Huge update to Chase United Cards: Higher Fees and More Credits

United is making some major updates to their portfolio of Chase cards.Whether the changes are positive or negative depend on what features you’re optimizing for, and which of the new credits you can use.

At a short glance:

For these increases, the cards are getting credits. We’ll focus on the ones that are relatively direct, rather than tied to aggressive spends (i.e., get $100 for $10,000 spend isn’t really relevant for many) or to more niche features (i.e., United FareLock).

Here’s the snapchat, but check the terms and conditions below since they’re critical to how the credits work:

Despite the annual fee increases, if you liked and benefited from the prior iteration from the card, they’ll probably still make sense.

Scenario:

You previously had and got value from the United Quest℠ Card

The annual fee went from $250 to $350 and the baseline features stayed the same. Is it worth the extra $100?

• If you can derive at least $100 in value from the up to $660 in credits, then yes — it still makes sense.
• If you can use even more of the credits, then even better!
• If you’re not a fan of the credits though, then maybe it’s time to downgrade or cancel.

With that, let’s do a deep dive on the cards and changes for each.

The New United Gateway℠ Card

This card effectively stayed the same, but with 2 changes.

Positive

You can earn 2 checked bags on United®- or United Express®-operated flights after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.

You do NOT unlock the perk, like you get with other cards! Instead, you earn certificates which are once-use.

Given this, I don’t think this perk is worth chasing. If you need checked bags, just grab one of the other cards. Even better, it’s a long-term benefit rather than certificates.

Negative

Previously, you received member pricing on award redemptions just by holding the card. Now, you’ll need to spend $10,000 in a calendar year for member pricing.

This is visible when doing a search for flights and are usually in the 10% range.

The cardmember discount also applies for partner award availability through United. 

For example, this is ANA Business Class from SFO to HND where you have a 9% discount. 

Given how powerful this benefit can be, it’s a good argument for The New United℠ Explorer Card.

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The annual fee increased from: $0 for 1st year, then $95 to $0 for 1st year, then $150. Long-term, it went from $95 to $150 (increase of $55 or 57.9%). Despite this change, you’re getting a ton of credits.

Positive

10,000 mile award flight discount each year

Every calendar year, when you spend $20,000 on your United℠ Explorer Card, you’ll unlock a 10,000-mile discount on an award flight. Think of it as a little bonus for putting regular spend on the card.

I value United miles at 1.2 cents per mile, so 10,000 * 1.2 CPM = $120 in value.

$120 for $20,000 spend is a nice boost (0.6% extra value), but relatively immaterial.

I don’t think it’s worth chasing, unless you’re naturally putting the spend on the card.
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$100 United® travel credit

Each calendar year, after you spend $10,000 on your United℠ Explorer Card, you'll get a $100 United® TravelBank credit. It’s basically $100 you can use toward future United® or United Express® flights.

$100 value for $10,000 spend is an extra 1% for that spend. It’s fine but immaterial.
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Up to $100 in United® Hotels credits

Each anniversary year, you can get up to $100 back in statement credits for hotel bookings through United® Hotels. Just use your United℠ Explorer Card to prepay—United gives you $50 back on your first and second prepaid stays, for a total of up to $100 in credits.
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Up to $60 in credits on rideshare purchases

You can get up to $60 back each year on rideshares with the United℠ Explorer Card. Just enroll, and you'll earn up to $5 back per month as a statement credit when you use your card on eligible rideshare purchases. Keep in mind, you’ll need to opt in every calendar year to unlock this perk.
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Up to $50 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget purchases

Each anniversary year, you can earn up to $50 in United® TravelBank credits when you book car rentals through United. You’ll get $25 back in TravelBank cash on both your first and second Avis or Budget rental, as long as you book through cars.united.com and pay with your United℠ Explorer Card.
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Up to $100 in credits on JSX purchases annually

Every anniversary year, you can get up to $100 back as a statement credit when you book flights directly with JSX using your United℠ Explorer Card. JSX is a semi-private jet service that blends private jet vibes with commercial pricing. Just book direct and pay with your card to start earning back.
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3-Month Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

