United MileagePlus and Chase have a suite of co-branded credit cards. Well, these cards are getting a complete overhaul — we’re seeing annual fees increase, though we’re also seeing new benefits added.
Whether these changes are positive or negative depends entirely on the type of consumer you are, and how much you value the ability to spend your way to elite status. Separately, I’ve covered changes to United Club access, which also tie into this announcement.
In this post:
United MileagePlus overhauls credit card portfolio
United MileagePlus credit cards now have a new value proposition, and this applies for both new and existing cardmembers effective immediately. While the annual fees on some cards are going up, the cards are getting new perks, ranging from airline and rideshare credits, to Instacart perks. Furthermore, there are opportunities to spend your way to status beyond what has been possible in the past.
These changes apply to United’s five co-branded Chase credit cards with annual fees, so let’s cover the details, starting with the personal cards and then the business cards, ranked by annual fee.
United Explorer Card changes ($150 annual fee)
The United Explorer Card is United’s entry level personal card with an annual fee. The card’s annual fee has increased from $95 to $150, and the card now offers several new perks, including:
- Up to $60 in rideshare credits per year, in the form of a $5 monthly credit, with yearly opt-in required
- Up to $100 in statement credits on United Hotels purchases, in the form of a $50 credit every six months
- Up to $100 in statement credits on JSX flight purchases every anniversary year
- Up to $120 in Instacart credits annually, in the form of a $10 monthly credit, in addition to a complimentary three-month Instacart+ membership
- A $100 United Travel Bank credit after spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year
- A 10,000 mile award discount for a future ticket after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year
- Earn one Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) per $20 spent, up to 1,000 PQPs per calendar year
United Quest Card changes ($350 annual fee)
The United Quest Card is United’s more premium, mid-tier personal card. The card’s annual fee has increased from $250 to $350, and the card now offers several new perks, including:
- $200 United Travel Bank credit on account opening and each anniversary year
- A 10,000 mile award discount for a future ticket each anniversary year
- Up to $100 in rideshare credits per year, in the form of a $8 monthly credit ($12 credit in December), with yearly opt-in required
- Up to $150 in statement credits on Renowned Hotels and Resorts purchases
- Up to $150 in statement credits on JSX flight purchases every anniversary year
- Up to $180 in Instacart credits annually, in the form of a $10 and $5 monthly credit, in addition to a complimentary three-month Instacart+ membership
- Earn one Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) per $20 spent, up to 18,000 PQPs per calendar year, plus a head start of 1,000 PQPs per year, starting in 2026
United Club Card changes ($695 annual fee)
The United Club Card is United’s most premium personal card. The card’s annual fee has increased from $525 to $695, and the card now offers several new perks, including:
- Up to $150 in rideshare credits per year, in the form of a $12 monthly credit ($18 credit in December), with yearly opt-in required
- Up to $200 in statement credits on Renowned Hotels and Resorts purchases
- Up to $200 in statement credits on JSX flight purchases every anniversary year
- Up to $240 in Instacart credits annually, in the form of two $10 monthly credits, in addition to a complimentary Instacart+ membership
- A 10,000 mile award discount for a future ticket after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year, and a second one if spending $40,000
- Earn one Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) per $15 spent, up to 28,000 PQPs per calendar year, plus a head start of 1,500 PQPs per year, starting in 2026
United Business Card changes ($150 annual fee)
The United Business Card is United’s more basic of two business cards. The card’s annual fee has increased from $95 to $150, and the card now offers several new perks, including:
- Up to $100 in rideshare credits per year, in the form of a $8 monthly credit ($12 credit in December), with yearly opt-in required
- Up to $100 in statement credits on United Hotels purchases, in the form of a $50 credit every six months
- Up to $100 in statement credits on JSX flight purchases every anniversary year
- Up to $120 in Instacart credits annually, in the form of a $10 monthly credit, in addition to a complimentary three-month Instacart+ membership
- A $125 United Travel Bank credit after spending $100 or more on five purchases with United in a calendar year
- Earn one Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) per $20 spent, up to 4,000 PQPs per calendar year
United Club Business Card changes ($695 annual fee)
The United Club Business Card is United’s most premium business card. The card’s annual fee has increased from $450 to $695, and the card now offers several new perks, including:
- Up to $150 in rideshare credits per year, in the form of a $12 monthly credit ($18 credit in December), with yearly opt-in required
- Up to $200 in statement credits on Renowned Hotels and Resorts purchases
- Up to $200 in statement credits on JSX flight purchases every anniversary year
- Up to $240 in Instacart credits annually, in the form of two $10 monthly credits, in addition to a complimentary Instacart+ membership
- Earn one Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) per $15 spent, up to 28,000 PQPs per calendar year
My take on United MileagePlus credit card changes
I have a few thoughts on this complete overhaul of United’s credit card portfolio. For one, Chase and United are following the industry trend, by adding a bunch of perks that are designed to keep cards front of wallet, and also to create breakage.
