Before we dive into this, let me say that there are more important things happening right now (like getting back to normal) than the introduction of new credit cards. However, I still think this is a great time to earn miles & points that you’ll be able to redeem when it’s safe (and responsible) to travel.
So let’s jump into it…Chase has launched a new premium United card. The new United Club Infinite card will replace the old United Club card. This comes nearly a month after Chase launched the United Business Card (offers ends 04/02/20) and increased the offer on the United Explorer card (offer also ends 04/02/20).
I think it is safe to say that Chase is trying to grow the United cardholder portfolio. Let’s take a look at the new United Club Infinite card’s details and determine if it’s a good card and offer.
United Club Infinite Card Details & Offer
Welcome Offer
The welcome offer for the United Club Infinite is as follows:
100,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening (offer ends in a few days – 05/18/20) with a $525 annual fee that is NOT waived.
Earning Structure
The card will have the following earning structure:
- 4X per dollar spent on United purchases
- 2X per dollar spent on dining
- 2X per dollar spent on all other travel (including other airlines)
- 1X per dollar spent on everything else
Cardholder Perks
- United Club Membership
- Access to more award space for cardholders
- First and second check bags free
- Premier Access
- Hertz rental car status
- 25% off onboard purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck fee credit
- No blackout dates
- No foreign transaction fees
So is worth it?
FINAL STAMP
The welcome bonuses have been getting larger over the year and anytime a 100,000 point welcome offer for an airline is dropped into the arena, it is worth (at least) taking a look.
I value United MileagePlus miles at 1.3 cents/piece which means I value this bonus at roughly $1300. When you subtract the annual fee that is roughly $775 in net value in the first year, plus a United Club membership. That’s pretty solid value.
The annual fee for the United Club Infinite card is $75 more per year than the old United Club Card and I would say the earning structure on the new card is more rewarding for travelers but worse overall for everyday spending – an aspect that is fairly consistent across all co-branded airline cards.
Overall this is a good offer for anyone that could use United lounge access often over the next 12 months. Depending on how much you value that access, it could make sense long term since the annual fee is lower than the normal membership price.
Having said all of that, I would put the current offer on the United Business card (which ends 04/01/20) above this card. You are able to get a lot of the same perks and the massive welcome offer without the huge annual fee. That is all assuming that you won’t maximize the lounge access.
Personally, I’m focused on a few other cards but if you are considering this card I would wait until you have travel coming up (or as near to 05/18/20 as possible) because travel will be decreased with the virus outbreak.
Arguably the key benefit of the United Club Infinite is that it offers a United Club membership, which offers access to United Clubs and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges. That’s amazing!
Is anyone planning to apply for this card?
1TattedPassport 