Update, 3/25: This post has been updated with additional information about the Gateway, Presidential Plus, Awards, Select, and JPMorgan Reserve cards.
You can now register for the rideshare credit in the Chase app. You have to register for this benefit annually on each eligible card.
This post will be updated again when we receive more details on card changes.
Originally posted on 3/24 at 8am ET:
United is making big changes to its club access and credit card portfolio, copying a lot from Delta’s recent club changes and AMEX benefit changes, though not everything.
The card links in this post are not currently active, but will be working later today.
If the cards resemble AMEX coupon books, there’s good reason for that. Those changes have been wildly successful and we’ll likely continue to see annual fees go up, while cards give back in the form of “coupon books” that can provide excellent values if you jump through some hoops and stay engaged with the cards.
These new card benefits begin today for new and existing cardholders. The new annual fees apply for new cardholders as of today.
Existing cardholders will pay the increased annual fee at the next renewal on or after 8/1/25, except for existing United Explorer cardholders who will pay the increased annual fee at the next renewal on or after 1/1/26.
Table of Contents
United Club changes for non-cardholders
United Club membership previously cost $650 annually for non-elites, Silvers, or Golds, $600 for Platinums, or $500 for 1Ks. It included 2 adult guests, or 1 adult guest, and all dependent children under 21. It also included access to Star Alliance lounges.
Current members will receive those benefits until their next renewal date.
Effective today, United Club Individual membership no longer includes guest access or Star Alliance lounge access. Membership will now cost $750 annually.
That’s a brutal change, but doesn’t come as a big surprise after Delta did the same thing. The bigger problem is that United isn’t making any promises to match the quality of Delta clubs.
United will also sell United Club All Access membership for $1,400 annually for non-elites, Silvers or Golds, $1,300 for Platinums, $1,200 for 1Ks, or $1,000 for Global Services members. It includes 2 adult guests, or 1 adult guest, and all dependent children under 18. It also includes access to Star Alliance lounges.
Members with United Lifetime Club memberships will receive lifetime United Club All Access membership. It appears that United will lower the free dependent children age from 21 to 18 for lifetime members as well, despite lifetime members being sold a membership that was supposed to include free dependent children under 21. That’s highly unfortunate, but I am happy to see that those memberships will be converted into All Access memberships. Note: United is currently looking into whether lifetime members will be subject to the change in dependent children age.
Club memberships provided by United credit cards differ from these levels, and those changes are described below.
United Gateway card changes
The good:
- Cardholders will receive 2 free checked bag coupons after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
The bad:
- On 8/1, cardholders will lose the ability to take advantage of expanded award space and cardholder award discounts, unless they spend $10,000 in a calendar year.
United Explorer card changes
The good:
- Cardholders will get $5 in monthly statement credits for rideshare purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $60 annually. Rideshare is valid for Taxi, limo, and rideshare and requires annual registration. Not valid on UberEats.
- Cardholders will get a $50 statement credit, up to twice per year, on hotels booked through United paid on their card, a value of up to $100 annually.
- Cardholders will get $25 in United TravelBank cash, up to twice per year, for Avis or Budget rentals paid on their card, a value of up to $50 annually. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will get up to $100 in statement credits on flights booked from JSX on their card. JSX offers semi-private flights with Starlink service.
- Cardholders will get 3 months of free Instacart+ membership, and 25% off membership afterward. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will get $10 in monthly statement credits for Instacart purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $120 annually. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will earn 5 total miles per dollar on hotels booked through United.
- Cardholders will earn $100 United TravelBank cash after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will earn a 10,000 miles award discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
The bad:
- The annual fee will climb from $95 to $150.
- The card’s 2 free annual one-time use United Club passes will only be valid when the primary or secondary card user is present.
- Previously, premier members with an Explorer card were eligible for upgrades on award tickets. That benefit is ending on the Explorer card only, on 8/1/25.
United Quest card changes
The good:
- Cardholders will get 1,000 PQPs annually just for being a cardholder, starting in 2026. Card must be open by 12/31 of the previous year.
- Cardholders can now earn 1 PQPs for every $20 spent, up to an annual cap of 18,000 PQPs for $360,000 spending. That’s up from 9,000 max PQPs previously and is now enough to earn Platinum status.
- Cardholders will earn $200 in United TravelBank cash automatically after card opening and on every card anniversary. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will get $8 in monthly statement credits ($12 in December) for rideshare purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $100 annually. Rideshare is valid for Taxi, limo, and rideshare and requires annual registration. Not valid on UberEats.
- Cardholders will get an annual $150 statement credit on Renowned Hotels and Resorts paid on their card.
