The United MileagePlus Club Card has launched and members can apply for this new premium card. The United MileagePlus Club Card replaces the Continental Presidential Plus card and offers comparable perks, such as a United Club lounge membership (lounge access for member and eligible guest) and Premier Access priority airport services that include priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling.
The benefits of the United MileagePlus Club Card are similar to those offered by the Presidential Plus card, but there are some differences. Cardholders will no longer be able to earn elite-qualifying miles but members will earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all purchases and two miles per $1 spent on United. The card will have no foreign transaction fees on international charges. Close-in award booking fees will be waived for members who book awards for last minute travel within 21 days of departure, miles won’t expire and first and second checked bags are free for member and one travel companion. Cardholders also receive Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection privileges (such as room upgrades and complimentary breakfast), Platinum status in Hyatt’s Gold Passport program and additional benefits with Avis. Premier members who obtain the card also receive complimentary upgrades on award tickets. The annual fee for the card is $395. Visit http://www.mileageplusclub.com for more information and to apply.
Bottom line: The $395 annual price tag is considerable, but the card offers a United Club lounge membership. For members who don’t already have access to United Club lounges and would use this benefit, lounge membership alone will compensate for the annual fee. For members who liked the ability to get a boost to elite status with credit card spending, the new MileagePlus Club card no longer earns Premier qualifying miles, but members will earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent. For a cardholder who spends $20,000 a year annually, the new earn rate equates to an extra 10,000 redeemable miles. Cardholders who already have the Presidential Plus Card who want to keep their current benefits can continue to use their card with all of the benefits intact, but you won’t be able to apply for a new Presidential Plus card if you don’t already have one.
