United is a popular airline by many. They recently have changed their travel credit cards so let’s dive in what you need to know whether you are thinking about applying for a United credit card or you already one in your wallet. I know my annual fee on my United Explorer is approaching because I got my email from Travel Freely letting me know my fee would post soon. This gives me time to figure out what to do. I am deciding whether the changes are going to lead me to closing the account or keeping the card for another year.

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1. Annual Fees are Increasing

This is a big one because now your annual fee on this card is going to go up which is going to cost you more money. Now with a higher fee usually comes more perks so my best advice is look at the perks included with your card and make sure it is worth the fee.

United Gateway no annual fee
United Explorer card $0 the first year and $150 a year after
United Quest is $350 a year
United Club is $695 a year
United Business $150 a year
United Club Business $695 a year

2. New United Card Perks

United cards have included things like free checked bags and priority check in to their card holders. Let’s take a look at some examples of the changes now made on the card and some that have stayed the same. There are other perks that have been added but let’s focus just on the United perks that you will be getting with these new card offers.

United Explorer– Continues to offer 2 passes to the United Lounge a year and you get the first checked bag free. There is a $100 United travel credit for you to use on your future travels. Now after $10,000 spend you get a 10,000 mile reward discount. That honestly isn’t worth all the spending to get a small discount like that in my opinion.

United Quest– Offers 2 free checked bags and an annual $200 United travel credit which helps offset the higher fee for sure if you fly United a lot. You get 2 global economy plus seat upgrades to make your travels more comfortable. You receive an annual 10,000 miles on your card anniversary. You also earn the 10,000 mile discount on reward flights after spending $20k on the card each calendar year.

United Club– This card does come with club access for the card holder but has some restrictions. In order to unlock the all access club you will need to spend $50,000 a year and then you will unlock all access which allows more guests and privileges. The card comes with 4 one time use passes to the United Club. You will also earn the opportunity to receive the 10,000 mile discount after a $20k spend and you can use that offer twice during the year.

3. New Partner Perks

United has added additional credits to their cards so take a look at what the options are and as always make sure they are something you can use and get use out of. Global Entry and TSA credit is included with all annual fee cards. The each card includes perks from Instacard with monthly credits that vary depending on the card. Hotel credits and ride share credits have also be included into the card offers. One thing to note is you don’t get the credits all at once. When you look at the card offers the credits are divided up into monthly or semi-annual amounts so you will need to plan accordingly.

United Explorer

$50 every 6 months or $100 annual with United hotel credits
$60 a year in rideshare credits which breaks down to $5 a month
$50 a year with Avis or Budget but again broken up into 6 month credits so $25 every 6 months
$10 a month with Instacart

United Quest

$150 statement credit with Renowned Hotels
$100 credits for rideshare
$80 credits with Avis and Budget
up to $180 credit with Instacart
$150 with JSX which is a semi private jet service

United Club

$200 credit with Renowned Hotels
$150 credits for rideshare
$100 credits with Avis and Budget
$240 Instacart credit
Complimentary Instacard Membership
IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status
Avis Presidents Club
$200 credit with JSX service

If you are a frequent United flyer these perks might be of interest to you. The increase on these annual fees is not really a good change. The credits are going to take a lot of effort on your part to make sure you utilize them on a regular basis throughout the year. I also think there are better credit cards out there for lounge access. The Venture X is my top card for lounge access because for $395 you get yourself and 2 guests in for free and you don’t have to spend a certain amount on the card to gain guest access.

When my annual fee hits on this card I have 30 days to decide if I want to cancel. During that 30 day window I can get back my annual fee. If you want to give these cards a go and see if you utilize all the perks go for it! I would advise that you download the Travel Freely app so next year you can receive a free email just reminding you that the fee is going to hit. That will give you time to evaluate and make sure you are getting enough savings out of the card to pay the fee.