- Cardholders will get $40 in United TravelBank cash, up to twice per year, for Avis or Budget rentals paid on their card, a value of up to $80 annually. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will get up to $150 in statement credits on flights booked from JSX on their card. JSX offers semi-private flights with Starlink service.
- Cardholders will get 3 months of free Instacart+ membership, and 50% off membership afterward. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will get $10 and a $5 monthly statement credits for Instacart purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $180 annually. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will earn 5 total miles per dollar on Renowned Hotels and Resorts.
- Cardholders will earn a 10,000 miles award discount automatically every card anniversary.
- Cardholders will earn another 10,000 miles award discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
- Cardholders will earn 2 global Economy Plus seat upgrades after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
The bad:
- The annual fee will climb from $250 to $350.
United Club card changes
Currently, cardholders get a full United Club membership. That comes with 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 21. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
Effective on your next card renewal after 8/1, that will go down to just 1 free adult guest plus all dependent kids under 18. The option for 2 adult guests or kids aged 18-20 will go away. Star Alliance lounge access will also go away.
However, if you have this card and spend $50,000 in a calendar year, or if you have this card and United Gold status, you will be upgraded to United Club All Access membership. That will get you 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 18. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
If you have a free authorized user on the account and earn United Club All Access membership, you’ll also get 4 one-time use United Club passes, though these will only work if the primary or secondary cardholder is present.
The good:
- Cardholders will get 1,500 PQPs annually, just for being a cardholder, starting in 2026. Card must be open by 12/31 of the previous year.
- Cardholders can now earn 1 PQPs for every $15 spent, up to an annual cap of 28,000 PQPs for $420,000 spending. That’s up from 15,000 max PQPs previously and is now enough to earn 1K status.
- Cardholders will get $12 in monthly statement credits ($18 in December) for rideshare purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $150 annually. Rideshare is valid for Taxi, limo, and rideshare and requires annual registration. Not valid on UberEats.
- Cardholders will get an annual $200 statement credit on Renowned Hotels and Resorts paid on their card.
- Cardholders will get $50 in United TravelBank cash, up to twice per year, for Avis or Budget rentals paid on their card, a value of up to $100 annually. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will get up to $200 in statement credits on flights booked from JSX on their card. JSX offers semi-private flights with Starlink service.
- Cardholders will get complimentary Instacart+ membership through 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will get two $10 monthly statement credits for Instacart purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $240 annually. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will earn 5 total miles per dollar on Renowned Hotels and Resorts.
- Cardholders will earn a 10,000 miles award discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
- Cardholders will earn another 10,000 miles award discount after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
The bad:
- The annual fee will climb from $525 to $695.
- Club access rules, as noted above.
United Business card changes
The good:
- Cardholders will get $8 in monthly statement credits ($12 in December) for rideshare purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $100 annually. Rideshare is valid for Taxi, limo, and rideshare and requires annual registration. Not valid on UberEats.
- Cardholders will get a $50 statement credit, up to twice per year, on hotels booked through United paid on their card, a value of up to $100 annually.
- Cardholders will get $25 in United TravelBank cash, up to twice per year, for Avis or Budget rentals paid on their card, a value of up to $50 annually. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will get up to $25 in statement credits when you buy United FareLock on your card.
- Cardholders will get up to $100 in statement credits on flights booked from JSX on their card. JSX offers semi-private flights with Starlink service.
- Cardholders will get 3 months of free Instacart+ membership, and 25% off membership afterward. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will get $10 in monthly statement credits for Instacart purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $120 annually. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will earn 5 total miles per dollar on hotels booked through United.
- Cardholders will earn $125 United TravelBank cash after making 5 $100+ United flight purchases in a calendar year.
- Cardholders will earn 2 continental US Economy Plus upgrades after spending $25,000 in a calendar year.
- Cardholders can now earn 1 PQPs for every $20 spent, up to a maximum of 4,000 PQPs for $80,000 spending. This up from 1,000 max PQPs.
The bad:
- The annual fee will climb from $99 to $150.
- The card’s 2 free annual one-time use United Club passes will only be valid when the primary or secondary card user is present.
United Business Club card changes
Chase United Business Club Card (Click on apply now to reach this card application)
Currently, cardholders get a full United Club membership. That comes with 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 21. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
Effective on your next card renewal after 8/1, that will go down to just 1 free adult guest plus all dependent kids under 18. The option for 2 adult guests or kids aged 18-20 will go away. Star Alliance lounge access will also go away.
