The United Quest℠ Card is positioned as a mid-tier option in United’s credit card lineup, sitting between the $95-per-year (waived the first year) United℠ Explorer Card and the $525-per-year United Club℠ Infinite Card. With a $250 annual fee, the Quest card offers a plethora of perks for semi-frequent United flyers. This article explores who should consider this card and who might be better off with other options.
Key Benefits of the United Quest Card
Welcome Bonus
- 70,000 United Miles: Earn 70,000 United miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Value: According to TPG’s June 2024 valuations, the bonus points are worth $945.
Annual Perks
- $125 Annual United Purchase Statement Credit: This helps offset the $250 annual fee.
- 10,000 Miles Back: Get 5,000 miles back after taking a United award flight, up to two times per year. This is valued at $130.
- Two Free Checked Bags: For the cardholder and a companion on the same reservation.
- Priority Boarding and Upgrades: Priority boarding and complimentary space-available upgrades when flying on award tickets for United elite status holders.
- 25% Back on United In-Flight Purchases: Includes Wi-Fi, food, and beverages.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 every four years.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance and Trip Delay Reimbursement.
- Purchase Protection.
- Free DoorDash DashPass Membership: Must enroll by Dec. 31.
Bonus Category Earning Rates
- 3 Miles per Dollar: On United purchases.
- 2 Miles per Dollar: On all travel, dining, and select streaming services.
- 1 Mile per Dollar: On all other purchases.
- Enhanced Earnings: Earn a total of 8 miles per dollar spent on United flights (5 miles from United as a MileagePlus member and 3 miles from the Quest card).
Who Should Get the United Quest Card?
Semi-Frequent United Flyers
- Offsetting the Annual Fee: The $125 credit and 10,000 MileagePlus miles can easily offset the $250 annual fee.
- Regular United Travelers: If you fly United several times a year and can utilize the card’s benefits, including free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Value Seekers: Those who can make use of the card’s statement credits, in-flight discounts, and bonus miles.
Heavy Packers
- Checked Bags: The Quest card offers two free checked bags, a valuable benefit for those who frequently check luggage.
Who Shouldn’t Get the United Quest Card?
United Club Lounge Seekers
- No Lounge Access: The Quest card does not include United Club lounge access. For lounge access, consider the United Infinite Card which provides a United Club membership.
Over the 5/24 Rule
- Chase 5/24 Rule: If you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the past 24 months, you’re unlikely to be approved for the United Quest card. Look for cards from other issuers if you’re over this limit.
Non-United Flyers
- Valuing United Miles: If United miles are not valuable to you, consider a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which offers more flexible redemption options.
Final Thoughts
The United Quest℠ Card is ideal for semi-frequent United flyers who can leverage its benefits to offset the annual fee. With perks like free checked bags, annual credits, and priority boarding, it offers substantial value. However, those seeking lounge access, who are over the 5/24 rule, or do not value United miles may want to explore other options.