Get a 3-month Instacart+ membership with unlimited deliveries and $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. After the trial, you’ll be auto-enrolled in a discounted annual plan—25% off the regular price. Just a heads up: service fees still apply, and the perk ends on 12/31/27.
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Up to $120 in Instacart credits

You can get up to $120 back each year on Instacart with your United℠ Explorer Card. Just use your card to make purchases directly through Instacart, and you’ll get a $10 statement credit each month. This perk runs through 12/31/27—terms apply.

Negative

United Club℠ one-time passes per year

In the past, this could be shared with others. Now, the cardmember or authorized user needs to be present for redemptions. This makes sense since it was being sold on marketplaces, and should help mitigate crowding in lounges.
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Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets

This perk is going away starting Aug 1, 2025.

The New United Quest℠ Card

The annual fee increased from $250 to $350 (increase of $100 or 40%).

Along with the new credits, the prior features are now easier to use.

Positive

$200 annual United travel credit

Get $200 in United® TravelBank cash each year—automatically. You'll receive it once after opening your account and again every year on your account anniversary. You can use it toward future flights operated by United® or United Express®.
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Annual 10,000-mile award flight discount

Starting on your first anniversary, you'll also unlock an annual 10,000-mile discount on an eligible award flight. It’s a nice bonus for keeping the card long-term and booking flights with your miles.
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Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount each year

Earn a 10,000-mile discount on an award flight each calendar year when you spend $20,000 on your United Quest℠ Card.

Not worth chasing unless you’re organically putting spend on the card.
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Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades

After you hit $40,000 in annual spend on the United Quest℠ Card, you’ll earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades. That means more legroom on your next United® or United Express® flight—without paying extra.

Again, not worth chasing given the tremendous spend requirements, especially since upgrades aren’t even for business class.
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Up to $150 in credits for Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers

Each anniversary year, you can get up to $150 back as a statement credit when you prepay your stay through Renowned Hotels and Resorts with your United Quest℠ Card. It’s a nice way to save on luxury stays booked through United’s hotel platform.
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Up to $100 in credits on rideshare purchases annually

You can also get up to $100 back annually on rideshare purchases. Just enroll and use your United Quest℠ Card to earn $8 back per month from January to November, and up to $12 in December. Opt-in is required every year to keep this benefit active.
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Up to $80 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget purchases

Each anniversary year, you can get up to $80 in United® TravelBank cash when you rent from Avis or Budget. You’ll earn $40 back on both your first and second rental—just make sure to book through cars.united.com and pay with your United Quest℠ Card.
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Up to $150 in credits on JSX purchases annually

You can also earn up to $150 back as a statement credit each year when you book flights directly with JSX using your United Quest℠ Card. JSX offers a semi-private flying experience at commercial prices, making it a unique way to travel. Learn more at united.com/JSX.
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1,000 Card Bonus PQP each qualification year, starting in 2026

Starting in 2026, you’ll get a 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year to help you qualify for Premier® status—up to Premier 1K®. These Premier qualifying points (PQP) will be added to your MileagePlus account 6 to 8 weeks after February 1, as long as your card is open on December 31 of the prior year and still open when the PQP are applied.
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Earn up to 18,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP)

You can earn up to 18,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP) per calendar year by using your United Quest℠ Card. You’ll get 1 PQP for every $20 spent, making your regular spending go further toward elite status.
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3-Month Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

With your United Quest℠ Card, you’ll get a 3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership. That includes unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. After the trial, you’ll be enrolled at 50% off the regular annual rate. Service fees apply, and benefits run through 12/31/27.
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Up to $180 in Instacart credits

You can earn up to $180 in Instacart credits each year. Just use your United Quest℠ Card on purchases made directly through Instacart to get one $10 and one $5 credit each month. Terms apply, and this benefit also ends on 12/31/27.