However, if you have this card and spend $50,000 in a calendar year, or if you have this card and United Gold status, you will be upgraded to United Club All Access membership. That will get you 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 18. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
If you have a free authorized user on the account and earn United Club All Access membership, you’ll also get 4 one-time use United Club passes, though these will only work if the primary or secondary cardholder is present.
The good:
- Cardholders can now earn 1 PQPs for every $15 spent, up to an annual cap of 28,000 PQPs for $420,000 spending. That’s up from 15,000 max PQPs previously and is now enough to earn 1K status.
- Cardholders will get $12 in monthly statement credits ($18 in December) for rideshare purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $150 annually. Rideshare is valid for Taxi, limo, and rideshare and requires annual registration. Not valid on UberEats.
- Cardholders will get up to $50 in statement credits when you buy United FareLock on your card.
- Cardholders will get an annual $200 statement credit on Renowned Hotels and Resorts paid on their card.
- Cardholders will get $50 in United TravelBank cash, up to twice per year, for Avis or Budget rentals paid on their card, a value of up to $100 annually. TravelBank cash is valid for United travel and expires 1 year from deposit date.
- Cardholders will get up to $200 in statement credits on flights booked from JSX on their card. JSX offers semi-private flights with Starlink service.
- Cardholders will get complimentary Instacart+ membership through 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will get two $10 monthly statement credits for Instacart purchases paid on their card, a value of up to $240 annually. Benefit expires 12/31/27.
- Cardholders will earn 5 total miles per dollar on Renowned Hotels and Resorts.
- Cardholders will earn 5,000 miles annually if they have this card and a personal United card.
- Cardholders will earn 2 global Economy Plus seat upgrades after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
The bad:
- The annual fee will climb from $450 to $695.
- Club access rules, as noted above.
United Awards card changes
This is a grandfathered card, it is not available for new cardholders.
The good:
- The annual fee will increase for renewals as of 8/1 from $65 to $95.
Presidential Plus card changes
This is a grandfathered card with consumer and business versions, it is not available for new cardholders.
The good:
- Cardholders can now enroll in IHG Platinum status.
The bad:
- The annual fee will increase for renewals as of 8/1 from $450 to $600.
Currently, cardholders get a full United Club membership. That comes with 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 21. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
- Effective on your next card renewal after 8/1, that will go down to just 1 free adult guest plus all dependent kids under 18. The option for 2 adult guests or kids aged 18-20 will go away. Star Alliance lounge access will also go away.
However, if you have this card and spend $50,000 in a calendar year, or if you have this card and United Gold status, you will be upgraded to United Club All Access membership. That will get you 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 18. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
If you have a free authorized user on the account and earn United Club All Access membership, you’ll also get 4 one-time use United Club passes, though these will only work if the primary or secondary cardholder is present.
United Select card changes
No changes.
JPMorgan Reserve card changes
The JPMorgan Reserve card is offered to JPMorgan account holders. It currently provides full United Club membership. That comes with 2 free adult guests or 1 adult guest and all dependent kids under 21. It also comes with Star Alliance lounge access.
The bad:
- Upon next card renewal, this will change to an individual United Club membership, with no free guests and no option to upgrade to All Access.
Ultimate comparison chart
Head spinning?
Here’s a chart of the currently available cards to make sense of it all:
| United Gateway | United Explorer | United Quest | United Club Infinite | United Business | United Club Business | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | None | $0 Intro annual fee, then $150 | $350 | $695 | $150 | $695 |
| Limited time signup bonus | 30K miles for spending $1K in 3 months | 80K miles for spending $3K in 3 months | 90K miles and 500 PQPs for spending $4K in 3 months | 95K miles for spending $5K in 3 months | 125K miles for spending $5K in 3 months | 125K miles for spending $5K in 3 months |
| Access to expanded saver and discounted award space | After spending $10K in calendar year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| United Club Membership | No | 2 annual one-time passes | No | Yes | 2 annual one-time passes | Yes |
| United Club All Access | No | No | No | With United Gold or after $50K spend in calendar year | No | With United Gold or after $50K spend in calendar year |
| Annual TravelBank Cash | $0 | $0 | $200 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Annual Renowned Hotels and Resorts statement credit | None | None | $150 | $200 | None | $200 |
| Economy Plus upgrades | None | None | 2 global upgrades after $40K spend in calendar year | None | 2 continental USm upgrades after $25K spend in calendar year | 2 global upgrades after $40K spend in calendar year |
| Farelock credits | None | None | None | None | $25 annually | $50 annually |
| Rideshare statement credits | None | $5 monthly | $8 monthly ($12 in December) | $12 monthly ($18 in December) | $8 monthly ($12 in December) | $12 monthly ($18 in December) |
| Avis/Budget credits | None | $25 United TravelBank cash, up to twice annually | $40 United TravelBank cash, up to twice annually | $50 United TravelBank cash, up to twice annually | $25 United TravelBank cash, up to twice annually | $50 United TravelBank cash, up to twice annually |
