Is the United Quest card right for you? Here's who should (and shouldn't) apply.

United's credit card lineup is robust, with the United Quest℠ Card filling a unique niche in their offering.

Positioned between the $95-per-year (first year waived) United℠ Explorer Card and the $525-per-year United Club℠ Infinite Card, it's a solid choice for many.

The Quest card comes with a $250 annual fee and an array of benefits tailored for occasional United flyers.

Beyond the sign-up bonus, let's explore who would benefit from the United Quest card — and who might want to skip it.

Main Benefits

The current sign-up bonus includes 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Based on TPG's June 2024 valuations, the bonus is worth around $810.

While the welcome offer is compelling, there are additional perks that make the United Quest card a great long-term choice, including:

• $125 credit: Every year, you'll receive a $125 United purchase statement credit, which helps offset the $250 annual fee.
• Up to 10,000 miles back: Earn 5,000 United miles after booking an award flight, up to two times a year. That's 10,000 miles worth about $130, more than covering the annual fee.
• Checked bag benefit: Enjoy two free checked bags for yourself and a companion on your reservation.
• Boarding and upgrades: Get priority boarding and complimentary upgrades on award flights if you have United elite status.

• Get 25% back on United inflight purchases, including Wi-Fi, food, and drinks
• No foreign transaction fees
• Up to $100 credit every four years for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
• Coverage for trip cancellations/interruptions and trip delay reimbursements
• Purchase protection
• Enjoy a free DoorDash DashPass membership (must enroll by Dec. 31)

The $125 annual credit and the 10,000 MileagePlus miles rebate are standout benefits that significantly reduce the Quest's $250 annual fee. Plus, it provides free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion — a benefit typically reserved for the $525-per-year United Club Infinite Card.

Additional benefits like 25% back on inflight purchases, no foreign transaction fees, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and trip protection are also included with the United Club Infinite and United Explorer cards.

Bonus Category Earning Rates

The United Quest card offers a diverse range of bonus categories, allowing you to earn:

• 3 miles per dollar on United purchases*
• 2 miles per dollar on all travel expenses**
• 2 miles per dollar on dining
• 2 miles per dollar on select streaming services
• 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases

*In total, cardholders earn 8 miles per dollar on United flights — 5 miles for being a MileagePlus member plus 3 miles for using the Quest card to make the purchase.

**When booking hotels via United Hotels, cardholders earn 4 miles per dollar — 2 miles from United as a MileagePlus member plus 2 miles for using the Quest card.

Is the United Quest card right for you?

If you've chosen a United card, let's explore why the United Quest could be the perfect match for your needs.

You fly with United on a semi-regular basis

There are distinct differences between the United Explorer, United Quest, and United Infinite cards.

To put it simply, the Explorer card is ideal for the "occasional United flyer" who travels once or twice a year, the Quest card suits the "semi-frequent United flyer," while the Infinite card is tailored for the "frequent United flyer" who seeks lounge access.

A closer look at the benefits reveals that the Quest card outshines the Explorer in most areas. However, to truly maximize its value, you'll need to fly United several times a year.

The Explorer card's only significant perk is two one-time United Club passes annually, along with a lower $95 annual fee (waived for the first year).

For semi-frequent United travelers, the $250 annual fee on the Quest card is easy to offset. The $125 credit is automatically applied as a statement credit for United purchases, and you'll want to redeem United miles at least twice a year to earn up to 10,000 miles back.

Lastly, if you tend to overpack and need to check two bags, the Quest card should definitely be on your radar.

Who should avoid getting the United Quest card?

You desire access to United Club lounges

The United Quest card does not include any lounge access or guest passes.

If lounge access is a priority for you, the Quest card may not be the best choice.

Consider the United Infinite card instead. A major perk of the Infinite card is a United Club membership, which typically costs $650 per year for regular MileagePlus members. With the Infinite card, you pay $525 annually and gain access to United Clubs for the primary cardholder and two companions (or one adult and children under 21) for as long as you hold the card.

You're subject to the 5/24 rule

To be approved for any Chase card that follows the 5/24 rule, including the United Quest, you can't have opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months. If you're over the 5/24 limit, consider applying for a card from a different issuer.

You don't find United miles valuable

If United miles aren't a currency you find useful, the United Quest card likely won't be the best fit. Instead, consider a transferable points card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which offers more flexible redemption options.

Conclusion

For those planning to fly with United as travel picks up, the United Quest card is an excellent mid-tier choice. The $125 United credit and up to 10,000 miles back each year make the $250 annual fee worthwhile, especially since these benefits are unique to this card and not offered by other United cards.

To dive deeper, check out our full review of the United Quest card.