United Club Infinite Card Review: Is the best for lounge access Lovers?

If you’re an avid lounge-goer, you’re likely familiar with the United Club Infinite Card. Learn more about the United Club Infinite Card’s benefits, annual fee, and exclusive card offers to see if it’s the right fit for you.


Are you looking for the best credit card for lounge access? If so, the United Club Infinite Card might be the perfect fit for you! With this card, you’ll get access to the carrier’s exclusive lounges, accelerated rewards on United purchases, and some nice perks. But is it worth the hefty $525 annual fee?

In this article, we take a deep dive into all of its features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.


QUICK FACTS

  • Earn 4 miles with every dollar you spend on United expenses, like tickets, Economy Plus®, in-flight food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
  • Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on all other travel-related expenses!
  • Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on meals, including eligible delivery services.
  • Earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • You could be eligible for up to a $100 reimbursement on the cost of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary first and second checked bags — a potential savings of up to $320 per roundtrip. Certain conditions apply.
  • Receive one whole year of complimentary DashPass membership, which gives you unlimited deliveries with no delivery fees and discounted service fees on eligible orders from DoorDash and Caviar.
  • After the free period ends, you will be enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Hurry and activate your membership by December 31st, 2024.
  • Annual fee of $525
  • Regular APR 20.24%-27.24% Variable APR
  • You need to Good – Excellent score(690-850) for approval.

United Club Infinite Card Review Is the best for lounge access Lovers
United Club Infinite Card Review Is the best for lounge access Lovers

Why you should apply the United Club℠ Infinite Card?

Below are the few reasons why you should consider applying for the United Club Infinite Card:

1. Lounge Access membership

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that airport lounges can be a great place to relax and catch up on your reading after a long flight. But if you’re like most people, you’re probably shelling out $650 every year for an airport lounge membership.

airport lounge membership.
Airport lounge membership.

That’s expensive! And it’s not even the best deal: You can save money by getting the United Club Infinite Card.

The Infinite Card is a credit card that provides entry to over 45 United Club sites, as well as airport lounges from participating members of the Star Alliance airline consortium.

That means you’ll have access to lounges at airports in countries all over the world, including Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and United States.Plus, with the Infinite Card you’ll get bar service, light snacks, free Wi-Fi and usually quieter and more comfortable surroundings than an airport gate. To break even on the annual fee of $650, you’ll need to use the card about nine times.

And if you’re traveling with someone who has the Infinite Card, you’ll be able to bring one adult and dependent children under age 21 or two adult guests with you.

So whether you’re flying domestically or internationally – and whether your travel plans include a lot of lounging – the United Club Infinite Card is a great way to save money and enjoy all the benefits that come with lounge access.

2. Sign-up bonus or Welcome Bonus

If you’re looking for a way to get some bonus miles, the United Club Infinite Card is worth considering. Not only does the card offer a sign-up bonus of 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, but current offers also give new cardholders 100,000 bonus miles when they spend at least $5,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening their account.

You can use your MileagePlus® miles for travel on United. All in all, this card offers good value for your money.

4. Free checked bags for you and a companion

If you’re planning to travel for business or leisure soon, you’ll be happy to know that the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers a great perk for travelers: the first two checked bags are free, which could save up to $320 on a single round trip.

Free checked bags for you and a companion
Free checked bags for you and a companion

With this card, not only will you be able to avoid the hassles and delays of Checking your baggage yourself, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of Premier Access, a type of elite status that includes priority airport check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling.

So whether you’re flying for work or pleasure, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is an excellent way to make your journey easier and more comfortable.

5. Reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Precheck fees

Reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Precheck fees
Reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Precheck fees

The United Club Infinite Card is a great way to save on your TSA PreCheck application fees. It will refund up to $100 of the application fee every four years, so you can save on your travel expenses.Plus, if you already have the TSA PreCheck benefit, you can always give it as a gift to a family member or friend.