| JSX statement credits | None | $100 | $150 | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Instacart+ membership | None | 3 months free, then 25% off through 12/31/27. | 3 months free, then 50% off through 12/31/27. | Free membership through 12/31/27. | 3 months free, then 25% off through 12/31/27. | Free membership through 12/31/27. |
| Instacart statement credits | None | $10 monthly through 12/31/27. | $10 and $5 monthly through 12/31/27. | 2 $10 monthly credits through 12/31/27. | $10 monthly through 12/31/27. | 2 $10 monthly credits through 12/31/27. |
| Annual TravelBank Cash for card spending | None | $100 for spending $10K in calendar year | None | None | $125 for making 5 $125+ United purchases in calendar year | None |
| Award Discounts | None | 10K discount after spending $20K in calendar year | 10K discount every account anniversary and another 10K discount after spending $20K in calendar year | 10K discount after spending $20K in calendar year and another 10K discount after spending $40K in calendar year | None | None |
| Annual bonus miles for having any personal card | None | None | None | None | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Doordash benefits | 1 year DashPass, plus $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant orders | 1 year DashPass, plus $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant orders | 1 year DashPass, plus $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant orders | 1 year DashPass, plus $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant orders | 1 year DashPass, plus $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant orders | 1 year DashPass, plus $10 off quarterly on non-restaurant orders |
| Starter PQPs | None | None | 1,000, starting in 2026 | 1,500, starting in 2026 | None | None |
| 2025 PQPs from spending | No | 1 PQP for every $20 spent, up to a maximum of 1,000 PQPs for $20,000 spending | 1 PQP for every $20 spent, up to a maximum of 18,000 PQPs for $360,000 spending | 1 PQP for every $15 spent, up to a maximum of 28,000 PQPs for $420,000 spending | 1 PQP for every $20 spent, up to a maximum of 4,000 PQPs for $80,000 spending | 1 PQP for every $15 spent, up to a maximum of 28,000 PQPs for $420,000 spending |
| Foreign transaction fees | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| 25% back on in-flight purchases. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| First checked bag fee waiver for cardholder and companion, even on basic economy | 2 free checked bag coupons after spending $10,000 in calendar year. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Second checked bag fee waiver for cardholder and companion, even on basic economy | 2 free checked bag coupons after spending $10,000 in calendar year. | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Free full size carry-on bag on basic economy for cardholder and companions | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority boarding for cardholder and companions, even on basic economy | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Premier Access Checkin, baggage handling, security, and boarding | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Miles per dollar on everyday purchases | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on United purchases | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Miles per dollar on restaurant purchases | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on gas | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on transit, commuting, and rise sharing | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on hotels | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on office supply stores | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on streaming | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Miles per dollar on car rentals | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Roadside Assistance | No | No | 4 free incidents per year | 4 free incidents per year | 4 free incidents per year | 4 free incidents per year |
| Return protection | No | No | No | $500/item, up to $1,000/year. | No | $500/item, up to $1,000/year. |
| Purchase protection | 120 days theft or damage coverage, up to $500 | 120 days theft or damage coverage, up to $10K. | 120 days theft or damage coverage, up to $10K. | 120 days theft or damage coverage, up to $10K. | 120 days theft or damage coverage, up to $10K. | 120 days theft or damage coverage, up to $10K. |
| Extended warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Car Rental CDW Insurance | Secondary | Primary (domestic rentals secondary for NY residents) | Primary (domestic rentals secondary for NY residents) | Primary (domestic rentals secondary for NY residents) | Primary for business purposes only | Primary for business purposes only |
| Global Entry/Pre-Check credit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Baggage Delay insurance | No | $100/day up to 3 days | $100/day up to 3 days | $100/day up to 3 days | $100/day up to 3 days | $100/day up to 3 days |
| Lost Baggage insurance | No | $3,000/passenger | $3,000/passenger | $3,000/passenger | $3,000/passenger | $3,000/passenger |
| Trip Delay Insurance | No | $500 trip delay insurance coverage/ticket on 12+ hour delays | $500 trip delay insurance coverage/ticket on 12+ hour delays | $500 trip delay insurance coverage/ticket on 12+ hour delays | $500 trip delay insurance coverage/ticket on 12+ hour delays | $500 trip delay insurance coverage/ticket on 12+ hour delays |
| Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance | $1.5K/person and $6K/trip. | $1.5K/person and $6K/trip. | $1.5K/person and $6K/trip. | $10K/person and $20K/trip. | $1.5K/person and $6K/trip. | $10K/person and $20K/trip. |
| IHG Platinum Status | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Avis Presidents Club Status | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Premier upgrades with a companion upgrade on award tickets | No | Ends 7/31/25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Instant discount on select United saver awards | No | No | No | 10% discount | No | No |
Dan’s quick thoughts
That’s a lot to process!
