I just read that sometimes Chase allows people to downgrade the explorer card to the no-fee United Awards card (which is discontinued, but is still listed on the Chase website). I saw reports of this still happening this week.
The Mileageplus Select card is the other discontinued UA card also still listed on the Chase website. I sadly missed applying for it in 2011 before it was discontinued. I could have really used those PQM miles.
Any chance of Chase downgrading the United Club card to the Select? It would still be a downgrade, also to an older card. Or is this just wishful thinking?
I am locked into the $395 annual fee for the United Club Card (it's gone up to $450/year now), which is nice, but I would do anything for the ability to earn 5k PQM miles a year...