Jan 25, 2015, 10:06 am
Last edit by: RNE
How do I get the first-year free offer for the United Club card?
There is no foolproof method. As of January 2016, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that the first-year-free offer (as opposed to the standard offer with $395 AF, minus $100 credit with first purchase) is targeted at UA elites and former paid Club members.
In prior years, some of the following links gave non-elites access to the first-year-free offer. Current odds of success appear to be low.
Regardless of the method used, you will need to log into your UA account to see the offer available to you.
How do I find/apply for the United MileagePlus Club Business Card?
https://www.theexplorercard.com/Club50kAF
Go to www.theexplorercard.com, then either
After logging into your United account, you may be targeted for the annual fee waiver on the business version of the card.
There is no foolproof method. As of January 2016, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that the first-year-free offer (as opposed to the standard offer with $395 AF, minus $100 credit with first purchase) is targeted at UA elites and former paid Club members.
In prior years, some of the following links gave non-elites access to the first-year-free offer. Current odds of success appear to be low.
- https://mpclubcard.com/rsvp
- https://www.mpclubcard.com/2015
- https://www.theexplorercard.com/ClubAFW
- http://www.united.com/2014clubfree
- http://www.mpclubcard.com/comfort (added Jul 10, 2016)
- http://www.MPClubCard.com/world (added Jan 6, 2020 by RNE)
How do I find/apply for the United MileagePlus Club Business Card?
https://www.theexplorercard.com/Club50kAF
Go to www.theexplorercard.com, then either
- Click "Are you a business owner?" in the top right then "Learn about the MileagePlus Club Business Card" in the right column.
- Click "Compare to the MileagePlus Club Card" in the right column then "Compare to the MileagePlus Club Business Card" in the right column.
After logging into your United account, you may be targeted for the annual fee waiver on the business version of the card.
United MileagePlus Club Card, 1st Year Annual Fee Waived, Tied to United Status?
Jan 6, 2014, 9:24 pm
#616
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: National EE, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 508
Man, just saw the $395 AF hit my account Jan 1; ouch that was fast 12 months! Don't mind paying it though, the Club really came in handy this past November when I missed my connection at IAD; the agent had me rebooked in no time to DFW.
Jan 8, 2014, 7:34 pm
#617
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 138
Has anyone had any luck canceling their card, then re-applying again to get another first year fee waiver...?
Jan 13, 2014, 10:12 pm
#619
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 189
I've not been able to re-create the steps needed for the fee waiver online. I will stop by Chase tomorrow to see if I can get the fee waived.
Jan 14, 2014, 10:58 am
#620
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1
Charged First Year Fee in Error -- Beware & check your statements
Dear All, I have just finished a 50 minute call with Chase which has not yet been resolved in which I was incorrectly charged a $395 annual fee for the United Club card. The whole reason I switched to this card was to get a one-year reprieve on the club costs, as per the offer. I had already paid a United Club membership fee in Aug of 2013 and that fee was refunded on a prorata basis, per the terms of the Club Card under which I subscribed (first year club costs free, a comparable rate). Imagine my surprise when my December statement showed a $395 charge. The biggest disappointment was the 50 minute conversation with a manager which still doesn't have a resolution because the representative (Cindy) denies this was ever an offer. I pointed her to the online cache of the offer, brochures I had from the Lounge, advertising in branches, etc. Her reply: I am not aware of this (does this make you a little frustrated, even if you're not impacted). My advice is to check your statements and make sure you weren't billed in error. For me, this is a false advertising issue. I have been advised that 'my request' for reimbursement will be reviewed.
Jan 17, 2014, 6:53 am
#621
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 586
I received this offer via snail mail yesterday that was targeted to my specific account number. Unfortunately, I don't have much use for it at this time but wanted to report there are snail mail offers out there.
Jan 17, 2014, 7:30 am
#622
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: RSW
Programs: Hyatt Plat,SPG-Plat,Hertz-PC
Posts: 161
Dear All, I have just finished a 50 minute call with Chase which has not yet been resolved in which I was incorrectly charged a $395 annual fee for the United Club card. The whole reason I switched to this card was to get a one-year reprieve on the club costs, as per the offer. I had already paid a United Club membership fee in Aug of 2013 and that fee was refunded on a prorata basis, per the terms of the Club Card under which I subscribed (first year club costs free, a comparable rate). Imagine my surprise when my December statement showed a $395 charge. The biggest disappointment was the 50 minute conversation with a manager which still doesn't have a resolution because the representative (Cindy) denies this was ever an offer. I pointed her to the online cache of the offer, brochures I had from the Lounge, advertising in branches, etc. Her reply: I am not aware of this (does this make you a little frustrated, even if you're not impacted). My advice is to check your statements and make sure you weren't billed in error. For me, this is a false advertising issue. I have been advised that 'my request' for reimbursement will be reviewed.