We’re talking about $5-15 monthly rideshare credits, $5-10 Instacart credits, $50 hotel credits, etc. In the marketing bullets, these credits are treated as basically being worth face value. Honestly, it’s really hard to put any specific value to these perks, since there’s almost always an opportunity cost to using these cards for those categories, given that other cards may have a better return on spending. Most people can only dedicate so much mental energy to keeping track of $5 credits.
The higher annual fees aren’t great, though I think for the casual United flyer, the United Explorer Card continues to be valuable for the basic perks that it offers (like free checked bags), while the United Quest Card is perhaps the sweet spot in terms of value proposition.
Now, the single biggest change being made is that United is finally letting members earn higher tier elite status exclusively through credit card spending. Up until now, United has greatly limited the number of PQPs that can be earned through credit cards. That will no longer be the case, and that’s not a surprise, as United is following in the footsteps of American and Delta.
Obviously loyalty programs are a major source of income for US airlines, and co-branded credit card spending is much higher margin for airlines than people actually flying on their planes. The United Club Card and United Club Business Card now let you earn enough PQPs through spending to earn Premier 1K status, which requires 28,000 PQPs per year.
However, what’s kind of remarkable is how much you have to spend to earn elite status — on the most premium cards, you’d have to spend $420,000 to earn 28,000 PQPs, which would be enough for Premier 1K. That’s way higher than the requirements for top tier status with American and Delta. However, we know that Delta essentially wants the requirements to be that high, but the company backtracked after there was backlash to SkyMiles changes some time back.
Bottom line
United MileagePlus and Chase have overhauled their credit card portfolio, with cards having higher annual fees, but also getting new perks. A lot of the new perks come in the form of credits that can take some effort to maximize, so that’s probably not great.
I’d argue that the biggest change here is the increased ability to earn elite status through credit card spending. I figured this would happen soon enough, since American and Delta are leaning heavily into this, while United hasn’t, up until now.
What do you make of the United & Chase credit card changes?
Guest changes to club??
I don’t even recognize many of those “benefits” much less use or know how (or why) to use them. Anyone else notice the slow descent of common sense in travel? It’s always been a “caveat emptor” environment, but now it's the proliferation of every 9th grader with a blog advice, and the legacy media running really dumb articles authored by the same people who apparently are working for Chase and United.
You missed this, from the email, for the Explorer:
The following United Explorer Card benefit will no longer be available after August 1, 2025:
"Premier upgrades on award tickets when available on United-operated flights"
Just saw this too. Big devaluation and it starts now-ish vs 2026.
UGH, this Renowned hotel credit is going to be hard to use. Very limited number of hotels. And I'm generally finding better rates elsewhere. The Instacart credit is laughable. Not to mention still no way to enroll for the rideshare credit in my app as of this AM. The Delta Reserve DeltaStays hotel credits are much easier to use. And the Delta card gives you a BOGO delta ticket. What a very disappointing, non-competitive club...
UGH, this Renowned hotel credit is going to be hard to use. Very limited number of hotels. And I'm generally finding better rates elsewhere. The Instacart credit is laughable. Not to mention still no way to enroll for the rideshare credit in my app as of this AM. The Delta Reserve DeltaStays hotel credits are much easier to use. And the Delta card gives you a BOGO delta ticket. What a very disappointing, non-competitive club card from United. I guess they got us though. Still cheaper than club access paying with money/miles. I'm sure United will fight teeth and nails to keep a non-aligned lounge out of their terminals, too.