Obviously, the club changes are most unfortunate. Paying significantly more for less is always going to sting.
Higher card annual fees are also never fun, though the writing was on the wall once Delta raised its fees and baggage fees climbed.
I have mixed feelings about these “coupon book” offerings. It’s great that they can often cover the cost of the annual fee, but they can also be a nuisance to maximize.
- I did fly JSX once and loved it, so there may be value there.
- The Renowned Hotels and Resorts and United Hotels credits may also be of value.
- Avis and Budget credits will be good for people who rent from them.
- The rideshare credits are going to be a bit of a nuisance, but if you use ridesharing that will be a nice perk. We’ll have to see if these can used for any food delivery options or gift cards.
- Instacart membership and credits should be useful as well.
- And award discounts and TravelBank cash are good, though TravelBank cash expires after a year.
The cards do become a lot more useful for elite status, which can finally be unlocked up to 1K for spending on one card. Plus, starter PQPs are a welcome perk to help earn status from your couch. Unfortunately, elite status isn’t nearly what it used to be, with upgrades that are hard to get even with top-tier status, though there are still some nice perks of status.
Overall, there will be winners and losers here, depending on how you value the new perks versus the higher annual fees.
What do you think of these changes? Which cards look most attractive to you after these changes?
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141 Comments On "WOW! United Massively Overhauls Credit Card Program And Lounge Access; The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly"
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Any changes to the Presidential Plus card?
I’m not aware of any changes announced for that card, but I have asked for clarification on that.
Dan,
What is the current perks for United Presidential Plus?
Dan
I have the united presidential plus card. How does that get affected.
Same question!
I thought travelbank expires five years after deposit. Did it change to one?
That’s for paid deposits only.
Any update on which TB gets spent when selecting TB payment? At some point it was always first in, first out, regardless of expiration. So an amount set to expire in 3 years, but bought two years ago, would be used before an amount due to expire within the year but deposited recently. This makes it very hard to maximize if you also use TB as an Amex Plat dumping ground or to hit some of the spend requirements to get the now $125 deposit.
I recently used TB and it was FIFO
I meant earliest expiration used first
Bummer on the lounge passes needing to be the card holder. If a family member is the primary and I want to use their lounge pass would I just add myself as a user? Will that affect my 5/24? Or my ability to open the card and earn the bonus myself?
Yes.
On the consumer card, it would affect 5/24 for the approval system, though a manager can override if you say you aren’t financially responsible for the account. On the business card it would not affect 5/24.
It wouldn’t affect your ability to open your own card
Thanks! Separate random q: Can we use the same cell number for multiple family members’ chase cards?
I can add a user to a United Club membership?
The $50 hotel credit that you get twice in the explorer card, is it twice per card member year or calendar year?
Cardmember year.
Thanks for the write up. Any changes for JP Morgan Reserve cardholders as it pertains to united lounge access?
Thanks
I have asked Chase for clarification on this, but have not yet received a response. I may not get one as the benefit is unpublished.
Pyb rates for annual fees are going to stay the same?
I asked about this and haven’t yet received a response, but will update the post when I do.
Can you add status benefits and pqp info?
I’ll tackle that in another post.
If you’re an existing quest cardholder, will you get $200 TB immediately or at anniversary?
Anniversary
Horrible, I just use them for the feee bags and it got a lot worse/more expensive.
Yup, but no surprise given the increase in checked bag fees.
Losing expanded award availability on free personal united gateway card is biggest loss. I assume it goes into effect on my card’s renewal date and not immediately?
Asked. Will update when I get a response.
I see your update. Thank you. Very unfortunate loss, as it will force everyone to upgrade to paid cards.
Could keep that and get a business card, which would result in a 5K annual mileage bonus. You can use the miles to help offset the annual fee.
It seems to me that they are trying to make it that this is the only card you use for spending. Essentially making it not worth it to hold the card just for some of the perks.
I’m sure that’s a goal.
If I signed up for the 100k united business signup offer within the last two months is it possible to have them adjust it to the updated 125k offer? Thanks!
