The United ClubSM Infinite Card is a premium travel credit card offered by Chase in partnership with United Airlines. This card is designed for frequent flyers who seek to enhance their travel experience, offering a wide array of perks such as airport lounge access, earning miles on purchases, and many other premium benefits. Below, we explore all the important details about the United Club Infinite Card, including its features, benefits, how to apply, and more.
Key Features and Benefits of the United Club Infinite Card
1. United Club Lounge Access
One of the standout benefits of the United Club Infinite Card is the access it grants to United Club lounges. This is particularly advantageous for travelers who enjoy a comfortable and relaxing place to wait before their flights. With the United Club membership, cardholders gain access to United’s own lounges as well as more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through the LoungeKey program. This can significantly enhance the travel experience, offering amenities like complimentary food and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
2. Earning Miles on Purchases
The United Club Infinite Card rewards cardholders with 2 miles per dollar on all purchases made directly with United Airlines, including airfare, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases. Additionally, cardholders earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. This makes it an excellent option for those who frequently fly with United Airlines or book related services.
The miles accumulated can be redeemed for various rewards, including flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals through the United MileagePlus program. The more you spend, the more miles you earn, enabling faster access to a variety of travel benefits.
3. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit
Cardholders of the United Club Infinite Card are eligible for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. This benefit is valuable for frequent travelers who want to expedite the security and customs processes when traveling internationally or domestically. Cardholders can receive a statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck application fees, once every four years.
4. Free First Checked Bag
One of the other perks of having the United Club Infinite Card is that it provides free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation. This can save you up to $140 on a round-trip flight (or more, depending on the number of travelers). This is a great way to reduce travel costs, especially for families or groups.
5. Priority Boarding
United Club Infinite Cardholders are eligible for Priority Boarding on United Airlines flights. This means you can board the aircraft earlier than general passengers, allowing you to settle in and store your carry-on baggage more easily.
6. 25% Back on In-Flight Purchases
Another benefit is that cardholders receive a 25% statement credit on qualifying in-flight purchases, such as food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, when flying on United Airlines. This can be a significant saving for travelers who often purchase meals or entertainment during flights.
7. Premium Travel Insurance
The United Club Infinite Card offers a robust suite of travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel accident insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement. These coverages can provide peace of mind while traveling, as they help mitigate unforeseen disruptions, such as trip delays or lost baggage.
8. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For international travelers, the United Club Infinite Card is an ideal choice as it does not charge any foreign transaction fees. This means that cardholders can use the card abroad without worrying about incurring additional fees on purchases made in foreign currencies.
9. Special MileagePlus Awards
Cardholders can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) towards United Airlines elite status with purchases made on United flights. This can help you achieve MileagePlus Premier status faster, granting additional perks such as complimentary upgrades, priority check-in, and additional baggage allowances.
10. Annual Fee
The United Club Infinite Card comes with an annual fee of $525. While this fee may seem high, the value of the benefits it provides, including the United Club membership, the free checked bags, the miles earning potential, and more, can easily outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
How to Apply for the United Club Infinite Card
Applying for the United Club Infinite Card is straightforward and can be done online through the official Chase website. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. The United Club Infinite Card is a premium travel credit card, and as such, it typically requires a good to excellent credit score (usually 700 or higher). In addition, you should have a steady income and a history of responsible credit use.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
To apply, you’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including:
- Full name and contact information
- Social Security number (for credit check)
- Employment status and income
- Housing situation (rent or own)
- Monthly rent or mortgage payment
Step 3: Submit the Application
Once you have gathered all necessary information, you can submit your application through the Chase website. You’ll be prompted to create a Chase online account if you don’t already have one. Then, complete the application form by entering your personal details and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
After submitting your application, Chase will conduct a credit check and review your financial information. Most applicants will receive a decision within a few minutes, although in some cases, Chase may require additional time to process the application. If approved, you will be notified and sent your card in the mail.
Step 5: Activate Your Card
Once you receive your United Club Infinite Card, you’ll need to activate it by following the instructions provided. You can activate your card online or by calling the phone number listed on the back of the card.
Conclusion
The United Club Infinite Card is an exceptional choice for frequent travelers, particularly those who are loyal to United Airlines. With access to United Club lounges, priority boarding, free checked bags, and many other premium benefits, this card offers significant value for those who travel often and want to enhance their overall travel experience. While the annual fee may seem steep, the rewards and perks you receive in return can make it well worth the investment.
If you’re a regular traveler and meet the credit score requirements, applying for the United Club Infinite Card could be a game-changer for your travel lifestyle.
