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United Airlines Changing Their Card and Perks Policies

ElitePersonalFinance

Last Update: March 29, 2025 • Financial News •

There are new policies on the way for new United Airlines Chase cardholders, Xbox new fees, and an updated benefits package.

These changes apply to all of its MileagePlus credit cards. Among the significant changes is an increase in the annual fee to $150 from $95 a year. In addition, its highest-tier United Club card will increase in price from $525 to $695 a year.

New perks in the benefits package include rideshare credits, a variety of auto rental and hotel rewards, and more. For example, the United Club Card offers $150 worth of eideshare credits and a 20,000 mile award flight discount.

All fees and benefits have been updated as of March 26th.

“We designed these cards to meet a variety of needs and travel styles, and as a result, the suite of benefits the cards offer for United customers is simply unparalleled,” said United Airlines MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn. “The easiest way to experience the best of what MileagePlus has to offer is by having a United Card.”

What Does United Airlines Club Membership Look Like?

United Airlines offers two types of United Club memberships: Individual and All Access. Individual membership provides unlimited access to all United Club locations for the single card holder, valued at $750 or 94,000 miles, with a $59 one-time pass fee for each additional guest.

In turn, United’s All Access membership offers the same benefits to primary cardholders plus adds up to two guests, adding Star Alliance member lounge access and select partner locations. However, it costs a lot more at $1,400 or 175,000 miles, with increased discounted rates based on member tier. For example, Premier Platinum members must qualify for $1300 or 160,000 miles versus Premier 1K members $1,,200 or 150,000 miles or Global Service members for $1,000 or 125,000 miles.

These changes also apply to its co-branded credit card lineup, which consists of the United Club Card, United Club Business Card, United Presidential Plus Card, and United Presidential Plus Business cards.

How Much Revenue Do These Cards Add to an Airline’s Bottom Line?

On United Airlines’ balance sheet, its “other” operating revenue expenses in 2024 reached $3.5B, of which a significant portion is attributed to mileage revenue from several non-airline partners, including Chase, lounge passes at airports, and United Club memberships.

Is United Club Membership Worth It?

For frequent travelers, a United Club membership may be worth it. In addition to immediate access to United’s network of airport lounges with complimentary food, spacious seating arrangements, and an quiet atmosphere away from chaotic gates and other common areas, members are also designated quiet work areas, have Wi-Fi/printing services for business travelers, and even partner lounge access with select Star Alliance members that extend their reach even more.

In addition, connecting flights are not restricted. Unlike one-time passes with strict time restrictions, any United Club member taking advantage of Premium cabins (First Class or Business Class) can access lounges no matter what time their connecting flight leaves. That way, United Club members can enter and exit without regard to the time between flights.

In short, if you value a quiet place to relax, enjoy free food, and want to take advantage of business traveler services like Wi-Fi and printing, then the United Club membership could be an excellent use of your money. However, if you’re only an occasional traveler who flies in and out about once every two months, you should stick with lounging at the gate.

What other credit cards enable you to enjoy these elite status rewards?

Every major airline offers an elite-status membership. Some credit cards that come to mind are CitiAadvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express, and the Free Spirit TravelMore World Elite Mastercard.

However, some cards are much more generous than others. For example, Citi Executive World Elite Mastercard members work for frequent American Airlines Flyers, who are eligible for a 50,000 mile sign-up bonus after meeting minimum spend along with priority seating and Admirals Club lounge access, along with one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions, making it a very family-friendly perk.

In turn, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card works with Delta Airlines flyers, offering complimentary access to Delta Sky clubs along with two complimentary Sky Club passes every year for a family of friends, along with Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) qualification to rack up the benefits even further including priority boarding.

Lastly, the Free Spirit TravelMore World Elite Mastercard is the least generous. It mainly focuses on a 40,000-milesign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spend and the opportunity to earn 2X miles on every dollar spent on purchases. It also offers free checked bags and priority boarding but no lounge access.

Choosing either of the cards mainly depends on which airline you fly with the most and the frequency of travel.

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