Hey everyone,

I've been researching United credit cards to maximize lounge access (UC/SA) when flying economy, and hopefully snag some upgrades. I've put together a strategy and would love your feedback. I'm based out of LAX.

My plan is to maximize the profits through the UA cards, upgrading after maximizing benefits and requesting annual fees to be waived. Here's the breakdown:

1. START HERE: United Gateway:
   • Add AUs for 5k miles.
   • 20k signup bonus (1k spend).
   • Total: 25k miles.
   • Cost: $0
   • Profit: 25k miles
2. Upgrade to United Explorer:
   • 50k signup bonus.
   • Add AUs for 5k miles.
   • 2x United Club One-Time Pass ($60 value).
   • $120 Global Entry credit.
   • Total: 55k miles, $60 UC passes, $120 Global Entry credit.
   • Cost: $95 (plan to request waiver).*
   • Profit: 55k miles, $60 UC passes, $120 Global Entry credit.
   • * ** Call UA agent as soon you use all of the benefits then ask for upgrade the credit card to United Quest and tell them that do not charge for annual fees for $95.
3. Upgrade to United Quest:
   • 60k signup bonus.
   • $125 United credit.
   • Add AUs for 5k miles.
   • 10k anniversary miles (2x 5k).
   • $120 TSA PreCheck credit.
   • Total: 75k miles, $125 United credit, $120 TSA PreCheck credit.
   • Cost: $250 (plan to request waiver).
   • Profit: 75k miles, $125 United credit, $120 TSA PreCheck credit.
   • ** Call UA agent as soon you use all of the benefits then ask for upgrade the credit card to United Club Infinite and tell them that do not charge for annual fees for $250
4. Upgrade to United Club Infinite:
   • 80k signup bonus.
   • Add AUs for 5k miles.
   • United Club membership (valued at ~$650).
   • $200 NEXUS credit.
   • Total: 85k miles, $120 NEXUS credit, UC membership.
   • Cost: $525
   • Profit: 85k miles, $120 NEXUS credit, $650 UC membership.

Overall Totals: 240k miles, $360 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credits, $125 United credit, $60 in UC passes, and a United Club membership.
* In order to break even/profitable for $525 fees. You NEED at least UC+SA lounges 9 visits within a year when flying economy

* Rinse and repeat the same cycle in 24 months. Does United follow 24/5 rule,btw?

My Questions:

1. Is this a viable strategy to maximize miles and benefits? Am I missing anything or are there any flaws in my logic?
2. Are there any other "loopholes" or tricks I could use to further maximize value?
3. Any suggestions how to maximize the profit from United Club membership?
4. Can I access a United Club upon arrival at my destination, or only before departure?
5. Besides lounge access, what other benefits come with United Club membership?

Thanks in advance for your help!