Negative

Outside of the annual fee increase, all the features actually got better.

For example, the “10,000-mile award flight discount” you receive every cardmember anniversary is now useable in 1 booking.

In the past, it was broken down as two 5,000 mile award flight redemptions.

The New United Club℠ Card

The annual fee went up from $525 to $695 (increase of $170 or 32.4%).

At the same time, the card is getting a ton of credits (that previously didn’t exist!) to help offset the fee. In the past, you were paying a big fee with little to no credits.

There are changes to the United Club℠ membership that might impact whether it still makes sense, but it’s still better than buying the membership directly.

Positive

United Club℠ membership

As a The New United Club℠ Card Primary Cardmember, you’ll get a full United Club membership—valued at $750 or more. That includes access to 45+ United Club locations around the world, plus you can bring one adult guest and any dependent children traveling with you.

It's a solid perk if you fly United often and want to elevate your airport experience with lounge access, complimentary snacks, drinks, and a quieter place to relax before your flight. For the latest updates on lounge locations, closures, and guest policies, head to united.com/UnitedClub.
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United Club℠ All Access membership

With The New United Club℠ Card, you can unlock All Access membership after either reaching Premier® Gold status or spending $50,000 on purchases in a calendar year. This upgraded tier gives you expanded lounge privileges on top of your regular membership benefits.

You’ll be able to bring either two adult guests or one adult guest plus your dependent children under 18 into United Club locations. You’ll also get access to participating Star Alliance™ member lounges for you and your eligible travel companions.

On top of that, your authorized users will receive four one-time United Club passes each year—perfect for occasional lounge access when they travel.
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Earn 4 United Club one-time passes with United Club℠ All Access Membership and an authorized user

If you have United Club℠ All Access Membership and an authorized user on your account, you’ll receive 4 United Club one-time passes every year on your account anniversary—worth over $200 annually.

You can unlock All Access Membership by either spending $50,000 in a calendar year or earning Premier® Gold status or higher. Each one-time pass allows one person access to a United Club lounge, as long as either you or your authorized user is also entering.

Just note: it can take up to 3 weeks after adding an authorized user before they can use a pass on their own without you present. For the latest lounge info and any temporary closures, check united.com.
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Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts each year

You can earn up to 20,000 miles in award flight discounts each year. Spend $20,000 on your United Club℠ Card and get a 10,000-mile discount on an award flight—up to twice a year.
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Up to $200 in credits for Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers

Get up to $200 back in statement credits each anniversary year when you prepay your stay through Renowned Hotels and Resorts using your United Club℠ Card. It’s a nice way to offset the cost of premium hotel bookings.
‍

Up to $150 in credits on rideshare purchases

Earn up to $150 in rideshare credits each year. Just enroll and use your United Club℠ Card to get $12 back monthly from January to November and up to $18 in December. Opt-in is required each calendar year.
‍

Up to $100 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget car purchases

You’ll also get up to $100 in United® TravelBank cash per year when you rent cars from Avis or Budget. Just book through cars.united.com and pay with your United Club℠ Card to get $50 back on your first and second rentals.
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Up to $200 in credits on JSX purchases annually

Book JSX flights directly with your United Club℠ Card and earn up to $200 back each anniversary year. JSX gives you a semi-private flight experience at commercial prices—learn more at united.com/JSX.
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1,500 Card Bonus PQP each qualification year, starting in 2026

Starting in 2026, you’ll receive 1,500 Card Bonus PQP every year, just for holding the card. PQP counts toward Premier® status, up to Premier 1K®, and will be deposited into your account 6–8 weeks after February 1—if your card is open at year-end and still active when the points are applied.
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Earn up to 28,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP)

You can also earn up to 28,000 Premier® qualifying points annually by putting spend on your United Club℠ Card. You’ll earn 1 PQP for every $15 you spend, making it easier to climb the elite status ladder.
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Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

You’ll get complimentary Instacart+ membership with unlimited $0 delivery fee on eligible orders. Service fees still apply, and the benefit runs through 12/31/27.
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Up to $240 in Instacart Credits

And finally, you’ll earn up to $240 in Instacart credits each year—two $10 credits each month—just for using your United Club℠ Card on Instacart purchases. Terms apply and this benefit also ends 12/31/27.

