United Airlines has introduced three new credit cards to Mileage Plus members, all of which offer new benefits and the ability to accrue a limited number of elite qualifying miles (EQMs). They’re not cheap–ranging from $130 to $375 per year but they come with some heavy-duty benefits. See the listing below for the low-down on the three cards.
United Club Visa Card (Chase)
Benefits: Two miles per $1 spent on United purchases and one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases; complimentary Red Carpet Club membership; earn 5,000 EQMs each year after spending $35,000 in purchases plus up to an additional 5,000 EQMs per year at the rate of one EQM for each $10 spent over $35,000.
Annual Fee: $375
APR: 13.24% variable
Enrollment Bonus: 30,000 miles after $250 in purchases
Spending Cap: None
Why we like it: Depending on your elite level, spending $375 for the credit card may be cheaper than the membership fee to join the Red Carpet Club. For example, an individual membership for non-elites is $525. If you are already a member, you can gift the Red Carpet Club membership to another Mileage Plus member. Cardholders can earn up to 10,000 EQMs per year.
Drawbacks: $375 annual fee is hefty. If you don’t spend a minimum of $10,000 with the card annually, your card may be downgraded to another Mileage Plus credit card that does not include Red Carpet Club membership. While an extra EQM mileage boost is nice, you’ll have to spend a total of $85,000 annually to get the maximum amount of 10,000 EQMs per year.
United Mileage Plus Access Visa Card (Chase)
Benefits: One mile per $1 spent on all purchases; Economy Plus seating for cardholders and one companion; two one-time Red Carpet Club passes each year; earn 5,000 EQMs each year after spending $35,000 in purchases plus up to an additional 5,000 EQMs per year at the rate of one EQM for each $10 spent over $35,000.
Annual Fee: $275
APR: 13.24% variable
Enrollment Bonus: 20,000 miles and $100 United discount travel certificate after $250 in purchases.
Spending Cap: None
Why we like it: The regular price for the Economy Plus annual option is $349 and members can save $74 by signing up for the credit card instead of purchasing a subscription to Economy Plus seating. Cardholders can earn up to 10,000 EQMs per year.
Drawbacks: The $275 annual fee is higher than most so this card is only worth it if you travel often on United and can take advantage of Economy Plus seating. If you don’t spend a minimum of $10,000 with the card annually, your card may be downgraded to another Mileage Plus credit card that does not include Economy Plus seating. While an extra EQM mileage boost is nice, you’ll have to spend a total of $85,000 annually to get the maximum amount of 10,000 EQMs per year.
United Mileage Plus Select Visa Card (Chase)
Benefits: Three miles per $1 spent on United purchases; two miles per $1 spent on Star Alliance, gas, home improvement, grocery and dining purchases; one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases; 5,000 bonus miles each year; up to 5,000 EQMs each year on united.com purchases.
Annual Fee: $130
APR: 13.24% variable
Enrollment Bonus: 30,000 miles and $100 United discount travel certificate after $250 in purchases.
Spending Cap: None
Why we like it: Triple miles on United purchases and double miles for groceries, gas, dining and other categories. Plus, you’ll receive 5,000 redeemable miles every year just for having and using the card.
Drawbacks: The double grocery miles does not include purchases made at superstores, warehouse clubs and discount stores. Members can only earn EQMs when shopping for flights at United.com.
