United Club℠ Infinite Card from Chase Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of credit card offerings, the United Club℠ Infinite Card from Chase stands out as a premium option, particularly appealing to frequent travelers and loyal United Airlines customers. With a robust rewards system and a plethora of travel-related benefits, this card aims to provide superior value. However, the high annual fee and variable APR rates necessitate a thorough review to determine if it truly lives up to the hype. As a financial expert, I will delve into the intricacies of this card, exploring its key features, benefits, and drawbacks to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.

United Club℠ Infinite Card Key Takeaways

Before diving deep into the specifics, let’s highlight the key takeaways of the United Club℠ Infinite Card:
– Rewards Structure: Earn 4x miles per $1 spent on United purchases, 2x miles on other travel and dining, and 1x mile on all other purchases.
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
– Annual Fee: $525 annually.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99%.
– Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799).
– Travel Benefits: Includes free checked bags, Premier Access travel services, and various travel insurance protections.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.

United Club℠ Infinite Card Pros and Cons

Every credit card comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a balanced view of the pros and cons of the United Club℠ Infinite Card:

Pros:

– High Rewards Rate: The card offers an impressive rewards rate, particularly for United purchases.
– Generous Welcome Bonus: The 80,000 bonus miles can significantly offset travel costs.
– Comprehensive Travel Benefits: Includes free checked bags, priority boarding, and various travel insurances.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This makes it a great option for international travelers.
– Exclusive Access: Cardholders get access to United Club lounges and other exclusive events.

Cons:

– High Annual Fee: The $525 annual fee can be a significant drawback for those who do not travel frequently.
– Variable APR: The high variable APR (21.99% to 28.99%) can be costly if you carry a balance.
– Specific to United Airlines: The maximum benefits are tied to United Airlines, limiting flexibility for those who fly with different carriers.

United Club℠ Infinite Card Benefits

The United Club℠ Infinite Card from Chase is packed with a wide array of benefits, making it a valuable tool for frequent flyers. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

Rewards Program

– 4x Miles on United Purchases: Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
– 2x Miles on Other Travel and Dining: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel purchases (airfare, trains, local transit, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, resorts, ride share services, and tolls) and dining, including eligible delivery services.
– 1x Mile on All Other Purchases: Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Welcome Bonus

– 80,000 Bonus Miles: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This substantial bonus can significantly reduce travel expenses.

Travel Benefits

– Free Checked Bags: The primary Cardmember and one companion on the same reservation will each receive their first and second checked bags free on United-operated flights. This can save up to $160 per round trip for two people.
– Premier Access® Travel Services: Enjoy priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding, and baggage handling privileges.
– $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every 4 years for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
– CLEAR® Membership Discount: Receive a $70 discount on the $179 CLEAR® annual membership and 10,000 bonus miles for a new CLEAR subscription.
– 25% Back on United Inflight Purchases: Get 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights.
– Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets: Eligible for complimentary Premier Upgrades on select United and United Express-operated flights, subject to availability.

Hotel and Resort Benefits

– IHG Rewards Platinum Elite Status: The primary Cardmember is eligible for Platinum Elite status in IHG Rewards, which includes benefits like complimentary room upgrades and extended check-out.
– Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection: Access to a group of over 1,000 properties worldwide, offering benefits such as daily breakfast for two, special dining or spa credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades (if available), early check-in, and late checkout.

Exclusive Access and Experiences

– United Card Events and MileagePlus Events: Opportunities to purchase private, curated experiences, such as wine tastings, culinary events at top restaurants, sports events, and other unique experiences.

Rental and Travel Protections

– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for non-refundable travel expenses due to covered situations like sickness or severe weather.
– Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours, up to $100 a day for 3 days.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage up to $3,000 per passenger for checked or carry-on luggage that is lost or damaged by the carrier.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: Coverage for expenses like meals and lodging if travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, up to $500 per ticket.
– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Primary coverage for rental car damage due to collision or theft.

Other Benefits

– Visa Infinite® Concierge Services: 24/7 personalized assistance for travel planning, dinner reservations, and entertainment tickets.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the U.S.
– Avis President’s Club: Complimentary two-car class upgrades, guaranteed car availability, expedited rental service, and more.

Conclusion

The United Club℠ Infinite Card from Chase is undeniably a powerhouse for frequent travelers, particularly those loyal to United Airlines. Its rich rewards structure, generous welcome bonus, and extensive travel benefits can make it a highly valuable asset. However, the high annual fee and variable APR rates are significant factors to consider.

Is the United Club℠ Infinite Card Right for You?

– Frequent United Flyers: If you frequently travel with United Airlines, the benefits of the United Club℠ Infinite Card can easily outweigh the annual fee. Free checked bags, Premier Access, and the luxury of United Club lounges can add significant value to your travel experience.
– High Spenders on Travel and Dining: The robust rewards rate on travel and dining purchases can help you accumulate miles quickly, making it easier to earn free flights and other travel perks.
– International Travelers: With no foreign transaction fees, this card is an excellent choice for those who frequently travel abroad.

Considerations

– Annual Fee: The $525 annual fee may be a deterrent for those who do not travel frequently or do not take full advantage of the card’s benefits.
– APR Rates: With a variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99%, it is crucial to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges.
In summary, the United Club℠ Infinite Card from Chase offers a compelling suite of benefits for the right user. If you align with the card’s target demographic—frequent United Airlines flyers and high spenders on travel and dining—the rewards and perks can easily justify the high annual fee. Carefully consider your travel habits and spending patterns to determine if this card is the ideal addition to your wallet.