Is the United Club Infinite Card Worth It?

When it comes to travel perks, the The New United Club℠ Card from Chase often feels like a secret handshake into an exclusive club. 

But is the card really worth its annual fee? Let's unpack everything this card offers, and see if it matches its hefty price tag.

The perks

First, the The New United Club℠ Card's headline perk is unlimited access to United Club lounges, which is worth around $650 per year. If you've ever had a long layover and found yourself wandering through an airport wishing for a comfy seat in a quiet place, you know the value of lounge access. 

United Club lounges provide complimentary snacks, drinks, wifi, and a peaceful escape from the chaos of the airport. For frequent flyers, this alone might be worth the card's annual fee.

But wait, there's more. The primary cardmember and one companion can each check the first and second standard bags for free. This benefit can save up to $360 per round trip for two people.

And the card doesn't stop with just travel perks. It also includes expanded award availability on United flights, which can be incredibly valuable when booking trips using miles. This means you have a better chance of snagging an award seat on the flights you want. 

Moreover, you'll enjoy luxury hotel and resort collection privileges, which offer room upgrades and complimentary breakfast at over 1,000 properties worldwide -- a nice touch for making vacations a bit more luxurious.

Premier access travel services

Hate lines? Who doesn't? The The New United Club℠ Card smooths your way through the airport with priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding, and baggage handling. It's like being a VIP, minus the paparazzi. This perk can be a game-changer during peak travel times, helping you breeze through the airport with minimal fuss.

Reward earning potential

The The New United Club℠ Card earns you 9x total miles per dollar on United flights, 4x miles per dollar on hotel stays booked through United Hotels, 2x miles per dollar on all other travel and dining, and 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases. The card also comes without foreign transaction fees, which is ideal for international travelers looking to save every penny.

The downside

Now, for the elephant in the room -- or should we say the airplane. The The New United Club℠ Card comes with a $695 annual fee. For this fee to be worth it, you need to use the perks enough to offset the cost. If you're a frequent flyer who regularly pays for lounge access and checked bags and enjoys the smoother airport experience, the math could very well work out in your favor.

Who should get this card?

So, who would benefit most from the The New United Club℠ Card? I have it, and I found this credit card particularly beneficial for the sign-up bonus and the unlimited lounge access at a time when my husband and I were flying with United frequently. 

However, we're considering switching back to a more versatile card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for our regular purchases. While the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also comes with a high annual fee, its flexibility and 1:1 point transfer option to United make it an attractive alternative, especially for those who value travel flexibility.

This card is a winner for regular United flyers who can take full advantage of lounge access and travel perks. It's tailored for those who travel often enough that the convenience and comfort provided by the card's benefits outweigh the annual fee.

For those who fly sporadically or are loyal to another airline, it might be a harder sell. The card's value comes from its use in travel -- without that, it's just an expensive piece of plastic. However, for globe-trotters who call airports a second home, this card can feel like a trusty travel companion, making every journey a bit smoother and more enjoyable.

The The New United Club℠ Card isn't for everyone

The The New United Club℠ Card offers significant value, but it's not for everyone. It caters to a niche market -- frequent United travelers who value comfort and convenience. If this sounds like you, then the card is likely a worthy investment. If not, you might find better value by looking at other cards that align more closely with your travel habits and financial priorities. 

Remember, the best credit card is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, offering benefits you'll actually use without feeling as if you're trying to justify the cost.