United Credit Cards: What's Changing and Why It Matters

The United Airlines credit cards, managed by Chase, are getting a significant makeover. This overhaul includes a mix of new benefits and increased annual fees. The changes are designed to offer more value, but whether they do depends on how you use the cards. The updates kick in right away for new cardholders. Existing cardholders will see the changes take effect after August 1, 2025, except for the United Explorer card, which will see changes from January 1, 2026. The new benefits include seat upgrades, increased spending capacity toward elite status, award discounts, and more. However, these perks come with a catch: higher annual fees. For instance, the United Explorer card's annual fee is jumping by nearly 58%. In return, cardholders get an annual 10, 000-mile award flight discount and various spending credits. The United Quest card's fee is increasing by 40%, but cardholders will enjoy an annual 10, 000-mile award flight discount, Economy Plus upgrades, and more. The United Club card, which offers a United Club membership, is seeing a 54% fee hike. In exchange, cardholders can unlock a United Club All Access membership, which allows for an additional adult guest. These changes are part of a broader strategy to make the cards more appealing. However, the value of these benefits is subjective. If you frequently use services like Instacart or rent cars with Avis, these perks can save you money. But if you're not using these benefits, the increased fees might not be worth it. Plus, some benefits are spread out over the year, making them more complex to use. The airline claims these changes are based on customer feedback. However, it's hard to believe customers asked for benefits that are complicated to use. It's crucial to evaluate these new benefits based on your spending habits and see if they truly add value. There's also a limited-time offer for elevated welcome bonuses on several United credit cards, available from March 24 to May 7, 2025. This could be a good opportunity to sign up if you're considering one of these cards. But remember, the key is to determine which benefits you'll use and if they justify the increased fees. The new advertising campaign featuring Emmy-winning actor Ty Burrell is also part of this overhaul. This campaign aims to attract new customers and highlight the updated benefits of these credit cards. In conclusion, the changes to United's credit cards are significant. They offer new benefits but also come with higher fees. It's essential to assess these changes based on your spending habits and see if they provide real value. If they do, these cards could be a great choice. If not, you might want to reconsider.