United Credit Cards Just Got an Upgrade — But with a Catch

United Airlines and Chase have rolled out major refreshes to their credit cards – and if you’re a cardholder or considering applying for one, you’ve got a lot to unpack. These changes include higher annual fees, but they also bring a slate of new statement credits and travel perks designed to add more value for frequent flyers.

If you’re wondering whether the changes are worth it — or how they impact your current benefits — this guide breaks it all down.

What’s Changing — and When?

The updates apply across United’s personal and business credit card lineup and took effect immediately for new applicants on March 24, 2025. If you’re already a cardholder, you’ll start enjoying the new benefits now, but higher annual fees won’t hit until your renewal date on or after August 1, 2025 (or January 1, 2026 for Explorer cardholders).

United Personal Credit Cards: What’s New?

United Gateway℠ Card

• Annual Fee: $0 (no change)
• New Perks:
  • Earn 2 checked bag certificates per year after $10,000 in annual spend
  • Enhanced welcome offer: 30,000 bonus miles (was 20,000)
    

📌 Good for: Occasional travelers who want a no-fee way to earn miles and unlock some perks with spending.

United℠ Explorer Card

• Annual Fee: Increased from $95 to $150
• New Perks:
  • $60 in annual rideshare credits ($5/month)
  • $100 in United Hotels credits ($50 twice/year)
  • $100 United travel credit after $10,000 annual spend
  • 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 annual spend
  • Car rental credit: up to $50 with Avis/Budget
  • JSX flight credit: up to $100/year
  • $120 in Instacart credits + 3 months Instacart+ membership
    

📌 Good for: Moderate travelers who want solid travel benefits, credits, and discounts without committing to a premium card.

United Quest℠ Card

• Annual Fee: Increased from $250 to $350
• New Perks:
  • $200 in TravelBank cash annually
  • 10,000-mile award discount each year + another 10,000 after $20,000 spend
  • 2 Economy Plus upgrades after $40,000 spend
  • Hotel credit: up to $150 (Renowned Hotels & Resorts)
  • Rideshare credit: up to $100
  • Car rental credit: up to $80
  • JSX credit: up to $150
  • Instacart: up to $180/year + 3-month membership
    

📌 Good for: Frequent travelers who value TravelBank credits and elite-style perks without needing lounge access.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• Annual Fee: Increased from $525 to $695
• New Perks:
  • Up to 20,000 miles off award redemptions
  • $200 hotel credit through Renowned Hotels & Resorts
  • $150 in annual rideshare credit
  • $50 TravelBank for car rentals
  • $200 JSX credit
  • $180 Instacart credits + full Instacart+ membership
  • 1,500 PQP boost + increased PQP cap to 28,000
    

📌 Good for: High-mileage travelers and lounge lovers who want top-tier perks and elite status acceleration.

What’s New with United Business Credit Cards?

United℠ Business Card

• Annual Fee: Increased from $99 to $150
• New Perks:
  • $125 United travel credit (after five $100+ purchases)
    $100 hotel credit via United Hotels
  • $100 rideshare credit

📌 Good for: Small business owners who want basic travel perks without high fees.

United Club℠ Business Card

• Annual Fee: Increased from $450 to $695
• New Perks:
  • Full United Club membership for cardholder + guests
  • $200 hotel credit (Renowned Hotels & Resorts)
  • $150 rideshare credit

📌 Good for: Business travelers who want premium airport lounge access and elite-level perks.

Faster Track to Elite Status

One of the most exciting parts of the update? Accelerated status. Several cards now make it easier to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), the key to reaching MileagePlus Premier status:

📌 Why it matters: If you’re chasing Premier Gold, Platinum, or 1K, you can now earn a significant chunk of your required PQPs just by using your credit card — no flights needed.

So… Is It Worth It?

These updates make United credit cards more rewarding than ever — but also more expensive. If you’re a frequent traveler who books hotels, takes rideshares, and uses grocery delivery, the new credits can easily outweigh the higher fees.

✅ Great value if you:

• Fly United several times a year
• Use the new credits (rideshare, hotel, JSX, Instacart)
• Want to earn elite status faster
  

⚠️ Think twice if you:

• Rarely use the perks
• Don’t plan to spend enough to unlock key credits
• Are mainly looking for a basic card to earn miles
  

Final Thoughts

United’s 2025 credit card refresh adds real value — especially for travelers who can take advantage of the new benefits. Whether it’s offsetting travel costs, gaining faster status, or enjoying lounge access, there’s more here for loyal MileagePlus members than ever before.

Still, the higher fees make it worth doing the math. If you’re already holding one of these cards or considering applying, take a few minutes to compare the benefits to your travel habits. That way, you’ll make the most of what these new cards have to offer.