United Club Card First Year Free

Important Note: We talk about credit card sign-up bonuses on our blog because they are an important part of the “game.” Any credit card links in this post will be public application links taken from the issuer's direct website. We do not earn income from you applying from the links. Similarly, please take an extra minute or two before applying for credit cards. If you do not pay your credit card balance off every month then you should stay away from this aspect of the game. Credit cards can lead to major long-term problems if not used correctly. I encourage you to read JD's post on Young People and the Chains of Credit Card Debt for more details.  

I was looking at an upcoming reservation on my United account and noticed a little ad that I haven't seen in a while. It looked like this:

When I clicked through to the Chase website (I don't know if this link will work for everyone, I just copy and pasted it in) it showed that I could apply for the Chase United MileagePlus Club card and the annual fee, usually $395 for the first year, would be free.

It seem that the offer is targeted toward elite members, because when I go to an incognito window on Chrome the offer changes back to the $100 statement credit after a first purchase offer. So if you are an elite, make sure you go to the United website, log in and look for the banner ad for one of the credit cards. You can access the Club Card application from the Chase page.

Remember that the Club Card offers the following benefits:

Club Card Travel*

• United Club^SM membership - up to a $500 value per year

  The primary cardmember and eligible travel companions will enjoy unlimited access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance^® affiliated lounges worldwide. Visitwww.united.com/unitedclub for more information.

• Premier Access^SM Travel Services

  Receive preferential treatment to ease your way through the airport with priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling privileges.

• First and second checked bags free - savings of up to $240 per roundtrip

  The primary Cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation will receive their first and second standard checked bags free on United-operated flights when purchasing tickets with their Club Card. See united.com/chasebag for details.

• No foreign transaction fees^†

  Purchases made with your Club Card outside the U.S. will not be subject to foreign transaction fees.

• Enjoy Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection privileges

  Stay in style with room upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late checkout and other amenities at more than 700 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.

• Receive special treatment with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts^® and Avis^®

  Accept our invitation to join Avis^® First and also enjoy automatic Platinum membership in the Hyatt Gold Passport^® global loyalty program.

Club Card Rewards*

• 50% mileage bonus - Earn 1.5 award miles per dollar spent. That’s a 50% bonus on the 1 mile per dollar you typically earn. Earn even more on tickets purchased from United - 2 miles per dollar spent.
• Any seat, anytime, with your miles
• Accepted in more locations
• Your miles don't expire
• No close-in award booking fees

If you are a United/Star Alliance flyer and you are looking for lounge access, this could be a card to consider.
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