6. IHG Platinum status and a $75 credit

If you’re a frequent traveler and an IHG Platinum member, you’re likely already familiar with all the benefits that come with being a United Club℠ Infinite cardholder. But did you know that cardholders are also eligible for complimentary Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards?

This includes perks like complimentary room upgrades, extended checkout and bonus points on stays. Plus, through Dec. 31, 2022, cardholders will receive a $75 statement credit for IHG Hotels & Resorts purchases charged to the card this year.

7. Elite- perks

If you’re looking for a premier travel card that offers a variety of valuable perks, the United Club℠ Infinite Card may be worth considering. Cardholders enjoy two free checked bags, Premier Access, 25% back on United inflight purchases, expanded award availability, and more.

These benefits may not be as appealing to those who already have United elite status, but they are valuable benefits for those who have yet to earn it.

So whether you’re just getting started with travel or you’ve been traveling for years, the United Club℠ Infinite Card may be a great addition to your wallet.

10. 10% mileage discount

The United Club Infinite Card is the perfect choice for frequent travelers looking to get the most out of their miles. With a 10% mileage discount on purchases, cardholders can save on flights and other travel-related expenses.

Additionally, the card offers up to 4,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year and 500 PQPs for every $12,000 spent. This means that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to maximize your rewards – just $96,000 will get you there!

With all these benefits in mind, it’s clear that this card is worth considering if you’re looking for an easy way to accumulate rewards and save money along the way.

11. and last rewards

The United Club℠ Infinite card rewards frequent travelers with lots of perks. For starters, you get 4 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases. That’s a great deal for an airline card, especially if you’re a frequent flyer who likes to rack up those miles.

Plus, the double miles on non-United travel and restaurant spending is a great bonus, as these are two of the most common types of expenses for travelers.

And while some other premium airline cards do offer progress toward elite-flyer status and annual companion certificates, this one doesn’t.

But overall, the card offers plenty of rewards that make it worth considering if you’re a frequent traveler looking to maximize your mileage potential.

12. Some other Benefits of this Credit card

There are some other benefits that come with being a cardholder of the United Club℠ Infinite Card. However, these benefits are not as significant as the benefits mentioned above.

Some of these benefits include:

  • Enroll in the Avis President’s Club for free and enjoy the perks such as two-level car upgrades, guaranteed car availability, quick rental service and much more.
  • Discover the world of luxury and comfort with our exclusive Hotel & Resort Collection. Enjoy room upgrades, complimentary breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out privileges at over 900 high-end hotels and resorts across the globe.
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimbursement of up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 for the entire trip in case of cancellation or shortening due to illness, extreme weather conditions or any other covered scenarios. All prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses will be refunded.
  • Baggage Delay Insurance: If your luggage is held up by a flight carrier for more than six hours, you can be refunded for necessities such as clothing and toiletries, with a maximum of $100 per day for three days.
  • Reimbursement for Lost Luggage: Passengers may be eligible for compensation of up to $3,000 if their checked or carry-on bags are damaged or misplaced by the airline.
  • If your journey is postponed by the airline for 12 hours or longer, up to $500 per ticket will be reimbursed for food, accommodation and other necessary expenses.
  • Visa Infinite Concierge Service: Enjoy 24/7 assistance for all your needs.
  • Shielding of new acquisitions for 120 days, from destruction or pilfering. Caps of $10,000 per thing and $50,000 yearly.
  • Reimbursement for items that stores do not accept as a return within 90 days of purchase is covered by Return Protection. There are limits of $500 per item and $1,000 per year.
  • Extended Warranty Coverage: For eligible warranties of three years or less, an extra year of protection is offered.

Now we have discuss about why should apply for United Club Infinite Card, now lets discuss why you should not apply for United Club Infinite Card.

Why you should not apply for United Club Infinite Card.

Here are the some of reason for not applying for United Club Infinite Card:

1. The annual fee is high.

The United Club Infinite Card comes with an annual fee of $525, which is definitely on the high side. There are other airline cards that offer access to airport lounges for a lower annual fee, so if you are looking for a more affordable option, you should look elsewhere.

