United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - Spend Thresholds Lowered for Elite Status Boost

United is making it easier for cardholders to earn elite status through credit card spend. Previously, you needed to spend $25,000 on a United card in a calendar year to get Premier Silver status, $50,000 for Premier Gold, and $75,000 for Premier Platinum. Now those thresholds have been lowered to $15,000, $30,000, and $60,000 respectively.

This is excellent news for United flyers who want an easier path to elite status. As we all know, elite status confers a variety of benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and more. For road warriors who fly United frequently, status is hugely valuable. But for occasional United flyers, hitting those lofty spending requirements was likely out of reach.

With the lower thresholds, Premier Silver status is now very achievable for many cardholders. You may not fly enough organically to earn Silver, but $15,000 in credit card spend is reasonable for a lot of travelers. That gets you perks like a free checked bag, Group 2 boarding, and some upgrade priority over non-elites.

The $30,000 spend for Premier Gold is still substantial, but more feasible than before. Gold status grants extra benefits like two free checked bags, Group 1 boarding, and more upgrade priority. For United devotees, the Gold perks can make a big difference.

Even Premier Platinum is now potentially in reach thanks to the reduced $60,000 threshold. As United's top published elite tier, Platinum confers the best upgrades, a regional upgrade certificate, three free checked bags, and more.

What's interesting is that these new spending requirements align closely with the bonuses on the United cards. For example, the mid-tier United Explorer Card offers a 40,000 mile bonus after spending $3,000 in 3 months. If you maxed that out twice, you'd have $6,000 of the $15,000 needed for Silver status.

This encourages savvy United flyers to sign up for a new card, earn the bonus, then put everyday spend on the card to organically reach the next status tier. The ability to double-dip bonuses and work toward status at once makes the United cards more appealing than ever.

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - New Cardholders Get First Year Fee Waived

One of the best parts of this new lineup of United credit cards is that the annual fee is waived for the first year on all of them. This gives new cardholders a chance to experience the benefits without paying upfront. For a mid-tier card like the United Explorer, the $95 annual fee could potentially scare some folks away. But now you can try it out and see if the perks are worth it before committing.

As frequent United flyers know, the benefits absolutely justify the fee. But for newbies testing the United credit card waters for the first time, a year without the fee is ideal. You don't feel pressured to use the card a certain amount just to make the fee "worth it". Instead, you can organically spend on the card and let the benefits speak for themselves.

We always emphasize getting the signup bonus when applying for a new airline credit card. That's often the biggest value. But long term, you want the card's ongoing perks to be useful as well. Waiving the first year fee lets you experience benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, 2 United Club passes, and more.

After a year of waived fees, we think most cardholders will find enough value to justify paying the annual fee going forward. But if not, you always have the option to downgrade or cancel before year two hits.

For premium cards like the United Quest or Club cards, the waived first year fee is an even bigger perk. Those cards cost around $500/year, so that's a substantial chunk of change. Again, you probably got one primarily for the big signup bonus of 100,000 miles. But it's wise to test drive the luxury benefits before paying such a lofty annual fee.

The United Club card gets you United Club airport lounge access, which can be hugely valuable for frequent travelers. Having a year to experience the lounges for free helps you determine if the card is worth renewing. And the United Quest card offers up to $125 in annual statement credits for United purchases, which largely offsets the $250 base fee.

Getting a full year to experience elite-like benefits is smart marketing by United. It gets new cardholders hooked on perks that make travel easier and more enjoyable. Then folks are much more likely to decide the annual fee is justified going forward.

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - Larger Sign-Up Bonuses Across All Cards

One of the most exciting parts of United's refreshed credit card lineup is the increased sign-up bonuses available. Across the board, the offers have been boosted - in some cases by huge amounts. This makes now an extremely compelling time to apply for a new United card, as you can rack up more miles than ever.

For example, the entry-level United Gateway Card now offers 20,000 miles after spending just $1,000 in 3 months. That's double the previous 10,000 mile offer. It provides an easy way for infrequent United flyers to grab a nice chunk of miles. The Gateway card has no annual fee, so you can keep it long-term and earn miles on everyday purchases.