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Negative

Most of the downsides is related to the United Club℠ membership itself, rather than the card.
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United Club℠ membership in 2024

United charged $650 for the standard membership. You were allowed either two adult guests OR one adult guest and unlimited dependent children under 21. This also includes access to Star Alliance lounge and Star Alliance partner lounges.
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United Club℠ membership in 2025: Individual Membership

There’s now two tiers. Individual Membership is $750 annually. There are NO discounts for this level, even if you have elite status (yes, even if you have Global Services!).

Individual membership includes access for you only. Guests can buy one-time passes for $59.

This now does NOT include access to Star Alliance lounge and Star Alliance partner lounges.
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United Club℠ membership in 2025: All Access Membership

This level is pretty much what the old membership was and will run you $1,400 annually (with discounts depending on elite status).

All Access includes access for you and 2 adult guests OR 1 adult and unlimited dependent children under 18.

This also includes access to Star Alliance lounge and Star Alliance partner lounges.

Why It Matters

Even though it’s worse then before, it’s still better than the current alternative of buying the United Club℠ membership separately:

If you’re spending towards status, then this is a great way to unlock All Access.

The New United℠ Business card

The annual fee jumped from $95 to $150 (a $55 or 57.9% increase). The card is getting a ton of new features and credits.

Positive

$125 United travel credit

Get $125 in United® TravelBank cash each calendar year after you make five United® flight purchases of $100 or more. It’s a simple way to get value back if you're booking with United regularly.
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Earn 2 continental U.S. Economy Plus® seat upgrades

When you spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll unlock two Economy Plus® seat upgrades for travel within the continental U.S. That means more legroom on your next United® or United Express® flight—without paying extra.

Not worth chasing to me unless your business is naturally spending this much on the card.
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Up to $25 in credits on United FareLock purchases

You can also get up to $25 back each year when you use your card to purchase FareLock on a United- or United Express®-operated flight. FareLock lets you hold your fare for 3, 7, or 14 days so your price doesn’t go up while you finalize your plans. For more details, check out united.com/FareLock.
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Up to $100 in United® Hotels credits

Each anniversary year, you can get up to $100 back in United® Hotels credits. Just prepay your first two hotel stays directly through United® Hotels and pay with your United℠ Business Card—you’ll earn $50 back on each one.
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Up to $100 in credits on rideshare purchases

You can also get up to $100 in rideshare credits every year. After enrolling, you’ll receive $8 back each month from January through November, plus up to $12 in December when you use your card on eligible rideshare purchases. Opt-in is required annually.
‍

Up to $50 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget car purchases

When you rent a car from Avis or Budget through cars.united.com and pay with your United℠ Business Card, you’ll get up to $50 in United® TravelBank cash each year—$25 back on your first and second rentals.
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Up to $100 in credits on JSX purchases annually

Flying JSX? You can get up to $100 back in statement credits every anniversary year when you book JSX flights directly with your United℠ Business Card. JSX offers semi-private flights at commercial prices—more details at united.com/JSX.
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Earn up to 4,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP)

For Premier® status seekers, you’ll earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent on your United℠ Business Card, up to 4,000 PQP per year. That’s a solid boost toward elite status just for putting regular spend on the card.
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3-Month Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

Plus, enjoy a 3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership with free delivery on eligible orders. After that, you’ll be automatically enrolled at 25% off the annual rate.
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Up to $120 in Instacart credits

You can also earn up to $120 in Instacart credits annually—$10 back per month when you use your card directly through Instacart. These benefits end 12/31/27.
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Negative

Outside of the annual fee, the main negative is with how passes can be used.

United Club℠ one-time passes per year

In the past, these passes could be freely shared or gifted to others. Now, either the primary cardmember or an authorized user has to be present to use them.

