Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Apply for the United Quest Card?

Overview of the United Quest℠ Card

United Airlines offers a variety of credit cards tailored to different types of travelers. Among these, the United Quest℠ Card stands out as a mid-tier option that balances cost and benefits for those who fly with United regularly. It sits between the United℠ Explorer Card, which has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year followed by a $150 fee, and the more expensive United Club℠ Card, which carries a $695 annual fee. The Quest Card, with its $350 annual fee, is designed for semifrequent flyers who want access to a range of perks.

Key Benefits of the United Quest Card

New applicants can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus: 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account. Based on current valuations, this bonus is worth approximately $1,300 (excluding the PQPs), making it one of the best offers seen on this card.

Beyond the initial offer, the United Quest Card comes with several other valuable benefits:

• $200 in United TravelBank Cash: This credit is issued after account opening and each anniversary year, helping to offset the annual fee.
• Award Flight Discounts: Cardholders receive a 10,000-mile discount annually and another 10,000-mile discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
• Free Checked Bags: Two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion.
• Priority Boarding and Upgrades: Access to priority boarding and space-available upgrades on award tickets for those with United elite status.
• Hotel and Airline Credits: Up to $150 in credits for Renowned Hotels and Resorts and up to $150 in JSX credits.
• Rental Car and Ride-Hailing Credits: Up to $40 in TravelBank Cash for the first two Avis or Budget car rentals and up to $8 monthly credits for ride-hailing services, with an additional $4 in December.
• Seat Upgrades: Earn two global Economy Plus upgrades after spending $40,000 on purchases.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $120 every four years.
• Inflight Purchases: 25% back on United inflight purchases, including Wi-Fi, food, and beverages.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: A useful feature for international travelers.
• Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase protection.

Bonus Category Earning Rates

The United Quest Card offers competitive earning rates across various categories:

• 8 miles per dollar spent on United flights (5 miles for MileagePlus members and 3 for Quest cardholders).
• 5 miles per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Renowned Hotels and Resorts.
• 3 miles per dollar on United purchases.
• 2 miles per dollar on non-United travel.
• 2 miles per dollar on dining and select streaming services.
• 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Who Should Get the United Quest Card?

The United Quest Card is ideal for travelers who fly with United semi-frequently. If you’re looking for a balance between cost and rewards, this card could be a great fit. The $200 TravelBank cash helps cover most of the annual fee, and the two free checked bags are a significant benefit, especially for those who tend to pack heavily.

Additionally, if you're not interested in lounge access, the Quest Card may be preferable over the more expensive Club Card. While the Explorer Card offers a lower annual fee, the Quest provides better long-term value for frequent users.

Who Should Not Get the United Quest Card?

If you're looking for United Club lounge access, the Quest Card might not be the right choice. It does not include any lounge privileges or guest passes. In that case, the United Club Card would be a better fit.

Also, if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the last 24 months, you may not qualify for the Quest Card due to Chase’s 5/24 rule. Additionally, if you don’t value United miles, a transferable points card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be a more flexible option.

Final Thoughts

For travelers who plan to fly with United regularly, the United Quest Card is a strong mid-tier option. The $200 annual travel credit makes the $350 fee manageable, and the limited-time welcome offer adds extra value. If you’re considering a United credit card, the Quest Card is definitely worth exploring.