When it comes to maximizing travel rewards, the Best United Airlines Credit Cards offer valuable perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and increased mileage earnings. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, choosing the right card can significantly enhance your travel experience. Below, we break down the top options to help you decide which United Airlines credit card suits your needs.
Best United Airlines Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers
Frequent flyers benefit the most from premium travel perks. Here are the Best United Airlines Credit Cards for those who often travel with United.
1. United Club Infinite Card
- Luxury Lounge Access – Complimentary United Club membership for airport lounge access.
- Premier Upgrades – Complimentary upgrades on award tickets for Premier members.
- Free Checked Bags – Up to two free checked bags per traveler.
- 4X Miles on United Purchases – Earn high rewards for booking United flights.
- Travel Protections – Trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage coverage, and primary rental car insurance.
2. United Quest Card
- Annual Travel Credit – $125 annual statement credit for United purchases.
- Bonus Miles – Earn 3X miles on United purchases.
- Two Free Checked Bags – Saves up to $320 per round trip.
- Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) – Helps achieve elite status faster.
- Anniversary Flight Credits – Receive 5,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary.
3. United Explorer Card
- Affordable Annual Fee – Lower annual fee with solid travel perks.
- 2X Miles on Dining & Hotels – Bonus miles on everyday spending.
- First Checked Bag Free – Save on baggage fees.
- Priority Boarding – Get on the plane earlier.
- $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit – Skip security lines at the airport.
4. United Business Card
- Tailored for Business Owners – Bonus categories for travel and office supplies.
- Bonus Earning Potential – 2X miles on United purchases.
- Free Checked Bag – First bag checked for free.
- $100 United Travel Credit – After spending $5,000 in a calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Ideal for international business travelers.
5. United Gateway Card
- No Annual Fee – Perfect for beginners looking for a simple rewards card.
- 2X Miles on United, Gas, & Transit – Earn miles on everyday purchases.
- Travel Protection Benefits – Covers trip delays and baggage loss.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Great for international use.
- Low Spending Requirement for Bonuses – Earn rewards faster.
Best United Airlines Credit Cards for Luxury Perks
If you want a premium experience while traveling, consider these Best United Airlines Credit Cards offering luxury benefits.
1. United Club Infinite Card
- United Club Lounge Access – Unlimited access to United lounges worldwide.
- 4X Miles on United Purchases – Maximize rewards on flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Travel internationally without extra charges.
- Free Checked Bags – Saves money on baggage fees.
- Primary Rental Car Insurance – Covers damages when renting cars abroad.
2. United Quest Card
- $125 United Travel Credit – Reduces travel costs annually.
- Bonus Anniversary Miles – Get 5,000 miles each account anniversary.
- Priority Boarding – Enjoy hassle-free boarding.
- PQP Earnings – Helps achieve elite status faster.
- Luxury Travel Insurance – Includes baggage delay reimbursement and trip cancellation coverage.
3. United Explorer Card
- Complimentary Lounge Passes – Two United Club passes per year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Saves on international purchases.
- Bonus Points on Dining & Hotels – Extra rewards on travel.
- Extended Warranty Protection – Extra coverage on purchases.
- Emergency Travel Assistance – Access 24/7 emergency help while abroad.
4. United Business Card
- Exclusive Business Travel Perks – Tailored for entrepreneurs and executives.
- Earn Bonus Miles on Office Expenses – 2X miles on business purchases.
- Free Checked Bags – Saves on baggage costs.
- $100 United Travel Credit – After meeting spending requirements.
- Luxury Hotel Benefits – Preferred rates and upgrades at select hotels.
5. United Gateway Card
- Great for Beginners – No annual fee with solid travel perks.
- 2X Miles on Gas & Transit – Earn on everyday expenses.
- Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver – Protection on rentals.
- Visa Concierge Services – Personal assistance for travel and entertainment.
- Flexible Redemption Options – Use miles for flights, upgrades, and more.
Comparison Chart: Best United Airlines Credit Cards
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Bonus Miles | Free Checked Bags | Foreign Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Club Infinite | $525 | Yes | 4X on United purchases | 2 Bags | No |
| United Quest | $250 | No | 3X on United purchases | 2 Bags | No |
| United Explorer | $95 (waived first year) | 2 passes/year | 2X on dining/hotels | 1 Bag | No |
| United Business | $99 | No | 2X on United purchases | 1 Bag | No |
| United Gateway | $0 | No | 2X on gas & transit | No | No |
For more insights on travel rewards, check out our in-depth guides on wedopoints.com.
Real Reviews from United Airlines Credit Card Users
1. Sarah M. – Frequent Traveler
“The United Club Infinite Card is a game-changer! I love the United Club lounge access. It makes layovers much more comfortable. Totally worth the high annual fee!”
2. John T. – Business Owner
“I use the United Business Card for all my business trips. The extra miles add up fast, and the first checked bag free saves me money every trip!”
3. Emily K. – Casual Traveler
“The United Explorer Card is great for someone like me who doesn’t fly often but wants travel perks. The free checked bag and lounge passes are a nice bonus.”
4. Mark R. – Budget Traveler
“I love that the United Gateway Card has no annual fee. I earn miles on my everyday purchases without spending extra. It’s a great starter card for United rewards.”
5. Lisa B. – International Traveler
“The United Quest Card helps me rack up miles for international flights. Plus, the $125 travel credit and bonus miles each year make the card pay for itself!”
For more travel rewards tips and credit card comparisons, visit wedopoints.com.