It makes sense—people were flipping these on resale sites, and this change should help cut down on overcrowding in lounges.

United Club℠ Business card

This has the biggest dollar jump from $450 to $695 (an increase of $245 or 54.4%).

In the past, this was a cheaper way for business owners to get access to a United Club℠ membership. With the new credits, it’s arguably even more affordable and a better deal.

Positive

United Club℠ membership

As the primary cardholder, you’ll get full United Club℠ membership—a benefit valued at $750 or more. This gives you access to 45+ United Club locations around the world, and you can bring one adult guest plus your dependent children. For lounge hours, guest policies, or any temporary closures, check united.com/UnitedClub.
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United Club℠All Access membership*

You can unlock All Access membership after either spending $50,000 in a calendar year or reaching Premier® Gold status. This expands your lounge access to include two adult guests (or one adult and your dependent kids under 18) at all United Clubs, plus entry into participating Star Alliance™ lounges when flying internationally. You'll also get four one-time United Club passes each year tied to your employee cards.
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Earn 4 United Club one-time passes with United Club℠ All Access Membership and an employee card

If you have both All Access membership and at least one employee card on your account, you’ll receive four one-time lounge passes annually on your account anniversary. That’s over $200 in added value—great for team members or occasional guests.

Just a heads-up: the rules have tightened a bit. These passes used to be shareable, but now either you or an employee cardholder needs to be present when they’re used. After adding an employee card, expect a short wait—about three weeks—before they can use a pass solo.
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Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades

After you spend $40,000 in a calendar year on your United Club℠ Business Card, you’ll earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades. That means extra legroom on any United- or United Express®-operated flight—no matter where you're headed.
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Up to $50 in credits on United FareLock purchases

You can also get up to $50 back each year when you use your card to purchase FareLock on United. FareLock lets you hold a fare for 3, 7, or 14 days at a fixed price so you have time to finalize your plans without worrying about a price jump. More details at united.com/FareLock.
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Up to $200 in credits for Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers

Each anniversary year, you’ll get up to $200 in statement credits when you prepay for hotel stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts with your United Club℠ Business Card. A nice rebate if you’re booking premium properties through United’s portal.
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Up to $150 in credits on rideshare purchases

You can also earn up to $150 back in rideshare credits every year. Once you opt in, you’ll get $12 back per month from January through November, and up to $18 in December—just for using your United Club℠ Business Card on eligible rides.
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Up to $100 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget car purchases

For rental cars, you’ll get up to $100 in United® TravelBank credits each year when you book Avis or Budget rentals through cars.united.com and pay with your card—$50 for your first and second bookings.
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Up to $200 in credits on JSX purchases annually

If you’re flying JSX,  you get up to $200 back each year when you book JSX flights directly using your United Club℠ Business Card. JSX gives you a semi-private flying experience at commercial fares. Learn more at united.com/JSX.
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Earn up to 28,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP)

You’ll also earn 1 Premier® Qualifying Point (PQP) for every $15 you spend, up to 28,000 PQP per year. These can be applied toward Premier status all the way up to Premier 1K®.
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Complimentary Instacart+ Membership

You’ll get complimentary Instacart+ membership with unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. Service fees still apply, and the benefit runs through 12/31/27.
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Up to $240 in Instacart Credits

You earn up to $240 in Instacart credits each year—two $10 credits every month—just for using your United Club℠ Business Card directly through Instacart. Terms apply, and this benefit ends 12/31/27.
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Negative

Most of the drawbacks come down to the United Club℠ membership itself — not the card.

Like I mentioned in the negative section for the United Club℠ Card, I think it’s still the best option, given the current alternatives.

The benefit of the business card though, is that it’s typically easier to have high spend, especially for things like inventory or ad spend.

This makes the $50,000 requirement to unlock All Access a lot easier to reach.

Another added benefit for business owners is the tax treatment of annual fees from business credit cards, which makes it net cheaper.