Best UA credit card these days? [2015]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 226
Best UA credit card these days? [2015]
Hi Folks,
I've had the old "Choices" UA card forever, but they killed that program (without telling me), I'm still earning miles but wonder if I can be doing better.
I travel a lot internationally and would like the "no foreign transaction fees" the new cards offer.
Are there any cards for the high mileage members that I'm not seeing on the site? Or what do you think of the current offers?
Thanks!
PS - Do 1ks still get the annual fee waived (I do on my Choices card).
I've had the old "Choices" UA card forever, but they killed that program (without telling me), I'm still earning miles but wonder if I can be doing better.
I travel a lot internationally and would like the "no foreign transaction fees" the new cards offer.
Are there any cards for the high mileage members that I'm not seeing on the site? Or what do you think of the current offers?
Thanks!
PS - Do 1ks still get the annual fee waived (I do on my Choices card).
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,110
Up to $60 per year.
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: Million Miler, 1K - Basically spend a lot of time on planes
Posts: 2,202
Hi Folks,
I've had the old "Choices" UA card forever, but they killed that program (without telling me), I'm still earning miles but wonder if I can be doing better.
I travel a lot internationally and would like the "no foreign transaction fees" the new cards offer.
Are there any cards for the high mileage members that I'm not seeing on the site? Or what do you think of the current offers?
Thanks!
PS - Do 1ks still get the annual fee waived (I do on my Choices card).
I've had the old "Choices" UA card forever, but they killed that program (without telling me), I'm still earning miles but wonder if I can be doing better.
I travel a lot internationally and would like the "no foreign transaction fees" the new cards offer.
Are there any cards for the high mileage members that I'm not seeing on the site? Or what do you think of the current offers?
Thanks!
PS - Do 1ks still get the annual fee waived (I do on my Choices card).
1. Do you spend a lot on cards and are you using miles for awards often ?
2. Are you manufacturing spend ?
From the branded chase cards for United, it's really just the explorer card which earns 1pt per $1 spend except for on United purchases which gets you 2pt per $1, and comes with a $99 annual fee. The United Club card gives you the lounge, and earns you 1.5pts per $1 for everything, and 2pt per $1 spend on United, but has a $395 annual fee
A lot of people like the ink cards. The Bold gets you 5pt per $ spend in a number of outlets (Office Supply, Telecoms etc). If you know you are going to spend $2000 per month on credit cards for example, you can use the ink card to buy $2000 worth of gift cards in Staples, use them for your monthly purchases, and earn 10,000pt per month instead of 2000pt. These earn Chase Ultimate Reward points that can be swapped 1-1 into United points among others (BA, KE, SQ, B6 etc etc). There are occasional transfer bonuses also.
There is an unlimited supply of ways to generate miles and stretch the intended uses of these cards. Online searches will be your friend.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,924
If you're a 1K that flies a lot domestically on UA, the Chase Club Card should be in the mix for consideration. The Clubs, in spite of declining food and beverage quality, are still a real good place to get work done prior to, and between, flights. The food and beverage options allegedly are going to get better soon - my money is on premium food/snacks for purchase.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 226
OP chiming back in here,
- mahasamatman indicated the Choice is still there (except PQM purchases -which I used to love), maybe I should refresh my self on whether it is worth it to keep it up.
- I spend a ton on cards, pay it off each month, and happy to collect as many miles as possible for UA to take Ms. Channel 9 and Jr Channel 9s
- I usually spend miles to buy the Club each year, unless the Club card is a better deal (doesn't sound like at $395).
Thanks for any additional inputs!
- mahasamatman indicated the Choice is still there (except PQM purchases -which I used to love), maybe I should refresh my self on whether it is worth it to keep it up.
- I spend a ton on cards, pay it off each month, and happy to collect as many miles as possible for UA to take Ms. Channel 9 and Jr Channel 9s
- I usually spend miles to buy the Club each year, unless the Club card is a better deal (doesn't sound like at $395).
Thanks for any additional inputs!
#7
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Dayton
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, National Emerald Exec
Posts: 240
The club card is pretty much the best to get club access from a financial standpoint. $395 - $60 as a 1K nets a $335 club membership (vs 53,500 miles or $400 as 1K) and an essentially free credit card that nets 1.5 miles per dollar.
#8
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: Million Miler, 1K - Basically spend a lot of time on planes
Posts: 2,202
Best UA credit card for a 1k these days?
I agree. I have the club card, and if you know you are getting the lounge membership, it's the cheapest and most efficient option
#10
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat 100, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 87
I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel and dining. It has no foreign transaction fees and the points you earn can still be transferred to United as well as other programs. IMO, it gives you the same point earnings or better for United miles compared to the United brand cards and the flexibility to transfer points to hotels or other airlines.
I still also have the United club card for club access but it's worth it for me since I travel weekly and stay at the club 1-2 hrs a week.
I still also have the United club card for club access but it's worth it for me since I travel weekly and stay at the club 1-2 hrs a week.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,924
#13
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Houston
Programs: UA - 1K, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold, Global Entry,
Posts: 630
I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel and dining. It has no foreign transaction fees and the points you earn can still be transferred to United as well as other programs. IMO, it gives you the same point earnings or better for United miles compared to the United brand cards and the flexibility to transfer points to hotels or other airlines.
I still also have the United club card for club access but it's worth it for me since I travel weekly and stay at the club 1-2 hrs a week.
I still also have the United club card for club access but it's worth it for me since I travel weekly and stay at the club 1-2 hrs a week.
#14
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 14
Best credit card??
Hi All,
Random credit card question. I have two trips to Shanghai coming up and need to book two round trip business class tickets - probably around a $10K spend.
I was thinking of getting a new United credit card to optimize miles (and other benefits).
Any opinions on which is the best??
Thanks in advance.
Random credit card question. I have two trips to Shanghai coming up and need to book two round trip business class tickets - probably around a $10K spend.
I was thinking of getting a new United credit card to optimize miles (and other benefits).
Any opinions on which is the best??
Thanks in advance.
#15
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,574
There are only two Chase MP credit card choices: (the only ones open for new customers and have any UA benefits)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...5-forward.html
and
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...orer-card.html
There are very different and there benefits are described in the referenced threads.
Another choice of some is the Chase Sapphire card
The best depends on your needs and purchase history -- all of which only you know.
There is a whole forum on credit cards - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-programs-599/
and Chase cards http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...e-rewards-722/
There is no single answer and you will need to find the card that best matches your needs and pocketbook.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...5-forward.html
and
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...orer-card.html
There are very different and there benefits are described in the referenced threads.
Another choice of some is the Chase Sapphire card
The best depends on your needs and purchase history -- all of which only you know.
There is a whole forum on credit cards - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-programs-599/
and Chase cards http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...e-rewards-722/
There is no single answer and you will need to find the card that best matches your needs and pocketbook.