United Quest℠ Credit Card Review

In an ever-evolving landscape of credit cards, the United Quest℠ Credit Card stands out as a compelling option for frequent travelers and United Airlines loyalists. With a robust rewards structure, comprehensive travel benefits, and a slew of other perks, the United Quest℠ Credit Card aims to cater to a niche audience seeking value and convenience. In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this card tick, its key takeaways, pros and cons, and the benefits it offers. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether the United Quest℠ Credit Card is the right fit for you.

United Quest℠ Credit Card Key Takeaways

The United Quest℠ Credit Card, issued by Chase, is tailored for individuals who frequently travel with United Airlines. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Rewards Structure:
– 3x Miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit.
– 2x Miles per $1 spent on all other travel-related expenses, including airfare, trains, local transit, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, resorts, ride share services, and tolls.
– 2x Miles per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services.
– 2x Miles per $1 spent on select streaming services.
– 1x Mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
2. Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
3. Annual Fee: $250 annually.
4. Interest Rates: Variable APR between 21.99% – 28.99%.
5. Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799).
6. Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
7. Additional Benefits: Includes travel insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, auto rental collision damage waiver, and more.

United Quest℠ Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Generous Rewards Structure: The card offers a solid rewards structure, particularly for United Airlines purchases and travel-related expenses.
2. Sign-Up Bonus: The 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP are attractive for new cardholders.
3. Travel Benefits: Comprehensive travel insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement make this card a strong contender for travelers.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
5. Priority Boarding and Free Checked Bags: Enhances the travel experience with United Airlines.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee: At $250 annually, the fee is on the higher side.
2. High APR: The variable APR ranges from 21.99% to 28.99%, which can be costly if you carry a balance.
3. Limited to United Airlines: The card’s benefits are maximized when used with United Airlines, limiting its appeal to those who prefer other airlines.
4. No Introductory APR: Lack of an introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers.

United Quest℠ Credit Card Benefits

Travel Benefits

$125 Annual United Purchase Credit

You’ll automatically receive up to $125 in statement credits as reimbursement for United purchases charged to your United Quest℠ Card each account anniversary year. This effectively reduces your annual fee to $125 if you fully utilize this credit.

5,000 Miles Back

You’ll get 5,000 miles back in your MileagePlus® account after taking a United® or United Express-operated award flight booked with your miles, up to two times every anniversary year.

Free First and Second Checked Bags

The primary cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first and second standard checked bags free (up to $35 value for the first checked bag and up to $45 value for the second checked bag, each way, per person) on United-operated flights. This can save you up to $320 per roundtrip.

Priority Boarding

The primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation will be invited to board United-operated flights prior to general boarding, ensuring a more relaxed and convenient boarding experience.

$100 Statement Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when charged to your card, expediting your security and customs process.

25% Back on In-Flight Purchases

Get 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United®-operated flights when you pay with your United Quest℠ Card.

Reward Seat Upgrades

The primary cardmember who is also a Mileage Plus Premier® member traveling on an award ticket can take advantage of Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United-operated flights (when available).

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Purchases made with your Quest Card outside the U.S. will not be subject to foreign transaction fees, making it a great card for international travelers.

Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection

This exceptional group of over 1,000 properties includes some of the world’s most exquisite hotels, resorts, lodges, and spas, each extending complimentary cardmember benefits with every stay.

Insurance and Protection Benefits

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations.

Baggage Delay Insurance

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier, up to $100 a day for three days.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If your or an immediate family member’s checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the carrier, you’re covered up to $3,000 per passenger.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.

Purchase and Fraud Protection

Purchase Protection

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

Fraud Protection

You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.

Additional Features

United Card Events from Chase and United MileagePlus Events

As a cardmember, you have opportunities to purchase private, curated, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Manage Your Account & Pay Your Bill

You can manage your account and pay your bill online through Chase’s website, offering convenience and flexibility.

Conclusion

The United Quest℠ Credit Card from Chase is a powerhouse for frequent travelers, especially those loyal to United Airlines. Its robust rewards structure, hefty sign-up bonus, and extensive travel benefits make it a valuable asset for those who spend a significant amount of time in the air. However, the $250 annual fee, high variable APR, and benefits centered around United Airlines might deter those less committed to the airline or those seeking a general travel rewards card.
If you frequently fly with United Airlines and can leverage the card’s numerous perks, the United Quest℠ Credit Card can offer substantial value and convenience. For those who travel less frequently or prefer other airlines, it may be worth exploring other options that align more closely with your travel habits and spending patterns. In any case, the United Quest℠ Credit Card stands out as a robust contender in the travel credit card market, offering a blend of rewards and benefits that cater to the discerning traveler.