Jan 17, 2014, 7:53 am
#623
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 4
My husband got the offer yesterday in snail mail too. Tempting but we just burned all our UA miles and will probably not be flying them much more - at least not this year.
Jan 21, 2014, 12:43 pm
#624
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: UA
Posts: 60
I applied 17 days ago and got "additional review required". I was not totally surprised, since I do have a number of accounts open, including 3 with Chase. Since then I have not heard anything. After my application, I did get an email, a phone call and a letter from my local Chase branch, inviting me to come in to talk about Chase Private Client, which may or may not be a coincidence.
I'm flying tomorrow, with a 3 hour layover at LAX, for which I'd hoped to be able to use the lounge access, even though I am on AA. I checked my United App today, and under Club Passes, it now says my club membership expires 4/15, so I take that as evidence that I'm approved, I just haven't gotten the card or the club card in the mail yet.
I assume I should be able to get into the club, although I may encounter some resistance from the front desk person? Without the club card or the Mileage Plus card in my possession, should my DL and my mileage plus number be enough to get me in?
I'm flying tomorrow, with a 3 hour layover at LAX, for which I'd hoped to be able to use the lounge access, even though I am on AA. I checked my United App today, and under Club Passes, it now says my club membership expires 4/15, so I take that as evidence that I'm approved, I just haven't gotten the card or the club card in the mail yet.
I assume I should be able to get into the club, although I may encounter some resistance from the front desk person? Without the club card or the Mileage Plus card in my possession, should my DL and my mileage plus number be enough to get me in?
Jan 21, 2014, 1:23 pm
#625
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Plastic, Delta Silver Emeritus
Posts: 1,037
I applied 17 days ago and got "additional review required". I was not totally surprised, since I do have a number of accounts open, including 3 with Chase. Since then I have not heard anything. After my application, I did get an email, a phone call and a letter from my local Chase branch, inviting me to come in to talk about Chase Private Client, which may or may not be a coincidence.
I'm flying tomorrow, with a 3 hour layover at LAX, for which I'd hoped to be able to use the lounge access, even though I am on AA. I checked my United App today, and under Club Passes, it now says my club membership expires 4/15, so I take that as evidence that I'm approved, I just haven't gotten the card or the club card in the mail yet.
I assume I should be able to get into the club, although I may encounter some resistance from the front desk person? Without the club card or the Mileage Plus card in my possession, should my DL and my mileage plus number be enough to get me in?
I'm flying tomorrow, with a 3 hour layover at LAX, for which I'd hoped to be able to use the lounge access, even though I am on AA. I checked my United App today, and under Club Passes, it now says my club membership expires 4/15, so I take that as evidence that I'm approved, I just haven't gotten the card or the club card in the mail yet.
I assume I should be able to get into the club, although I may encounter some resistance from the front desk person? Without the club card or the Mileage Plus card in my possession, should my DL and my mileage plus number be enough to get me in?
Jan 21, 2014, 10:17 pm
#626
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: AA Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 1,200
I received a snail mail offer on Saturday. First year fee-free. It has a link to www.united.com/2014clubfree. The website requires login and appears to be targeted.
Just for the data point I fly United once every 5 years, have a Chase Freedom that I only use for category spend. I also have an AMEX Platinum along with several others cards from other banks, a mortgage etc. Pretty random offer.
Just for the data point I fly United once every 5 years, have a Chase Freedom that I only use for category spend. I also have an AMEX Platinum along with several others cards from other banks, a mortgage etc. Pretty random offer.
Jan 24, 2014, 7:09 pm
#627
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 515
I just got the same offer as above. Rarely ever fly United. Offers Hyatt Platinum status too, which is surprising to me given that United and Marriott are partners. Expires March 31.
Last edited by britishcanuck; Jan 24, 2014 at 7:51 pm
Feb 4, 2014, 9:54 am
#628
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus
Posts: 1
Invitation United.com/2014ClubFree
I got and invitation from you to get 2014 Club Free by March 31, 2014 and there is no way I can find how to do it. I need some help please
Feb 4, 2014, 1:20 pm
#629
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 771
I received a snail mail offer on Saturday. First year fee-free. It has a link to www.united.com/2014clubfree. The website requires login and appears to be targeted.
Just for the data point I fly United once every 5 years, have a Chase Freedom that I only use for category spend. I also have an AMEX Platinum along with several others cards from other banks, a mortgage etc. Pretty random offer.
Just for the data point I fly United once every 5 years, have a Chase Freedom that I only use for category spend. I also have an AMEX Platinum along with several others cards from other banks, a mortgage etc. Pretty random offer.
i didn't get the snail or or anything...how can i confirm this offer if i use the link?