: Premium benefits and high annual fee
The United Club Infinite Card is United's highest-tier offering and costs $650 per year. It includes unlimited access to United Club lounges (and some partner lounges), a $100 annual United travel credit, two free checked bags on United flights, and priority boarding. You earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
This card makes financial sense if you fly United at least four or five times per year and value lounge access. The checked bag benefit alone saves $35 to $70 per round trip for a family, and the lounge access provides a quiet space to work or rest between flights. The $100 travel credit reduces the effective annual fee to $550.
The sign-up bonus typically ranges from 50,000 to 75,000 miles, though this changes periodically. You must spend a set amount within the first few months to earn the bonus — usually $5,000 to $7,500.
United Explorer Card: Mid-tier option with moderate annual fee
The United Explorer Card costs $325 per year and sits between the premium Club Infinite and the no-fee cards. It includes one free checked bag, priority boarding, a $100 annual United travel credit, and access to United Club passes (usually two per year, not unlimited). You earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and dining, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
This card appeals to people who fly United regularly but do not need unlimited lounge access. The checked bag benefit and priority boarding are valuable for frequent travelers, and the dining bonus helps you earn miles on everyday spending. Like the Club Infinite, the $100 travel credit reduces the effective annual fee.
The sign-up bonus is typically 50,000 to 70,000 miles with a similar spending requirement as the Club Infinite card.
United Gateway Card and TravelBank Card: No annual fee options
The United Gateway Card and United TravelBank Card both charge no annual fee. The Gateway Card earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases and includes a sign-up bonus of 30,000 to 40,000 miles. The TravelBank Card earns 1 mile per dollar on all purchases with a similar sign-up bonus range. Neither card includes checked bag benefits or lounge access.
These cards work well for people who fly United occasionally or want to start earning miles without paying an annual fee. They also suit people building credit history who want a rewards card without the commitment of a premium product. The lower earning rate means you accumulate miles more slowly, but there is no cost to carry the card if you do not use it.
You can hold both of these cards at the same time, and some people do to maximize sign-up bonuses or to keep a backup card active.
Comparing earning rates and bonus categories
The premium cards (Club Infinite and Explorer) earn higher miles on United purchases and dining, while the no-fee cards earn a flat rate across all spending. If you spend heavily on dining or fly United frequently, the higher earning rates on the premium cards can offset the annual fee within a year or two.
Sign-up bonuses are the largest source of miles for most cardholders. A 50,000-mile bonus is worth roughly $500 to $750 in travel value, depending on how you redeem. The spending requirement to earn the bonus typically takes three to six months for regular spenders, so factor that into your timeline.
All United cards earn miles on United flights at the same rate as the card's base earning rate. The difference is in non-United purchases: premium cards earn more on dining and United purchases, while no-fee cards earn a flat rate everywhere.
Annual fees and travel credits: What they actually cost
The Club Infinite Card's $650 annual fee is offset by the $100 travel credit, making the true cost $550 per year. The Explorer Card's $325 annual fee is similarly offset by its $100 travel credit, bringing the true cost to $225 per year. Both cards also include other perks (checked bags, lounge access, priority boarding) that have cash value.
The travel credit applies to United purchases like flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and pet travel. It does not cover third-party bookings or non-United airlines. You must use the credit within the calendar year or it expires.
The no-fee cards have no travel credit and no annual cost, so the only value is the miles you earn and the sign-up bonus.
How to choose between United cards
Start by counting how many times per year you fly United. If it is fewer than two times, a no-fee card makes sense. If it is three to five times, the Explorer Card's benefits (checked bag, priority boarding, two lounge passes) likely pay for themselves. If it is six or more times, or if you value unlimited lounge access, the Club Infinite Card becomes worth considering.
Next, look at your dining and everyday spending. If you spend $10,000 or more per year on dining and other purchases, the premium cards' higher earning rates add up. If you spend less, the flat-rate no-fee cards may earn you nearly as many miles.
Finally, check the current sign-up bonus for each card. Bonuses change throughout the year, and a temporary increase on one card might shift the math in its favor. Chase's website shows the current offer for each card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold more than one United credit card at the same time?
Yes, you can hold multiple United cards. Some people hold both a premium card and a no-fee card to maximize sign-up bonuses or to keep a backup card active. Chase typically limits you to one new card process every 30 days, so you would need to space out applications if you want multiple cards.
Do the checked bag benefits explore to family members?
No, the checked bag benefit applies only to the cardholder. when ready family members traveling on the same reservation do not receive free checked bags unless they also have a United credit card. Companions can purchase checked bags at the standard rate.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Your miles stay in your United MileagePlus account and do not disappear when you close the card. However, if your MileagePlus account has no activity for 18 months, the account and miles may be forfeited. Using the card or flying United keeps the account active.
Are the sign-up bonuses worth the spending requirement?
For most people, yes. A 50,000-mile sign-up bonus is typically worth $500 to $750 in travel value. If the spending requirement ($5,000 to $7,500) is spending you would do anyway on the card, the bonus is essentially free miles. If you have to change your spending habits to meet it, the value is lower.
Can I redeem miles for non-United airlines?
United miles can be redeemed for flights on United and its partner airlines through the MileagePlus program. You can also use miles for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel-related purchases. Redemption rates vary by airline and route, so the value per mile changes depending on what you book.