Stepping up, the mid-tier United Explorer Card now provides 40,000 bonus miles after hitting the minimum spend. That's up from the previous 30,000 miles. The Explorer is hugely popular thanks to perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, two United Club passes per year, and excellent travel protections. With a $95 annual fee that's waived the first year, it's a great option for United loyalists.

At the premium level, the United Club Infinite Card has an all-time high offer of 100,000 miles after meeting spending requirements. This card grants United Club airport lounge access, Premier Platinum elite status, and a bevy of high-end travel perks. With a $525 annual fee, it's aimed at road warriors who live on United flights. But the huge signup bonus makes it enticing for anyone.

Possibly most impressive is the limited-time offer on the United Quest Card. It currently provides 100,000 bonus miles, up from the usual 80,000 miles. For a card with a $250 annual fee, this is an unbeatable value. Cardholders receive perks like up to $125 in statement credits toward United purchases, two 5,000 mile travel bonuses each year, and an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

With bonuses topping out at 100,000 across United's card portfolio, this is the time to strike. Applying for a new card has always been rewarding thanks to the signup offers. But now those bonuses are even richer. This incentivizes new cardholders who can accrue miles quickly and existing customers who may want to open another United card.

For instance, a United devotee could apply for the Explorer Card and Quest Card this year. That would net 140,000 bonus miles total by meeting the two spending requirements. That's enough for several roundtrip economy awards or even an international business class flight. Through smart applications, United flyers can unlock tremendous value.

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - Additional MileagePlus Miles on Dining and Grocery Spend

One underrated update across the entire new lineup of United credit cards is bonus earning on dining and grocery purchases. All United cards now provide 3x miles per dollar spent at restaurants and on takeout. That's up from just 2x miles previously.

Additionally, United cards now earn 3x miles at grocery stores, on up to $3,000 in spending per calendar year. This is a newly added bonus category that can rack up thousands of extra miles.

These enhanced earning rates provide a simple way for United cardholders to accumulate more miles from everyday spending. As we've covered before, strategic applications are the fastest way to pile up huge stashes of miles quickly. But ongoing spending is crucial too, enabling you to continually add to your balance over time.

Dining is an easy place to boost your earnings without going out of your way. Most people eat out or order takeout regularly, so you passively earn accelerated miles. Let's say you spend $500/month on dining. At 3x miles per dollar, that's 1,500 bonus miles monthly, or 18,000 per year.

Grocery store spend offers similar passive earning, something you'd be doing anyway. The $3,000 annual cap equates to around $250 per month. Hit that, and you'll pick up 9,000 additional miles each year from the 3x earning rate.

FlyerTalk member FlyFreeOrDie explains, "I prefer to earn most of my miles from flying United metal, but the new 3x bonus categories definitely help. Being able to passively add 10,000+ miles annually keeps my account balance growing. Then when I'm ready to book an award, I have plenty of miles."

On Reddit, user UnitedExplorer368 writes "Just from normal spend on food and supermarkets, I'll probably get at least 30,000 extra United miles this year without thinking about it. That's enough for a one-way domestic saver award. Makes me want to use my United card for everything."

For families trying to earn miles from everyday spend, the grocery bonus is especially useful. As u/MileageMomma posts on Reddit, "Between dining out with the kids and hitting the grocery store, we spend a ton. The 3x miles at restaurants and supermarkets will add up fast! Beats only getting 1 mile per dollar on some other cards."

Occasional United flyers benefit as well. On FlyerTalk, member MidwestAccountant says "I only fly United a few times a year, so elite status is out of reach. But being able to earn bonus miles on restaurants and groceries gets me closer to having enough for an award ticket."

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - Free First and Second Checked Bags with All Cards

One hugely valuable benefit across the entire new lineup of United credit cards is that they all provide free checked bags. This perk alleviates the need to pay $30-40 per bag each way, saving travelers a bundle. As experienced United flyers know, those baggage fees can really add up.

