4 Best United Credit Cards.

UnitedSM Explorer Card.

In addition to delivering a variety of perks that can more than cover the annual charge for United fliers, the UnitedSM Explorer Card is United’s most popular credit card for business and personal use. For example, United charges $30 ($35 at the airport) for a first checked bag, so you’ll more than make up the annual fee ($0 Intro for the First Year, then $95) after just two round-trips with a checked bag — or one round-trip with a travel companion.

Additional benefits are only frosting on the cake in this case. When flying United, you’ll enjoy priority boarding and a 25 percent discount on in-flight purchases. You’ll also get two United Club one-time tickets each year, which might come in useful during a long stopover or for a special vacation. In addition, you’ll receive a reimbursement for your TSA Precheck or Global Entry application cost every four years.

Cardholders can also earn a significant amount of miles when dining out or staying in a hotel: Earn two miles for every dollar spent on eating, hotel stays, and shopping made via United. Every $1 spent on all other purchases earns you one mile.

Benefits from the airline include a free checked bag, priority boarding, a 25 percent discount on in-flight purchases, and two United Club memberships.

Pros

• For the first year, there is no charge. After that, the cost is $95 each year.
• The primary cardholder and one companion are each entitled to one complimentary checked bag.
• TSA Global Entry or Global Entry Reimbursement of application fees for pre-screening
• Two United Club one-time passes are awarded on each cardmember’s birthday and anniversary.
• When you charge your United in-flight meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi to your card, you will receive a 25 percent rebate.

Cons

• For those who travel only sometimes, the yearly charge may be difficult to justify.
• Benefits limited to United-operated flights
• It is possible that a generic travel card may be more beneficial to some passengers.
• If you have a balance on your account, you will be charged a high APR ranging from 16.49 percent to 23.49 percent Variable.

United ClubSM Infinite Card.

The United ClubSM Infinite Card eliminates the need to pay the $650 annual charge for a United Club membership by providing you with full United Club membership — as well as extra advantages — for a $525 yearly fee instead.

In addition to a United Club membership, you’ll receive up to two free checked bags on United, 25 percent back on in-flight purchases, and Premier upgrades on award tickets when you fly with the airline. In addition, you’ll receive United Premier Access privileges like as priority check-in and boarding while flying with the airline. It also includes a slew of non-United advantages, such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle elite membership, access to the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, and a credit of up to $100 for TSA Precheck or Global Entry enrollment.

Finally, cardholders may earn four times the miles on United transactions earn four miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, two miles for every dollar spent on all other travel and eating purchases, and one mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

The following airline privileges are available: United Club membership, up to two free checked bags, priority check-in and security screening, boarding and baggage handling, upgrades on award tickets for Premier elite members, and a 25 percent cashback on United in-flight purchases.

Pros

• United Club membership in its entirety
• From free checked baggage to award ticket upgrades, United offers a wide range of excellent advantages.
• Benefits provided by organisations other than United Airlines, such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle elite membership.
• Refund of application fees for TSA Precheck or Global Entry.
• United in-flight purchases of food, drinks, and Wi-Fi are eligible for a 25 percent cash back reward.

Cons

• Because of the high annual cost of $525, this card is out of reach for many tourists.
• If you roll over a balance, you will be charged a high APR ranging from 16.49 percent to 23.49 percent.
• When going on other airlines, the majority of your travel advantages are forfeited.
• Choosing the best United Airlines credit card with no annual fee might be difficult.

United GatewaySM Card.

The United GatewaySM Card, which has no annual charge and allows you to earn airline miles without paying a fee, is ideal for consumers who want to earn airline miles without having to pay a fee. With this card, you will not be eligible for any benefits like as free checked baggage or priority boarding.

Despite this, the United GatewaySM Card does provide certain tempting spending category incentives, including the following: Earn two miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, at petrol stations, on public transportation, and on commuting. Every $1 spent on all other purchases earns you one mile. While there are more lucrative annual-fee cards available, it’s not a terrible option if you don’t want to pay a charge for the privilege.

Benefits from the airline include a 25 percent cash back on United in-flight purchases.

Pros

• $0 annual fee
• $0 foreign transaction fees
• Excellent spending category benefits for a card with no annual fee.
• 25 percent of in-flight purchases of food, drinks, and Wi-Fi are credited back to your account.

Cons

• Inadequate travel benefits — whether on United or any other airline
• Some tourists may find that a different type of travel card is more appropriate.
• The best United Airlines credit card for elite status is the American Express Platinum Card.

United QuestSM Card.

If you’re pursuing United Airlines elite status, the United QuestSM Card is the credit card to have on your wallet. There are a total of 3,000 PQPs available year (50% of the total of $12,000 in purchases made with the card), which is enough (or almost enough) to elevate you from Silver to Gold or Platinum status, depending on your level of spending.

The card has a hefty annual fee, but it also comes with an airline credit of $125 that may be used toward flight when you make purchases with the card. If you use the card to purchase United Airlines tickets, you might easily recoup half of the yearly charge in a single transaction. Not to mention that it comes with a slew of other enticing benefits for frequent United fliers, like as up to two free checked bags on each voyage and gratis Premier Upgrades when they become available. Benefits from the airline: Up to $125 in United statement credit, two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits, up to two free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary Premier Upgrades, 500 PQPs for every $12,000 in net purchases (up to a maximum of 3,000), and a 25 percent discount on in-flight purchases are available.

Pros

• Huge sign-up bonus
• 3X miles on United airfare
• The yearly credit of $125, which is used to the majority of United transactions (including flight), covers half of the cost.
• Earn up to 3,000 PQPs every year if you work hard enough.
• On United flights, you may check up to two bags for free.
• Completing an award flight earns you a 5,000-mile anniversary bonus (two per year)
• Complimentary Premier Upgrades

Cons

• $250 annual fee
• The majority of the incentives are not transferable to other carriers.