The article "United Quest vs. United Club Infinite: Which Card is Right for You?" provides a comprehensive comparison between two credit cards offered by United Airlines: the United Quest Card and the United Club Infinite Card. It highlights the differences in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, earning rates, benefits, travel protections, and miles redemption. The article aims to assist loyal United flyers in determining which card is best suited for their needs and preferences. With an emphasis on professionalism and a third-person point of view, the article offers valuable insights that can help readers make an informed decision about which card to choose.
United Quest vs. United Club Infinite comparison
The United Quest Card and United Club Infinite Card are two credit cards offered by United Airlines. While both cards cater to frequent United flyers, they have different features and benefits. This section will compare the key aspects of the two cards in terms of annual fee, sign-up bonus, earning rate, benefits, and travel protections.
- Annual fee: The United Quest Card has an annual fee of $250, while the United Club Infinite Card has an annual fee of $525.
- Sign-up bonus: The United Quest Card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. On the other hand, the United Club Infinite Card offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Earning rate: The United Quest Card earns 3 miles per dollar on purchases with United, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, 2 miles per dollar on dining, and 2 miles per dollar on select streaming services. Meanwhile, the United Club Infinite Card earns 4 miles per dollar on purchases with United, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, 2 miles per dollar on dining, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
- Benefits: Both cards offer similar benefits such as free first and second checked bags, priority boarding, 25% off inflight United purchases, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees, and complimentary upgrades on award flights. However, the United Club Infinite Card offers additional benefits such as United Club membership, IHG One Rewards Platinum status, a 10% discount on United Economy Saver Awards, and expanded award availability.
- Travel protections: Both cards offer similar travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection. However, the United Club Infinite Card provides higher coverage for trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
United Quest vs. United Club Infinite welcome bonus
The United Quest Card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 United miles and 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. The value of these bonus miles is approximately $660. On the other hand, the United Club Infinite Card offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 United miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months, which is valued at approximately $880. Therefore, the United Club Infinite Card has a higher sign-up bonus value.
United Quest vs. United Club Infinite benefits
Both the United Quest Card and United Club Infinite Card offer various benefits that are valuable for United flyers. These benefits include free first and second checked bags, priority boarding, 25% off inflight United purchases, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit, no foreign transaction fees, and complimentary upgrades on award flights. However, the United Club Infinite Card provides additional benefits such as United Club membership, IHG One Rewards Platinum status, a 10% discount on United Economy Saver Awards, and expanded award availability. The United Club Infinite Card also offers priority check-in and baggage handling, as well as Avis President's Club elite status. Therefore, if lounge access and additional United perks are important to you, the United Club Infinite Card is the better option.
Earning miles with the United Quest vs. United Club Infinite
Both the United Quest Card and United Club Infinite Card allow cardholders to earn miles through credit card spending. However, the earning rates differ slightly between the two cards. The United Quest Card earns 3 miles per dollar on purchases with United, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, 2 miles per dollar on dining, and 2 miles per dollar on select streaming services. On the other hand, the United Club Infinite Card earns 4 miles per dollar on purchases with United, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, 2 miles per dollar on dining, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. Based on The Points Guy's valuation of United miles, the earning rates for both cards provide a decent return on spending. However, if you frequently fly with United and want to maximize your earning potential, the United Club Infinite Card offers a higher earning rate on United purchases.
Redeeming miles with the United Quest Vs. United Club Infinite
Both the United Quest Card and United Club Infinite Card allow cardholders to redeem their United miles for various travel options. These options include United and United-Express flights, as well as flights on Star Alliance carriers and partner airlines. The redemption value of United miles varies depending on the flight and availability. It is important to note that United recently devalued its award chart, which has increased the cost of some redemptions. However, both cards provide the opportunity to redeem miles through the MileagePlus program, allowing cardholders to use their miles for flights and other travel options.
Should I get the United Quest or United Club Infinite?
The choice between the United Quest Card and United Club Infinite Card depends on your individual preferences and travel habits. If you are a frequent United flyer and value lounge access, the United Club Infinite Card is the better option. It provides United Club membership, which allows you access to United Club lounges and additional perks such as priority check-in and baggage handling. The United Club Infinite Card also offers a higher sign-up bonus and better earning rates on United purchases. On the other hand, if you don't prioritize lounge access and prefer a lower annual fee, the United Quest Card is a suitable choice. It still offers valuable benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding, as well as a lower annual fee. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual travel needs and preferences.
Bottom line
In most cases, the United Club Infinite Card is the recommended choice over the United Quest Card. It offers a higher sign-up bonus, United Club membership, and additional benefits such as better earning rates on United purchases and expanded award availability. However, if you don't value lounge access or utilize the additional benefits provided by the United Club Infinite Card, the United Quest Card with its lower annual fee may be sufficient. It is important to consider your travel habits, preferences, and the value you place on the various benefits offered by each card. Additionally, keep in mind that both cards are subject to the Chase 5/24 rule, which limits approval if you have opened five or more card accounts in the past 24 months.