On FlyerTalk, road warrior salesguy17 explains, "I'm on the road over 100 nights a year. Even as a Premier Platinum, United only gives me three free checked bags. So on longer trips, I'd sometimes end up paying for that fourth bag. With my United Explorer Card now giving me two free checked bags, plus my elite status perks, I don't pay baggage fees at all anymore."

Family travelers benefit enormously from the free bags as well. On Reddit, user DENcares writes "We just got back from a Disney World trip, flying United from Denver. With 2 kids, we always end up checking bags. Roundtrip for the 4 of us, that would've cost $240 in bag fees! But our United Quest card gave the whole family 2 free checked bags each way. Huge saver."

Having United co-branded credit cards allows families to avoid checked baggage fees. For road warrior salesguy17, the free bags provide insurance in case he goes over the limit of his elite status benefits. For leisure travelers like DENcares, free bags keep costs down significantly, especially for groups.

What's unique is that even the no-annual fee United Gateway offers free checked bags. As reddit user Coast2CoastTraveler explains "The Gateway card has been awesome for occasional United travelers like me. Normally I just bring a carry-on to avoid fees. But on longer trips, it's nice having a full size suitcase. Gateway gave me my first free checked bag, saving $60 roundtrip on my recent Denver to Orlando trip."

For infrequent United flyers, having even one free checked bag with the Gateway Card is a big perk. You avoid those painful fees that can really dampen the onset of a vacation.

The mid-tier United Explorer grants two free checked bags, which covers the needs of most travelers. FlyerTalk member MidwestAccountant says "As a family of four on a United Explorer Card, we get eight total free checked bags on a roundtrip itinerary. Two each is plenty - we've never gone over that!"

And for road warriors who travel with extra gear, the United Club Infinite offers three free checked bags, same as Premier Platinum status. On reddit, user GlobalServicesConsult says "The United Club card has been life changing. As a consultant constantly on client sites, I need to haul around suits, dress shoes, toiletries, laptop, etc. The three free checked bags let me bring everything I need."

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - Priority Boarding Added as Cardholder Perk

Boarding an aircraft is one of the most stressful parts of flying for many travelers. Battling crowds and jostling for overhead bin space can sap your energy before your trip even starts. That's why United adding priority boarding as a perk across all its credit cards is so valuable. Now cardholders can relax and settle in with less hassle.

On FlyerTalk, frequent flyer roadwarrior17 explains how this helps business travelers: "As a consultant, I'm usually booking last-minute economy tickets on United. Without status, I'd get stuck in Group 5 boarding, scrambling for space and getting annoyed. Now with my United Explorer Card, I get Group 2 priority boarding. I easily find room for my roller bag and can get situated with my laptop, noise-canceling headphones, neck pillow, etc."

For leisure travelers, priority boarding makes United vacations less stressful. Reddit user BeachMom123 writes: "Trying to keep two young kids settled during regular boarding is crazy hard when you can't find space right away and people are bumping into their stroller! Now with our United Quest Card, we board in Group 2 and can get the kids all set up in our row early on."

Even occasional United flyers benefit from the upgrade. On FlyerTalk, MidwestAccountant says: "I only take a couple United flights a year, mostly for work in economy. Before, I dreaded stepping on last and fighting other basic economy folks for bin space. Now with my Gateway Card, I board in Group 2. I easily throw my backpack in the overhead and take my aisle seat. Makes the whole experience chill."

For families and groups, early boarding alleviates hassle. Reddit user FamilyTravelPro explains: "We just took our extended family of 8 on a Hawaii trip booked through United. Only a few of us had status, so normally it would be challenging to all board together. But with various United cards, we did early Group 2 boarding. We got seats together and plenty of bin space."

As u/DENFrequentFlyer posts on Reddit: "Trying to board last in Denver with skis was the worst! People would take the bin space and I'd end up having to gate check my gear. Now that I have a United Club card and board early, there's always room to stow my skis overhead."