It's not very obvious. But I was able to find the button and registered successfully. Also added the card to my Lyft app and will take a test run next week. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Terrible couponing. I have zero interest in tracking a few $$ each month, besides most of these I don’t use, don’t need, and I certainly won’t start spending money on these companies to get a rebate smaller than my new additional expenses. For example, I would have to start using Uber, paying for say $30 rides (from zero Uber expenses now) to earn a $8 discount. That is a net loss for me of $22.
I have a United Presidential Plus Card and have Premier 1K status. Anyone know how this change would effect me?
I want to know how the changes affect us as well. The Presidentlal Plus message announcing the price increase to $600 suggests that club membership will be the All Access level, and crows about an "additional" benefit of IHG Plat status (which I think I already have THROUGH THIS CARD) Haven't read the fine print, but I'll bet there are other devaluations that will become apparent. Hopefully Ben or someone will do the analysis and share.
Naw. Thanks. I'll bail from the United Quest...
Who has time to pursue all of these $5 or $10 credits? Breakage...
P.S.: Amex was bad. But I manage...Not going to entertain a 2nd, lower, challenge.
Terrible proposition. The miles one earns get devalued regularly. Now the airlines want you to spend more with them (cars, hotels, dog food etc) and use their cards to earn fairly worthless miles. 2 years from now the airlines will howl that too many people have too many miles and that the miles must be devalued again. In simple terms, they want you to spend more to get less in the long run. Airline cards...
Terrible proposition. The miles one earns get devalued regularly. Now the airlines want you to spend more with them (cars, hotels, dog food etc) and use their cards to earn fairly worthless miles. 2 years from now the airlines will howl that too many people have too many miles and that the miles must be devalued again. In simple terms, they want you to spend more to get less in the long run. Airline cards are a con game for suckers. Stick to cash back or points cards.
So, when did you say it starts so I can close these worthless credit cards?
If you watch the price of your United flights closely after booking, or use a tool that does this, you will make up this fee increase with one or two flights.
-
Sean Guest
March 25, 2025, 6:41 am
Helpful
-
Louise Guest
March 25, 2025, 2:09 pm
Helpful
1 more replyCan you explain how his works?
Yes, what tool please? Very interested.
Terrible. Adding complications to an a,ready complicated life
I have basic United for Business. If I want to upgrade to the $695 card, do I need to apply with United/Chase and will it ding me for having too many Chase cards?
They effectively broke the Business Club card with this change - it now has the same annual fee as the personal Club card, but only a fraction of the benefits.
I hate these changes. I have zero desire to use Instacart. I do not want to book my hotels through Chase or United travel. I rarely use rideshare, and when I do, I want to use my Amex UBER credit. I will seriously consider cancelling this card as I no longer have any loyalty to United despite being a Million Miler and their miles are almost as worthless as Delta’s. The only thing holding me...
I hate these changes. I have zero desire to use Instacart. I do not want to book my hotels through Chase or United travel. I rarely use rideshare, and when I do, I want to use my Amex UBER credit. I will seriously consider cancelling this card as I no longer have any loyalty to United despite being a Million Miler and their miles are almost as worthless as Delta’s. The only thing holding me back is I have had this card for more than 25 years, so my credit rating will take a hit for cancelling one of my oldest card. And I don’t really care about the free bag as I usually book at the front of the plane.
-
Vivek Guest
March 24, 2025, 6:01 pm
Helpful
-
Ivan X Guest
March 25, 2025, 12:20 am
Helpful
1 more replyDitto
If it’s a personal card, you can always just downgrade it to the free Gateway card and keep that history intact. (And if it’s a business card, it’s not reporting to your history anyway.)
Quest doesn't seem terrible. $200 credit, and I'd probably value the 10000 mile discount at around $100. Then you just need $50 worth of value from the rest of the card, which I think the 1000 PQP provide. No micromanagement of credits required.
Because my life isn't complicated enough, I definitely need the opportunity to keep track of $10 Instacart and Uber credits every month. Where do I sign up?
/s
Really (really really) sad to see Chase move into coupon book land. I hope this was driven by United and Chase doesn’t start doing this with Sapphire any more than it already has
Lucky, can you give us some help...I cannot find a way to enroll for the rideshare credit. they are clearly making this as difficult as possible. Online website directs you to enroll in the chase app. I can't find anything in the app to enroll. After scrolling forever to even find the benefit listed, it just says there is a new benefit that I have to enroll.