Send a SM or call to ask and let us know.
Same but with Explorer. I already finished the spend. Worth a shot?
Sure
SM Chase?
Did and denied any use to push/call instead?
For the rideshare and instacart.. automatic if i add my club card to my accounts?
Or do I need to go thru hoops and links to get free instacart?
Thanks for putting such a comprehensive guide together!! Am I remembering correctly that they are also removing the ability to pay for your annual fee with miles?
Thanks!
That was reported by some bloggers, but is false.
I’m still waiting to hear if the rates are changing though.
I think overall the quest card is the card to have from this post
Did they lose global entry benefit?
No, see the chart for full benefits.
Im not seeing it in the chart either
Nm I see it!
Will the 1st year be free still on the united explorer card?
Yes
I would love to hear a breakdown on the presidential plus card?
Still waiting to hear about that.
I used to be more committed to United, but with all the devaluations and other changes I no longer have any devotion to any airline program. See no need to keep the Explorer card at the higher fee. Things like DoorDash are rarely all that useful after fees and tips. And Instacart is nowhere near as generous as it once was. Seems like all the programs are pretty crummy now unless you fly a whole lot. And airports have been improving (at least the major ones I frequent), so lounge access is not as much of a benefit as it once was.
If I applied a couple months ago for the explorer, do you think they would increase the sign up bonus from 60k to 80k?
Send a SM or call to ask and let us know.
I sent a sm. They said “We apologize, but we cannot apply the new offer to your
account since there is no richer offer available.” So I’m not sure they really understood.
Try calling.
Can I still pay the UA Business annual fee with miles at 1.5c/mile? It was rumored to end.
If you spend $10k on Gateway in the 2025 calendar year, do you get access to extra awards through 12/31/2025? Or 12/31/2026 or something else? Boy that is a steep threshold to get award access. Thanks.
Those rumors were false. It is not ending, but I’m waiting to hear if rates are changing.
I’d assume 12/31/26 or 1/31/27, but I’ll try to find out.
What’s your best united card then vs now?
There’s not really a one size fits all, really depends on your needs.
Hi. In order to get the bonus points my wife and I each opened United Quest and United Business cards a couple of years ago. Now we are accumulating yearly charges without much gain. We need the Quest cards because we travel from
Australia a couple of times a year add the extra suitcases is a real bonus. I can’t see any advantage to holding onto the United Business cards though and am thinking of closing them and also one of the quest cards as we rarely travel alone. Am I missing something?
Thank you Dan as always! Will we still be able to pay the annual fee with points? (Chase Club card)
Yes, but I’m waiting to hear back on the rate.
Great write up as usual. Lack of expanded award space is a killer for the gateway card. Effectively removes a practical downgrade path As they barely released any desirable award space to partners anymore.
Will the $10 instacart credit on the explorer work at Costco same day and/or gift cards? That would be the only way to justify the fee for me.
Costco via Instacart is generally the same price as Same-Day.
That’s what I’m referring to. Would it trigger the $10 credit?
It’s Instacart. It should. Same-Day generally does not.
I’ve noticed that even when I order from Costco using the regular Instacart app, the charge shows up as “same day by Costco” on my account.
By the way, does this mean that other Chase cards will regain their Instacart perks, or perhaps they never ended? I don’t see them, though.
I’ve never had that issue. I haven’t heard that Chase is adding back Instacart, but it’s always possible. I guess it will depend on how much of a drop they get from the cutoff.
I’m not the most frequent traveler, but i have the United Explorer to get the 2 Free passes for the lounge, the lat 3 times (basically for when we need it) i tried using it we were denied entry because it is to full and they inly accept club members, 2 of those were in EWR.
Hmm. Interesting to see chase resigning an agreement with instacart. Wonder if Costco will come back on the bandwagon as well. Was definitely a nice run when they offered all those free Inst+ membership and free money.
Costco members still get 20% off instacart+ membership ($79 vs. regular $99)
True point.
“These new card benefits begin today for new and existing cardholders. The new annual fees apply for new cardholders as of today.”
United has the new cards listed but chase still has the old information.
As a Quest card holder, leaving all new “perks” aside (I really hold this card for the 2 bag benefits), seems like my effective annual fee went up $25. Former effective fee was $250 – $125 annual statement credit = $125. Now it’s $350 – $200 TB credit annually = $150.
Am I thinking about this correctly?
As long as you use the TB credit before it expires annually, yes.
You also get a 10K award discount instead of two 5K rebates, which is nice.
