If you have been dreaming of a getaway and are looking to earn some points and miles to make it a reality, now is the perfect time to start planning your earning strategy. One of the easiest ways to accumulate a significant amount of rewards is through credit card sign-up bonuses. And if you are a United loyalist, you are in luck because Chase and United have partnered up to offer valuable sign-up bonuses across their line-up of co-branded credit cards.
Despite United’s award devaluation earlier this year, these sign-up bonuses can still go a long way towards making your dream vacation a reality. Let’s take a look at each card to see which one makes the most sense for your wallet.
1. United Club Infinite Card:
– Sign-up bonus: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Jan. 24.
– Annual fee: $525
– Earning rate: Earn 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining and all other travel, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
Is it worth it? The Points Guy (TPG) currently values United miles at 1.45 cents each, making these bonus points worth $1,305. While this may not be the highest offer we’ve seen on this card, it is still a compelling one. The United Club Infinite Card is designed for loyal United flyers who want access to United Club lounges when they travel, along with additional benefits that enhance the travel experience.
2. United Quest Card:
– Sign-up bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Offer ends Jan. 24.
– Annual fee: $250
– Earning rate: Earn 3 miles per dollar on United purchases (after your $125 annual United statement credit), 2 miles per dollar on dining, all other travel, and select streaming services, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
Is it worth it? The United Quest Card is the newest card in the lineup, offering premium perks for a reasonable $250 annual fee. The sign-up bonus points alone are worth $1,015 according to TPG valuations, which justifies paying the annual fee for over four years of card membership. Cardholders also receive up to $125 in statement credits each account anniversary year for United purchases, two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits after redeeming miles for a United flight, and other benefits.
3. United Explorer Card:
– Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Offer ends Jan. 24.
– Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
– Earning rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, hotels (booked directly), and dining, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
Is it worth it? TPG values this sign-up bonus at $870, which is a good offer for a card with a waived annual fee in the first year. In addition to the sign-up bonus, United Explorer cardholders enjoy benefits such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, United Club passes, and a discount on inflight United purchases.
4. United Gateway Card:
– Sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Offer ends Jan. 24.
– Annual fee: $0
– Earning rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, gas, local transit, and commuting, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
Is it worth it? The United Gateway Card is the entry-level card into the United MileagePlus program and charges no annual fee. While the sign-up bonus may be modest compared to other United cards, it still offers value to beginners. Cardholders also receive a 25% discount on inflight United purchases and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
5. United Business Card:
– Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
– Annual fee: $99, waived the first year
– Earning rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, gas, local transit, commuting, and office supply stores, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
Is it worth it? The United Business Card offers solid perks to small-business owners, freelancers, and those with side gigs. Cardholders receive the first checked bag free, priority boarding, United Club passes, and a $100 United travel statement credit. The card’s benefits help offset the $99 annual fee.
By taking advantage of low-cost domestic award tickets and free stopovers with the Excursionist Perk, you can stretch the miles you earn with your credit cards to plan your upcoming trips. United also offers benefits like no fuel surcharges on award tickets and being a part of the Star Alliance, which allows you to redeem miles across multiple airlines.
In conclusion, if you are planning a dream getaway, now is the time to determine your earning strategy and rack up those points and miles. The sign-up bonuses offered by Chase and United can help make your dream vacation a reality. Choose the card that best suits your travel needs and start earning towards your next trip. Just remember to check the terms and conditions, and make sure you are eligible for the card based on Chase’s 5/24 rule. Happy travels!