I am a United Club member and often travel on partner airlines like SAS, Lufthansa, Egypt Air. I am not Star Alliance Gold so I use my United Club membership to access partner lounges when I travel.

I was curious about how these lounges are compensated. Are they paid by United when I use my card?

I'm wondering because it seems that *A Gold members just scan their pass and get in but using my card takes time and computer clicks and seems to have a more complex validation process.

Thanks!