Top 5 reasons to consider the United Quest Card: Abundant perks with a manageable annual fee

Launched in 2021, the United Quest℠ Card offers another option for United loyalists within the airline's range of cobranded credit cards. This card strikes a balance, catering to those who frequently fly with United and desire some perks without paying over $500 in annual fees for a premium card.

If you're contemplating whether the United Quest Card is the perfect fit for you, here are five reasons to consider adding it to your collection.

Attractive sign-up bonus

It's always exciting to receive a card with a generous welcome bonus, and the United Quest offers an exceptional bonus opportunity.

United is currently offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus miles along with 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

According to TPG's July 2024 valuations, United miles are valued at 1.35 cents each, making this bonus worth $810. While this isn't the highest welcome offer we've seen for this card, the additional 500 PQPs can make up for the lower bonus miles.

The welcome offer alone is sufficient to cover the annual fee in your first year, but the benefits extend beyond that.

Statement credits help mitigate the annual fee

The United Quest features a $250 annual fee, placing it between the United℠ Explorer Card ($95 annual fee, $0 introductory annual fee for the first year) and the premium United Club℠ Infinite Card ($525 annual fee).

To help balance that expense, you'll receive $125 in statement credits each year when you use the card for United purchases. This benefit effectively reduces the card's cost to $125 — just $30 more than the United Explorer Card.

Moreover, you can get up to $100 in statement credits for your TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee every four years. This brings the annual fee down to just $25 for your first year. While this perk isn't essential (many travel credit cards offer it), it’s a valuable addition for those who lack coverage for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees or for families needing multiple applications.

Accumulate miles beyond just United flights

Typically, airline cobranded credit cards don't offer substantial rewards for spending outside their respective airlines, but the United Quest is an exception.

You'll earn 3 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases (after using the annual $125 United credits), 2 miles per dollar on all other travel (including flights with other airlines), select streaming services, and dining, plus 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

While other cards may provide a better return on travel, dining, and streaming services, it's fantastic to see this card offer bonus miles on more than just United flights for those looking to build their United mileage.

Benefits for regular United travelers

For those who fly with United somewhat regularly, the United Quest card offers excellent perks to enhance your travel experience and boost your MileagePlus balance simultaneously.

Each year on your account anniversary, you'll receive 5,000 miles back in your MileagePlus account after taking an award flight booked with your miles on United or United Express. You can benefit from this up to twice per anniversary year, totaling up to an extra 10,000 miles annually — valued at $135 according to TPG's July 2024 valuations.

By utilizing this benefit along with the $125 annual flight credit, you can effectively offset the annual fee every year.

Furthermore, you’ll enjoy elite-like perks such as priority boarding, 25% back on in-flight purchases with United, complimentary premier seat upgrades on mileage flights (when available if you have elite status), and the first two checked bags free for you and one companion on United flights.

Elite status enhancement

With the United Quest card, your spending can accelerate your journey to elite status by earning PQPs once you hit a certain spending threshold.

You will accumulate 25 PQP for every $500 spent on purchases (capped at 6,000 PQP per calendar year) towards qualifying for Premier status, reaching up to the Premier 1K® level. This significantly aids those who are close to advancing to the next elite tier but need more PQPs.

Final thoughts

The United Quest Card has numerous attractive features, beginning with its limited-time sign-up bonus and continuing with the anniversary benefits upon renewal. If you frequently fly with United, this card could be a fantastic addition to your collection.

Remember that this card is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. If you've opened five or more new accounts within the last 24 months, your application for this card is likely to be denied. However, having another United credit card does not automatically disqualify you from applying for this new one.

For further details, please check out our comprehensive review of the United Quest card.