I think its makes a net gain real winner with its Amex Plat FHR like credits on RenownedHotels – $150 statement – $100 amenity credit and free brekkie for 2 (typically a min of $30pp). Less beneficial for those that BYOK. The FHR credit is one of my favorite Plat benefits.
So that plus Instacart+ credits ( we have grocery store offers free pickup, with in-store prices. $180 if you have free Insta+ or with 50% annual members then $130 incredits (that’s the only bad thing is it looks like you have to have the Insta+ to get credits – and it says one per household (not sure how strict they are about 2 player mode – but seriously considering the UA Club for Biz for P2 ready for next card.
Dan – I’m a current Quest holder. In the email outlining the changes, it says I get a 10K award discount at anniversary plus am able to earn another w/ $20K spend. However, when I login to Chase.com or the app and look at my benefits, there’s no mention of the 10K reward discount at anniversary; it only mentions 10K reward discount after $20K spend.
Have you confirmed w/ Chase or United that Quest holders will in fact receive the 10K discount at anniversary regardless of spend? Any idea where to find this discount or how to use it?
Thanks in advance!
The Quest seems to be the only card that pretty clearly comes out ahead. ($25 increase in net AF, the TB credit being automatically added to your account and only good for 1 year was already baked in a few weeks ago.) The rest of the cards seem to be a mixed bag, mostly higher fees for less benefits and a coupon book.
IMO, the biggest loser here is the Explorer card. I really can’t see a justification for having that card over the Quest. The effective AF is the same ($150 vs. $350-$200), unless you can put $10K of spend on the Explorer and get the $100 TB. That, and the 2 annual club passes are literally the only areas the Explorer beats the Quest. Otherwise, the Quest beats on every measure.
Do Club Passes have those restrictions effective today?
I assume that previously issued passes will remain transferrable.
I don’t see any mention of the yearly credit $125? on the Quest card for United expenditures. I used that frequently for a second bag.
It was replaced with an automatic $200 TravelBank credit.
Quest comes with 2 bags per person for up to 4 people.
Only if the primary cardholder is flying with them.
Are there any changes to the people who hold the presidential Plus card?
Still waiting to hear back about this.
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/airlines/united/wow-united-massively-overhauls-credit-card-program-and-lounge-access-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1767671
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/airlines/united/wow-united-massively-overhauls-credit-card-program-and-lounge-access-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1767672
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/airlines/united/wow-united-massively-overhauls-credit-card-program-and-lounge-access-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/#comment-1767709
The airline industry is the most non-vonsumer friendly industry known to mankind. They have surpassed used car salesmen. Why do the airlines think travelers are made of money???
Any trempers heading from NY to Chicago for Pesach. Willing to pay for gas if you can fit my whole family k”h….
As a 1K, seems like they are making things only worse..
From increasing PQF & PQP requirements to devaluing PlusPoints…
Dan, do you know the details and when the new PlusPoint system is being unveiled and what the features will be?
Nothing announced yet.
@Dan . I have the QUEST card. I already spent past the 9k PQP max. Would I get the additional PQP’S for the money I already spent or only moving forward?
The higher earning limit starts today.
What a pain. I love how they spin all the devaluations as “simplifying” the program for us dumbbells, and then they come up with the most convoluted credit card scheme ever.
The Renowned Hotels of the World looks.like its very similar to Amex Plat FHR credit with $150 statement credit PLUS $100 amenity credit and free brekkie for 2 -but no guaranteed 4PM Check-out but then its like Cap1 VenX Premier Collection with space available upgrades early_late check-in.
This could male the Quest Card a pure winner. Esp with 5X miles on top of the $250 credit. Curious if it will also earn loyalty points/nights – FHR sometimes (90-95% of the time does on Bonvoy, IHG, Hilton and Shangri-la Circle.
As well as $200 UA Travelbank cash (but can’t find the Avis credit on the Mobile app – I’m Avis President club and killer discounts thru USAA. So this could be great as we tend to rent at least 2X a year.
Was sad.to see the 10K award miles discount is lost the 2X – 5K refunds and now its spend.$20K on Quest/Biz card for the discount -no longer standard.
You have to opt in (enroll) yearly for Rideshare cresit -its easy on Chase android app – under benefits.
I opted in to.the rode share credit P2 is in Asia with United Biz card in the Grab app – will add DP of.it works with Grab or like the Amex Delta Ride share credit only charges billed in USD.
Hopefully its like the Delta Rideshare and you can use on Lyft Cash.
When do these changes go into effect? I just got my united business card
The 10K discount on the quest is now for any award? (the previous 5K rebates was only if the cardholder is flying)
Also regarding the rebates, are they cancelled as of now? Or can I still get them till the card anniversary date (when the new 10K discount will start)?
