United Airlines Credit Card Review: Annual Fee Worth It?

5/7/2013 Update: We're sorry, United MileagePlus® Explorer is no longer available on CreditDonkey. This offer may have been discontinued or may no longer be available to new applicants.

Point bonuses

The biggest selling feature of this card is that new members can receive 30,000 miles after they spend $1,000 in the first 3 months and 5,000 bonus miles when they add an authorized user to the account and make a purchase with the card within the first 3 months.

If you spend at least $25,000 on the card, it's worth noting that you can earn 10,000 bonus miles every calendar year you spend at least $25,000 on purchases with their card. Although this sounds high, it is a good feature for big spenders and frequent travelers who rely on their credit card to make purchases.

The card does have an annual fee of $95, but the fee is waived for the first year for new customers. The MileagePlus card has 15.24% APR, which is in line with other travel cards. The APR for cash advances is 19.24%, which is also typical.

Earn more mile faster

Not only can big spenders earn 10,000 bonus miles annually, but customers using their MileagePlus card for United Airlines flights will also earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on United tickets purchased directly from the airline. For virtually all other purchases, customers earn 1 mile for every dollar spent.

For this reason, miles can quickly add up. There is no limit to the number of miles cardmembers can earn and no expiration date as long as the card is active and the annual payments are made. The miles can be redeemed for flights on United with no restrictions or blackout dates.

Small perks can make a big difference

A checked bag is free for you and a companion on the same reservation on United-operated flights when you use this card, which can save cardholders up to $100 round-trip.

Cardholders also receive priority boarding, so they will be able to find space in the overhead compartments for their carry-on luggage.

Members will also receive two passes per year to the United Club so they can relax in comfort before their flight.

Once cardholders get to their destination, they will have access to exclusive benefits, such as celebrity meet-and-greets and private culinary and cultural events sponsored by Chase.

Members will also have access to benefits at Chase’s Luxury Hotel and Resorts Collection, including exclusive deals, like free room upgrades and complimentary breakfasts at select hotels, spas and resorts.

The MileagePlus card even offers its customers travel protections for lost luggage, car rentals, trip delays and cancellations. The card also offers purchase protection.

Pros

• 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
  
• First checked bag is free for the cardholder
  
• Priority boarding and two passes annually to the United Club
  
• Miles don’t expire and can be redeemed at any point with no blackout fees

Cons

• $95 annual fee (no annual fee for the first year)

Bottom Line

Despite the disadvantages, this little card packs a big punch. The perks make the annual fee well worth it for regular United customers. The checked bag perk alone can easily pay for the annual fee for some frequent travelers.

(Editing by Erin K)