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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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American Express Disclosure

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United Club℠ Infinite Card Review

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
3.9
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Sign-Up Bonus
Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
4x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on all other travel and dining and 1x mile on all other purchases.
Travel Benefits
Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
We receive commissions from our advertising partners. These commissions do not influence our recommendations. Click here to learn more.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is an excellent option for frequent United Airlines customers due to its numerous travel perks and benefits.

Is the United Club℠ Infinite Card worth it?

First Year Savings: $827*
*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is teeming in value and is well worth its annual fee, especially for frequent United fliers looking for a luxury experience. We estimate it offers more than $800 in value for the average cardholder, just from its sign-up bonus and rewards.

The card also grants you:

  • Complimentary United Club lounge access (which normally retails for up to $650)
  • A Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit (up to $100)
  • Two free checked bags for you and a companion (worth at least $30 each way)
  • Excellent travel and purchase protections, and much more

The caveat, however, is that there is a $525 annual fee. The card’s numerous luxury travel perks make up for the annual fee several times over. However, if this is outside your budget, you might prefer another United credit card or even a general travel rewards credit card instead.

Quick facts

    • Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
    • 4x miles on United® purchases
    • 2x miles on all other travel and dining
    • 1x mile on all other purchases
    • United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
    • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
    • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
    • Member FDIC
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • 720 850
    Excellent
  • Credit needed: Excellent
  • Sign-up bonus: Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earning rate: 4x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on all other travel and dining and 1x mile on all other purchases.
  • Annual fee: $525
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0
  • Other key benefits: United Club℠ membership, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS credit, IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status, Avis President’s Club, Premier upgrades on award tickets

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Intro BT APR

N/A

Regular BT APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Annual Fee

$525

Cash Advance Fee

Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

Foreign Transaction Fee

$0

Balance Transfer Fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Pros and cons

  • Stellar sign-up bonus
  • High earning rate
  • $0 foreign transaction fees
  • United Club membership
  • Two free checked bags
  • IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status
  • Excellent travel perks
  • Top travel and purchase coverages
  • $525 annual fee
  • Requires Excellent credit

Sign-up bonus

The United Club℠ Infinite Card offers a generous sign-up bonus:

Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Since we value United miles at 1.3 cents per mile, we estimate this bonus to be worth around $1,040 in United airfare, which is more than double the card’s annual fee.

  How much is it worth? Around $1,170.
Who is eligible to earn it? You will be eligible for this card if you do not currently own any United Club card and have not received a sign-up bonus for any United Club card within the past 24 months.

Earning rate

The United Club℠ Infinite Card offers a strong earning rate with useful spending categories:

4x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on all other travel and dining and 1x mile on all other purchases.

While sign-up bonuses are a great way to boost your rewards balance, credit card spending is essential to keep it growing. Many airline credit card cards have limited spending categories that only give bonus miles for spending with the airline. The United Club℠ Infinite Card differentiates itself from the pack with expanded spending categories that let you stack up miles on travel and dining, on top of United purchases.

As you can see from the chart below, the United Club℠ Infinite Card beats many cards, including the United℠ Explorer Card, in the rate that it earns miles on ongoing purchases:

We estimate an earning rate for the average consumer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor data and multiply that by the value of each card’s points or miles.

Redeeming rewards

United miles are fairly easy to redeem and you’ll find a large number of options through United or one of its Star Alliance partners. United uses dynamic pricing — meaning the cost of award flights is based on demand and fluctuates rather than being based on a fixed chart — so it’s difficult to tell up front how many miles you’ll need for an upcoming trip. However, you can find great values for your miles (especially if you are flexible enough to book a Saver award), with award flights starting at around 5,000 miles.

Point valueProsCons
1.2 cents

  Part of Star Alliance

  Miles never expire

  Large portfolio of transfer partners

  Numerous global destinations

  Excellent award availability

  Hard to tell how many miles you'll need for a flight

  Low points value compared to other programs

  MileagePlus program is moderately complex

You can redeem United miles for a wide variety of options, including:

  • Award travel
  • Seat upgrades
  • Rental cars
  • Cruises
  • Online shopping
  • Apple products
  • Gift cards
  • Unique experiences
  • Tickets to live sports, concerts and theater events

However, you’ll get the most value from your miles when you redeem them for award travel. United is part of the Star Alliance, meaning you can use your United miles to book flights with any of their partnering airlines.

The Star Alliance partners include the following:

  • Aegean
  • Air Canada
  • Air China
  • Air India
  • Air New Zealand
  • ANA
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Austrian
  • Avianca
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Copa Airlines
  • Croatia Airlines
  • Egypt Air
  • Ethiopian
  • EVA Air
  • LOT
  • Lufthansa
  • SAS
  • Shenzhen Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • South African Airways
  • Swiss
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Thai Airways
  • Turkish Airlines

United Club and Star Alliance lounge access

Sitting at an airport gate can be an inconvenient part of traveling, especially if you would like a quiet space to relax or be productive before your flight. With the United Club℠ Infinite Card, you will have access to all United Club lounges and participating Star Alliance lounges around the globe.

Airport lounges vary in their amenities, but many of them have complimentary food, drinks, showers, Wi-Fi, play areas for children and more. It’s a great way to escape the stressful environment of an airport terminal.

Extensive travel benefits

The United Club℠ Infinite Card comes with a variety of terrific travel perks:

These services can save you time, energy and stress when at the airport, allowing you to breeze through security and customs when reentering the U.S.

This benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars on a round-trip flight for you and a companion. If you regularly fly with United, this is an essential perk.

These include:
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance — Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
  • Baggage delay insurance — Up to $100 reimbursement per day for 3 days for baggage delays over 6 hours.
  • Lost luggage reimbursement — For luggage lost or damaged by the carrier, you are covered for up to $3,000 per passenger.
  • Trip delay reimbursement — If your trip is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you can get an up to $500 reimbursement per ticket.
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — You’ll get primary car rental insurance when you decline the insurance with the rental company and charge the full cost to your card. You’ll get reimbursed up to the actual cash value of your vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rentals within the U.S. and internationally.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card does not charge foreign transaction fees on purchases outside the United States. This is an important benefit for travel credit cards, as it will save you money on every purchase made abroad, which can add up quickly over the course of a vacation.

United Club℠ Infinite Card cardholders get Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards. This benefit offers complimentary room upgrades and extended checkout, where available, when you stay at IHG properties. You can also earn points towards free nights with IHG. Plus, you’ll receive up to $75 in statement credits for IHG purchases charged to your card between Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022.

United Club℠ Infinite Card Cardholders can enjoy easy access through the airport with priority check-in and security screening where available, as well as boarding and baggage handling privileges. This can be extremely valuable for those looking to navigate airport procedures with ease and speed.

Cardholders will have access to the Avis President’s Club, which offers complimentary two-car class upgrades, expedited rental car service, guaranteed car availability and much more. Note that cardholders must enroll in Avis President’s Club to receive this benefit.

United Club℠ Infinite Card cardmembers will receive complimentary benefits at over 1,000 luxury properties when you make a reservation through your card. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available and more.

The primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation will have access to Complimentary Premier Upgrades on select United and United Express flights, subject to availability. This is a fantastic way to elevate your flight experience simply by owning this card.

Other benefits

  • Purchase protection — Covered new purchases made on your card for 120 days against damage or theft. You can get up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
  • Return protection — If the store won’t take back an item within 90 days of purchase, you can be reimbursed up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year.
  • Extended warranty protection — Cardholders can have the U.S, manufacturer’s warranty extended by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

Cardholders can purchase private, specially curated experiences. These events could include exclusive culinary events at the world’s best restaurants, meeting sporting legends and more.

United Club℠ Infinite Card cardholders will have access to 24/7 assistance for items such as travel planning, restaurant reservations, sports tickets and more, available year round from home or abroad.

Drawbacks

  • $525 annual fee — This card’s most significant drawback is its high annual fee. Though, as we’ve touched on previously, the available card perks can more than make up for this fee, as long as you’re able to use them.
  • Requires Excellent credit — Another drawback of the United Club℠ Infinite Card is that you must have Excellent credit in order to be approved for the card. This can be a challenge for consumers who don’t meet that requirement.

United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

| Disclosures
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
N/A
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
$95
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
720 850
Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


Verdict: Rewards and luxury at a reasonable cost

If you book United flights regularly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be the better option. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns miles that you can transfer to United and other loyalty programs for a much smaller fee.

In fact, we rate it as one of the best travel credit cards because it offers great rewards and travel benefits for a modest $95 annual fee. The card lets you earn Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also allows the flexibility of transferring points to other airlines programs at a 1:1 ratio, or redeeming through Chase’s travel portal for a 25% bonus.

United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. United℠ Explorer Card

| Disclosures
United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Explorer Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
N/A
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
$95
2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. 1x mile on
  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
  • Member FDIC
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


Verdict: Top United perks for a much lower annual fee

The United℠ Explorer Card is better for semi-frequent travelers who don’t care about airport lounge access. It comes with a much lower annual fee: $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95

The card grants you a free checked bag on United flights, which can easily make up for the fee each year. Plus, you get other valuable benefits like a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry, two United Club one-time passes each card anniversary and primary car rental insurance.

United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express

| Disclosures
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
| Terms Apply
N/A
See Pay Over Time APR
$695
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


Verdict: Better features and rewards, but doesn’t include United

The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent card for someone interested in luxury travel benefits and more flexible rewards. The card rewards you with American Express Membership Rewards® points that can be transferred to a variety of travel partners, including Delta and JetBlue. While United is not in this list of partners, a few of the airlines on the list belong to Star Alliance. You can transfer your points to any of these programs to book United flights.

It comes with a larger lounge network, including access to Amex Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) and Delta Sky Clubs. It also offers a multitude of travel and shopping credits. These benefits can more than make up for the card’s $695 annual fee, if you can take advantage of them.

*To see rates & fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

 

Should you get the United Club℠ Infinite Card?

With benefits such as United Club access, comprehensive travel insurance and lucrative spending categories, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is a great card for those looking to earn United miles and enjoy luxurious benefits. However, it does come with a high $525 annual fee, which can be a deterrent for some consumers.

If you’d rather choose a non-co-branded travel rewards card or a credit card with no annual fee, there are plenty of excellent options to pick from as well.

Frequently asked questions

The United Club℠ Infinite Card has a $525 annual fee.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card requires Excellent credit for approval. You’ll want to check your score ahead of time to make sure you’re within the appropriate range to increase your chances of acceptance.

Yes, the United Club℠ Infinite Card includes up to $100 in statement credits for the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit every four years.

If you regularly fly with United and think you could take advantage of airport lounge access several times per year, it can definitely be worth it to join United Club. These clubs offer complimentary Wi-Fi, food and beverages and more. With the United Club℠ Infinite Card, you will automatically have access to all United Clubs for free.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.