It is also worth considering the amount of money you would save on your flight purchases before signing up for this card; to make the annual fee worth it, you would need to spend quite a bit in order to offset the cost.

2. Does not have an introductory offer

Another downside to the United Club Infinite Card is that there is currently no intro APR offer available. This means that if you are planning on using the card for large purchases, you may end up paying a higher interest rate than you would if you used other credit cards that offer introductory rates.

If you are looking for a card that has a low annual fee and offers introductory APR rates, you may be better off looking elsewhere.

3. High regular APR

The United Club Infinite Card also has a high regular APR of 20.24% – 27.24% Variable. This means that you could end up paying a lot of interest on your card balance if you do not use it wisely. If you are not able to pay your bills on time, this may lead to serious credit issuers reducing or cancelling your credit rating.

4. You do not need Lounge access

If you don’t travel frequently and don’t need access to United Club airport lounge, then the United Club Infinite Card might not be worth it. This card comes with an annual fee of $525, so you’ll have to make sure that spending $3,000 in the first 3 months will really be beneficial for you.

You can get more value from the United℠ Explorer Card which has a lower annual fee. You get two one-time passes to the United Club each year, along with a free checked bag for you and a companion.

That’s almost equivalent to the cost of seven additional one-time passes which you can use in select Star Alliance Lounges and other partner lounges. So if you’re looking for just occasional access to airport lounges, this is a great way to enjoy your trip without breaking your budget.

5. A maximum of two persons are eligible for baggage benefit.

If you’re planning to take a flight with United Airlines, it’s important to know that the United Club Infinite Card won’t get you very far. While the card does offer a baggage benefit, it only applies to two people: the primary cardmember and one traveling companion on the same reservation.

Additional carriers provide complimentary checked baggage for significantly more travel companions. For example, the American Airlines AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard grants a free checked bag for the cardholder together with 8 individuals accompanying them, which is potentially worth up to $540 in a return journey.

Delta Air Lines’ Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card also offers free checked bags for a total of nine travel partners

So if you’re planning on taking a large group with you on your next United flight, it might be better to look elsewhere for your credit card options.


How this compared to other credit card?

Here are the some of credit card, you cam apply if you do not want to apply United Club Infinite Card.

1. United Explorer Card

When it comes to airline credit cards, the United Club Infinite Card and United Explorer Card are two of the most popular options on the market. Both cards offer a number of benefits, but they differ in terms of how quickly you can earn rewards and what other benefits are available.

The United Club Infinite Card has a more affordable annual charge in comparison to the United Explorer Card, and provides a bonus of 60,000 bonus miles if $3,000 is spent on purchases within the initial 3 months of account activation. Moreover, this card gives 2 miles for each dollar spent when dining at eligible delivery services, hotels and United stores, and 1 mile for any other qualified purchases.

However, the United Explorer Card falls short in terms of other benefits; for example, it earns less per dollar spent on United purchases and only provides two one-time passes to a United Club each year on your account anniversary.

If you are in search of swiftly accumulating a large number of miles, the United Explorer Card might fit the bill; however, you will not receive comprehensive United Club and Star Alliance Lounge access, a second free checked bag, or priority check-in, security screening and baggage handling. It is essential to think about which perks are most critical to you before settling on the best card for you.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Which card would you choose if you were looking for a travel-friendly card that offers generous rewards? The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great option because it offers travelers generous rewards on travel-related purchases, as well as other activities.

For instance, cardholders will be rewarded 5 points for every dollar spent on journeys booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points for every dollar spent on dining out, certain streaming services, and online grocery shopping (except Walmart, Target or wholesale clubs), 2 points for each dollar spent on all other travels and 1 point for each dollar spent on any other buy.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with many similar travel benefits, though it does not carry lounge access.