Also, are the 10k mile deduction for spend...
Lucky, can you give us some help...I cannot find a way to enroll for the rideshare credit. they are clearly making this as difficult as possible. Online website directs you to enroll in the chase app. I can't find anything in the app to enroll. After scrolling forever to even find the benefit listed, it just says there is a new benefit that I have to enroll.
Also, are the 10k mile deduction for spend (and Club guest passes) retroactive for spend that has already occurred this year or only going forward from today? I do not have anything in my wallet for either of these currently.
Thank you
i think these start in 2026
If Chase is able to have an agreement with Instacart with these cards, I don't see why they can't add it back to the Sapphire Reserve...
If this is the trend (and it is), I’m said for all my other $95 Chase cards that currently have an easy to grasp value proposition. Matter of time before they too are “improved”. Higher fees + coupon book perks = I hate that Amex started it, as that was why I got off their wagon 2 years ago.
Honestly, these aren't bad. I think the $200 travel bank and the 10k discount each year on a redemption make the Quest card close to cost neutral without requiring spend. And the 2x travel category for Chase likely includes rideshare, making it palatable to pick up a handful of the monthly credits with cabs or Uber. The Explorer card is the hardest one to justify, as it just doesn't have interesting spend categories (the travel...
Honestly, these aren't bad. I think the $200 travel bank and the 10k discount each year on a redemption make the Quest card close to cost neutral without requiring spend. And the 2x travel category for Chase likely includes rideshare, making it palatable to pick up a handful of the monthly credits with cabs or Uber. The Explorer card is the hardest one to justify, as it just doesn't have interesting spend categories (the travel bank credit requires 10k spend). After the first year, you are basically paying $150 for 2 lounge passes and a couple of bags. You really have to either upgrade to a premium card or downgrade to the Gateway.
Activate the rideshare credit in the chase all under benefits and travel.
Can you even buy anything on instacart for 15 bucks? I'm OK to use it but is it like buyung a pack of gum for 2 dollars, then 7 for service fee and 6 bucks for tip?
Any word if you can still Pay Yourself Back? That offered a decent 1.6-1.7 cent per mile redemption that I've used now for several years.
How do we sign up for the rideshare credit? It says in the chase app, but I don't see an option anywhere.
I think you're missing in your analysis/comparison, the baggage fees waived for each type of card, and the United Club access/passes for each, which is a big differentiator
With so many cards offering airline credits for luggage, lounge access, etc, the benefits provided by the family of United credit cards is replaceable. For earning miles on flights, many cards we have offer the same 2, 3, or 4 miles per dollar spent (CSP 2, CSR 3, and Amex Plat 5), so no real advantage to having the United cards.
For loyalist, the earnings for status may be a benefit. For myself, the...
With so many cards offering airline credits for luggage, lounge access, etc, the benefits provided by the family of United credit cards is replaceable. For earning miles on flights, many cards we have offer the same 2, 3, or 4 miles per dollar spent (CSP 2, CSR 3, and Amex Plat 5), so no real advantage to having the United cards.
For loyalist, the earnings for status may be a benefit. For myself, the many nickle and dime monthly and other benefits do not add up to enough dollars for the cards to pull their own weight.
At one time, about 20 years ago, I had the United Club card. Then United stated that they would only allow access to the United Club when you traveled on United. So I downgraded to the Explorer card and applied for the Amex Plat. Now, it looks like I may downgrade again to the Gateway. The only reason I may not cancel is that it is one of my oldest cards.
-
Joe D Guest
March 24, 2025, 2:01 pm
Helpful
-
Don Guest
March 24, 2025, 2:26 pm
Helpful
1 more replyThe Club Card and most club cards make sense only if you value you clubs... Otherwise, they don't make sense at all. Food and beverage is soo expensive in the airports these days, I consider the Club Cards to still offer significant value since I live in Chicago.
@Joe D -- I definitely agree. ORD is an airport I connect through several times a year and one of the few airports where airline lounges are the only option. After using my 2 Explorer card passes, I use airline credits (Chase Ritz/Amex P) to buy access.
Hopefully, one day soon, Chase or Amex will be able to open a lounge in ORD.
