Chase launches new United Club Infinite Card

On March 16, 2020, Chase announced the launch of a new card for United flyers, called the New! United Club℠ Infinite Card. Along with the launch, Chase is retiring the United Club card, known for its premium travel benefits. Fortunately for those who prefer the airline, the new card will be a good alternative offering an even higher rewards rate – for a higher annual fee.

United Club Infinite Card

Why should you get this card? If you’re a frequent United flyer and value comfort when you travel, the rewards and benefits the Chase United Club Infinite card offers can offset its high annual fee.

Rewards rate: 4 miles per dollar on United purchases 2 miles per dollar on all other travel (including other airlines) 2 miles per dollar on dining 1 mile per dollar on other purchases Sign-up bonus: 100,000 bonus miles if you spend $5,000 in first 3 months Annual fee: $525 Other card benefits: Up to $100 credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry Full United Club membership United Premier Access First and second checked bags free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President’s Circle® 25% off onboard purchases No blackout dates No foreign transaction fees

The new Chase United Club Infinite can be a great addition to a frequent United flyer’s wallet. With its 4 mile-per-dollar rewards rate on United purchases and 2 mile-per-dollar rate on all other travel and dining, the card is an attractive option for travelers who often fly with the carrier. It also provides luxury travel perks such as a full United Club membership, a discount on onboard purchases, Premier Access travel services and more.

On top of that, the Chase United Club Infinite comes with an intro offer that’s hard to beat. After spending $5,000 in the first three months, a cardholder is eligible for a 100,000-mile sign-up bonus worth a whopping $1,500 in United flights, according to our calculations.

See related: How much are United miles worth?

The card does require a steep annual fee of $525. However, if United is your preferred airline, and you value comfort when traveling, the Chase United Club Infinite may be worth looking into. The high rewards rate and perks such as lounge access and priority boarding might easily offset the cost for you.

How does the new card compare to the United Club Card?

While the Chase United Club Card will no longer be available, the Chase United Club Infinite can be considered a strong replacement. Though the annual fee on the new card is higher, so are the rewards rate and sign-up bonus. Additionally, the United Club Infinite card introduces a few new perks, such as an up to $100 credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry and a 25% discount on onboard purchases.

Note that the Chase United Club cardholders will not be automatically migrated to the new product. However, you may be eligible to call Chase and ask for a product change.

United Club Card vs. United Club Infinite Card

United Club Infinite Card	United Club Card
Rewards: 4 miles per dollar on United purchases 2 miles per dollar on all other travel (including other airlines) 2 miles per dollar on dining 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases	Rewards: 2 miles per dollar on United purchases 1.5 miles per dollar on all other purchases
Sign-up bonus: 100,000 miles if you spend $5,000 spend in first 3 months	Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
Annual fee: $525	Annual fee: $450
Benefits and perks: Up to $100 credit for TSA Precheck or Global entry Full United Club membership Premier Access First and second checked bags free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President’s Circle® 25% off onboard purchases No blackout dates No foreign transaction fees	Benefits and perks: Full United Club membership Premier Access First and second checked bags free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President’s Circle® No blackout dates No foreign transaction fees

Compared to the retiring United Club Card, the Infinite Card makes it easier to rack up rewards. With the original Club card, you would get 2 miles per dollar on your United purchases, while the new card gives you double that. Moreover, you can take advantage of 2 miles per dollar on dining and all other travel even if you’re flying with a different airline. These positive changes can easily justify spending $75 more on the annual fee.

As for the rewards rate on other purchases, it’s slightly lower on the Chase United Club Infinite – 1 mile per dollar compared to 1.5 miles per dollar on the United Club Card.

That means that it might take you longer to earn rewards on your regular shopping. If you’re looking for a travel credit card that will reward you for everyday purchases, you might want to consider other options.

Is the new United Club Infinite Card right for you?

The United Club Infinite Card can be an excellent choice for any frequent United flyer who seeks premium travel benefits like lounge access and priority boarding. Its perks, high rewards rates and generous sign-up bonus easily offset the steep annual fee. If you consider yourself more of a casual traveler, it probably won’t make sense for you to pay $525 a year to maintain this card. Compare other travel card offers to make sure you get a credit card that fits your needs and budget.

See related: Which United Airlines credit card should you choose?