3. Chase Sapphire Reserve

When it comes to travel credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent choice. It boasts high rewards, varied redemption options and a nominal annual fee. On top of that, if you book your trips through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you can get 5 points for every dollar spent on flights and 10 points for every dollar spent on hotels and car rentals after the first $300 you spend on travel expenses each year.

This card is an excellent choice for your travel needs, as it offers 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening and a potential discount of $300 on the yearly fee of $550. Plus, you can redeem the points earned from purchases at a rate of 1.5 cents per point with Chase Travel or when using the Pay Yourself Back option.


How to redeem Rewards( Miles)?

Redeeming your Rewards (Miles) is an easy and rewarding experience! With United MileagePlus, you can use your miles to book award travel on United-operated flights, Star Alliance carriers, and other partners.

Plus, you can use miles to pay for upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards, and access to once-in-a-lifetime events.

If you want to get even more value out of your Rewards (Miles), take advantage of the United Excursionist Perk and booking partner awards with United miles.

You’ll be able to save money on flights and avoid paying fuel surcharges when booking high value tickets like first-class tickets on Lufthansa. Redeeming your Rewards (Miles) has never been easier or more rewarding!


What are the best strategies for getting the most out of the United Club Infinite Card?

Maximizing the benefits of the United Club Infinite Card is easy for cardholders who frequently travel through airports with United Club lounges. The annual fee of $525 can be easily covered by taking a companion on two domestic trips and checking two bags each way, plus you get access to the United Club airport lounges.

As a bonus, the card offers trip and purchase protection insurance, as well as opportunities for upgrades and other exclusive offers. With all these great benefits, cardholders can make their airport experience more enjoyable and stress-free.So if you’re a frequent traveler looking to take advantage of all that comes with the United Club Infinite Card, it’s definitely worth considering.


Who can apply for united club card?

The United Club Infinite Card is a solid option for frequent flyers who want a great rewards program and access to the United Club network of airport lounges.

To be eligible, you must not have received a new cardmember bonus on this particular card within the past 24 months, but it’s okay if you have (or previously had) other United Airlines credit cards.

Additionally, generally speaking, Chase has restrictions for applying for their cards, including the 5/24 rule.

All in all, if you meet these criteria and feel like this card could benefit your lifestyle — making your travel experience more comfortable — it may be worth considering.

What credit score is needed for United Club infinite?

A good credit score is essential for getting approved for the United Club Infinite Credit Card. Generally, you will need a credit score of at least 690 to be approved for the card. However, it’s important to note that having an excellent score can make all the difference in your application process.

The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved and receive the best terms and conditions available. Additionally, if you have a lower credit score and don’t meet the minimum requirements, it might not hurt to apply anyway as there could be other factors that can help you get approved, such as having a solid income or a long history of responsible financial management.


Is it hard to get a United Airlines credit card?

Getting a United Airlines credit card can be quite challenging, depending on your financial history and credit score. The application process requires you to provide personal information such as your name, address, and social security number. You will also need to provide proof of income and residency in order to be approved for the card.

Furthermore, you may be required to have a certain amount of available credit in order to qualify for a United Airlines credit card. Ultimately, it’s important to make sure you understand the full terms and conditions before applying for the card so that you are aware of all potential fees and interest rates associated with it. With a good credit score and solid financial history, however, getting a United Airlines credit card is definitely achievable.

Conclusion: Is the United Club Infinite Card worth it?

United Club Infinite Card Review: Is the best for lounge access Lovers? - June 2023

So, is the United Club Infinite Card worth it? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're a frequent flyer on United Airlines, the United Club Infinite Card is a great choice for enhanced lounge access and other benefits. However, if United isn't your go-to airline or you're looking for a more general travel card, there are better options available. Most of the benefits of the United Club Infinite can be found on other cards, so it's best to consider what's best for you before making a purchase.

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About Author

Dhiraj Jha
Dhiraj Jha
As a personal finance and credit cards expert, I provide valuable insights and advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. I am also an expert on credit card rewards programs and help readers make informed decisions about which cards are right for them. My goal is to help people improve their financial literacy and make better financial choices.