I feel like for most people the Quest card won't really make sense unless they know they will use the Travel Bank credit (which means they must be flying on a paid ticket on UA metal) each year. If you value status, you will absolutely need the club card (and 2x dining/travel at least lowers the opportunity cost a bit compared to 1x on the AA and Delta club cards), otherwise just get the Explorer...
I feel like for most people the Quest card won't really make sense unless they know they will use the Travel Bank credit (which means they must be flying on a paid ticket on UA metal) each year. If you value status, you will absolutely need the club card (and 2x dining/travel at least lowers the opportunity cost a bit compared to 1x on the AA and Delta club cards), otherwise just get the Explorer for free checked bags/priority boarding which by themselves may be worth $150 to some people.
I got this card in March last year. What are my chances of getting another sign-up bonus with a different LLC?
Chase fine print shows this: This new Cardmember bonus offer is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of this business credit card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of this business credit card who received a new Cardmember bonus for this business credit card within the last 24 months.
-
Nate Guest
March 24, 2025, 6:56 pm
Helpful
-
Gerry Guest
March 24, 2025, 8:57 pm
Helpful
1 more replyDoes the different LLC have a different EIN?
Yes
The JSX credit is the oddest to me. I doubt I would ever use that.
@ Nate -- Agree it's a bit odd. And if you're curious why United would offer a JSX credit, it's because United has a stake in the carrier.
Do we know if these benefits are live for pre-existing cardholders?
@ James K. -- I believe they're supposed to be, but it might take some number of hours/days.
Not much to like. $450 to $695 for the Business Club card hurts pretty bad.
Obviously, this is just a price hike, and a steep one -- those "perks" are structured to be nearly impossible to cash out on, and several of them are too niche for most to use.
And, to your point, putting a ton of spend on a UA card for the sake of status is a waste when other cards are...
Not much to like. $450 to $695 for the Business Club card hurts pretty bad.
Obviously, this is just a price hike, and a steep one -- those "perks" are structured to be nearly impossible to cash out on, and several of them are too niche for most to use.
And, to your point, putting a ton of spend on a UA card for the sake of status is a waste when other cards are significantly more rewarding, especially in light of United award ticket pricing approaching stratospheric levels.
I wonder if this will work out well or poorly for them. I feel like once you cross the $99 threshold for the general-purpose card held by most, you're going to lose some people.
Will the United Explorer Card still have the 2 United Club vouchers per year?
-
JRG Guest
March 24, 2025, 11:53 am
Helpful
-
Daniel B. Guest
March 24, 2025, 11:58 am
Helpful
1 more replyThey do. But now you can't give to anyone else, except a travel companion on the same flight. Bummer for me - would like to give to my spouse when she flies alone but that apparently is not possible after 25 August.
@JRG: Thank you!
Are you sure about the rideshare credits? For example, for the Club card, you have "Up to $150 in rideshare credits per year, in the form of a $12 monthly credit ($15 credit in December), with yearly opt-in required". However, 11*12+15=$147, not $150.
@ Angetenar -- Sorry, that should've said $18 credit in December. Updated now.
What about Presidential Plus legacy cards ?
-
Ben Schlappig OMAAT
March 24, 2025, 11:47 am
Helpful
-
Louise Guest
March 25, 2025, 2:13 pm
Helpful
-
Will Guest
March 24, 2025, 11:50 am
Helpful
-
yiannis93117 Guest
March 24, 2025, 12:27 pm
Helpful
-
Will Guest
March 24, 2025, 12:36 pm
Helpful
-
jason Guest
March 24, 2025, 2:55 pm
Helpful
-
JC Guest
March 25, 2025, 3:03 pm
Helpful
6 more replies@ Al Percolo -- That's an excellent question. Let me see what I can find out.
Thanks. Looking forward.
I would guess the AF stays the same ($ 395 AF) BUT the UC membership would be "updated" to the basic tier.
.....and my lifetime united club card? I'm going to assume life is life with the old terms, and two guests?
Lifetime is staying the same, yes.
Exactly - none of the Club benefits have been loaded into my card - at least the site doesn't have anything related to credits of any kind. If the AF increases this card might die in my wallet.
Got an email saying it is increasing to $600 and they are adding IHG platinum status.