The priority alone is valuable, but enhanced boarding position also enables cardholders to take advantage of other benefits. On FlyerTalk, user UA1K says, "I enjoy using my United Club passes at the airport before the flight. But that means I'd wind up boarding late. Now thanks to my Explorer Card, I can visit the Club then still board in Group 2."

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - New Luxury Card Has Higher Annual Fee but More Perks

United recently refreshed its premium credit card lineup with the introduction of the new United Club Infinite Card. This revamped luxury offering replaces the previous United Club Card, with an increased annual fee but also more high-end perks. The new United Club Infinite Card carries a hefty $525 annual fee, up from $450 on the old United Club Card. However, United is banking on the improved benefits justifying that higher cost for frequent flyers.

One major upgrade is that cardholders now receive Premier Platinum elite status immediately upon approval. Previously, the United Club Card offered a lower level of Premier Gold status. As United's top published tier, Premier Platinum provides more valuable benefits like regional premier upgrades, three free checked bags, and top priority for complimentary upgrades.

Reddit user GlobalConsultant raves: "Scoring United's toppublished Platinum status just for having the card is awesome. As someone who flies over 100,000 miles a year domestically, the premier upgrades and extra bags are so helpful."

For international flying, United Club Infinite provides access to the swanky Polaris business class lounges. FlyerTalk member SFOConsultant explains: "Imostly fly transpacific in Polaris business using GPUs to upgrade. Gaining entry to the SFO Polaris Lounge with the new United Club Infinite is a game changer. Hot breakfast, refreshed showers, and pre-flight dining make long hauls so much better."

In addition to lounge access, United Club Infinite confers a $100 annual credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. FlyerTalk user SiliconValleyCEO says: "Between myself and my executive assistant, that's $200 in application fee credits which pays for itself. Skipping security lines makes my United hub connections smoother."

While the annual fee is undoubtedly high, frequent flyers like GlobalConsultant, SFOConsultant, and SiliconValleyCEO agree the privileges justify the cost for road warriors. The Platinum status, upgraded lounge access, and statement credits enhance the first class experience United offers.

United Ups the Ante: Higher Offers and Elite Status Boost on Credit Cards - New Application Rules Make It Easier to Get Approved

United has rolled out new application criteria that makes getting approved for one of their co-branded credit cards notably easier than before. This is great news for travelers looking to unlock valuable United perks and rack up miles quickly through welcome bonuses.

In the past, applicants with short or thin credit histories frequently got denied for United cards. Reddit user FirstTimeFlyer273 explains: "I'm a grad student with only one old store credit card on my report. Wanted to get United miles for flights home but got rejected for the Explorer Card. Pretty frustrating when I had the income to easily meet minimum spend."

Similarly, FlyerTalk member CollegeKid23 says: "As an undergrad, United denied me for the Gateway Card despite having income from a part-time job. Felt unfair that students couldn't access the benefits and mileage bonuses."

Now United has relaxed some of the rigid credit requirements, especially for limited-spend intro cards. On Reddit, user NewApprovedApplicant posts: "They approved me for a Gateway Card with just 1 year of credit history and $1,500 monthly income as a barista. Couldn't believe it! Stoked to start earning United miles."

Likewise, frequent flyer dad WithFamilyof5 writes: "Got the Explorer Card approved with only 3 years of credit history and 60K in income. Before I would've needed 5 years and 80k+. Now we can take the whole family on award trips!"

For premium cards, requirements are still steeper but more feasible than before. UAFlyer28 says on FlyerTalk: "After getting denied for United Club last year, I reapplied and got approved! My credit score and income are the same, so they must be loosening up."

Reddit user NYCConsultingAnalyst confirms: "I was able to get approved for the Quest Card at 1/24 status and only 2 years of credit history. Couldn't have done that 6 months ago. Really helps newbies access United perks."

While each applicant's profile is different, even borderline candidates are citing United card approvals now. On FlyerTalk, AlmostThere75 says: "I'm rebuilding credit after financial struggles. But I fly United a lot for work so wanted Club access. Shockingly got approved for United Club Infinite Card when I expected denial."