United Club℠ Infinite Card Review: Premium Travel Benefits for Frequent United Flyers
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent United Airlines travelers who value airport lounge access, elite-style perks, and strong mileage-earning potential.
Its main purpose is to deliver an elevated travel experience through exclusive privileges, especially for consumers who fly with United or Star Alliance partners multiple times per year.
This card is ideal for seasoned travelers seeking premium benefits rather than cashback or beginners’ perks.
Since it includes United Club membership, enhanced travel protections, and priority airport services, it appeals to professionals, business travelers, and consistent United flyers who want a smoother, more comfortable travel experience.
Main Benefits and Rewards
Rewards Structure
The United Club℠ Infinite Card offers a strong miles-earning program:
- 4 miles per dollar spent on United purchases
- 2 miles per dollar on dining
- 2 miles per dollar on eligible travel purchases
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
These categories help cardholders earn miles quickly, especially those who travel or dine out frequently.
Welcome Bonus
The card typically features a substantial welcome bonus, which varies throughout the year.
New cardholders often earn bonus miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
This can significantly boost MileagePlus balances and accelerate award travel plans.
Premium Travel Benefits
The United Club℠ Infinite Card stands out because of its exceptional premium perks, including:
- United Club membership (valued at over $650 annually)
- Free first and second checked bags for the cardholder and one companion
- Premier Access® travel services, including priority check-in, screening (where available), and boarding
- Upgrades on award tickets for eligible MileagePlus Premier members
- 25% back on inflight purchases
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit
Travel and Purchase Protections
Cardholders also receive powerful protections:
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Lost luggage and delayed baggage coverage
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
Why It’s Competitive in the U.S. Market
Few cards combine lounge access + strong mileage earnings + premium travel protections in one package.
The United Club membership alone makes the card financially attractive for loyal United flyers. Competing premium cards rarely offer airline-specific perks at this level.
Annual Fee and Overall Costs
The United Club℠ Infinite Card carries a $525 annual fee. The fee is not waived in the first year.
Although the cost is significant, the card delivers enough premium value to justify it in several scenarios:
- Travelers who already pay for United Club membership
- Consumers who frequently check bags
- Flyers who value priority airport services
- MileagePlus members maximizing miles for international or business-class redemptions
Other potential costs include interest charges if you carry a balance, late fees, and cash-advance fees. However, these can be avoided by paying the card in full each month.
Rates and Fees
- Regular APR: A variable purchase APR that typically aligns with other premium travel cards
- Penalty APR: Applies only after late payments or returned payments
- Balance Transfer Fee: Usually around 5% of the transfer amount
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None, making it a great card for international travel
- Interest Charges: Interest applies only when a balance is carried; international purchases do not incur extra fees, making it ideal for overseas trips
Approval Requirements
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is considered difficult to qualify for, given its premium nature.
Approval expectations include:
- Excellent credit (typically 720+ recommended)
- Strong, stable income
- Solid credit history with low utilization
- Prior relationship with Chase may help but is not required
Because this card falls under Chase’s 5/24 rule, applicants with more than five new credit accounts in the last 24 months are unlikely to be approved.
Pros and Cons of the United Club℠ Infinite Card
Pros
- Complimentary United Club membership
- Excellent earning rates on United purchases
- Free first and second checked bags
- Strong travel protection benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- High annual fee
- Best perks limited to United and Star Alliance travel
- Rewards are not as flexible as transferable points
- Requires excellent credit
- Overkill for casual or infrequent flyers
Who Should Apply for the United Club℠ Infinite Card?
This card is perfect for:
- Frequent United and Star Alliance travelers
- Consumers who value airport lounge access
- Flyers seeking priority services and enhanced travel comfort
- Business professionals who travel monthly or more
- MileagePlus members who want to maximize miles efficiently
It is not ideal for beginners, occasional travelers, or those who want flexible reward currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Competitor Comparison
Two major competitors include the:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Choose the Sapphire Reserve if you want:
- Flexible points
- Broader travel credits
- A premium lifestyle card not tied to one airline
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express
Choose the Delta Reserve if you:
- Primarily fly Delta
- Want Delta Sky Club access
- Prefer Medallion-related benefits
Travelers loyal to United will find the United Club℠ Infinite Card far more rewarding.
Final Thoughts on the United Club℠ Infinite Card
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is one of the top premium airline cards in the U.S. It delivers unmatched value for United frequent flyers through lounge access, strong travel benefits, and high-earning categories.
If you travel with United several times per year, the premium experience and savings can easily outweigh the annual fee.
For loyal MileagePlus members and business travelers, this card can significantly enhance every trip.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions.
All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time. Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.