I applied and was approved for the United Business Card on March 4th with the 100,000 mile bonus. Is there any way to get them to match this new offer of 125,000 miles?
Send a SM or call to ask and let us know.
I tired this..they denied me 🙁
Bummer.
Might be worth to open business card and gateway card as well bec you can get 5k annual bonus from the business card if you have a personal united card so then all you need to pay for annual fee is around 2500 miles, makes sense?
LOL I was right about to post if there was a way to minimize the impact of losing expanded award space from the Gateway card and you just gave a great answer. In my opinion, losing the expanded award space from the Gateway Card was the greatest loss out of anything in this post so thank you!!!!!
Open Explorer or other higher SUB, and downgrade to Gateway.
Yes but you would constantly need to be opening and closing explorer or other United cards, making sure when your 24 month clock would reset, etc. which is annoying. The great thing about the Gateway card was that you could just have it lying around in a drawer and still get the expanded saver space….
Any info on the $75 statement credit at IHG Hotels?
That ended last year.
Are you sure? I only signed up for the card in January and I am pretty sure I saw that under the card benefits, but either way I guess that means its gone
None of this CC game is worth it. It’s a massive headache with minimal benefit and assured cheating and stealing down the road.
For United Club Infinite, if you meet the requirements, do you need to fly on a United or Star Alliance flight to access the Star Alliance lounge or just show a digital membership card from your United app to get in with or without +1 or +2?
You need to be flying Star Alliance.
Lounge for $750 or $1,400?!? I travel over 100,000 miles a year but lounges in general I find to be annoying. Cramped and barely any choices of kosher packaged food. I find an empty gate to be much more VIP!
Get a Club card?
Will you still be able to pay the fee with miles?
Yes, but the rate may be changing. Still waiting for details on that.
I knew Dan would have the most thorough and up to date information to help us make decisions quickly on this matter for the benefit of our travel dollar. He didn’t let us down. Thank you.
Thanks!
We aim to please. 😀
How many guests can “All Access member” bring into the Star Alliance lounge? Do I understand this correctly: “Up to two adult guests or one adult and dependents under 18”
Yes
If I have the United Club Infinite card now and then also get the United Quest card, would the 1500 and 1000 starter PQP’s stack? Can you have both cards at the same time?
Dan, I fly a lot of united for business and would love the opportunity to get upgraded with higher status. Do you suggest the united club personal or business.
Which would allow me to climb quickly?
I have the Quest and Biz Explorer. The benefit page is fully updated except the Instacart part is missing from both. Any idea why?
Will there be a link to stack the 3 free months of Instacart on top of the months that are already free from previous promos?
At this point is there a reason to keep my presidential plus card open. Did they raise the cap on pqp earnings?
Club access?
No.
I wasn’t saying to close the card, I was saying to keep the presidential plus over getting the club card. I’d there a way to product change the pp into a club card?
You can convert. The only way it makes sense to keep it is for grandfathered lifetime club members who only pay $100 for that card.
Looks like they are trying to get rid of all remaining presidential plus cards
so the old benefits are all gone now?
How will the 10,000 miles discount On the quest card work exactly? when will we see it?
I have the quest. AF will be charged June 1st. Chase rep says I won’t get new benefits until I’m billed the new higher AF next year. Makes any sense?
Also noticed that the chase app isn’t showing some of the new benefits (shows the $200 TB, rideshare credit and 10k award certificate for spending but not the 10k anniversary one or the Instacart credits)
What is the implication of the loss of Star Alliance club benefits if one has Gold status?
Likely nothing.
How do you active the ride share perk? Don’t see the option in the app
of all points and travel sites (i read almost all of them), you are the only one to get the details down perfectly and in such detail, especially United Club access changing at next billing cycle after august 1 for united infinite club cards.
Thanks!
I’m a details guy and ask all the questions I need until I’m satisfied. Had a whole lot of back and forth on this one!
Can we still pay the explorer annual fee with miles?
(It was previously only 6.5k miles for the 95 annual fee)
not 100% sure, but i didn’t see anything about global entry credits for either of the business cards (chart currently shows “yes” for all except gateway) – would you be able to confirm? thanks!
Is there a way to get the rideshare credit by purchasing uber cards (like the ones at Costco)?
the travel bank change sucks. It can’t be used for taxes on awards…
Can you combine the United and Costco discounts on Instacart+?
How do you register for the rideshare credits in the Chase app? I have searched everywhere and don’t see it.
Same here. I can’t find (I have an iPhone)