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The United Quest Card is great for frequent United flyers who want to maximize their travel rewards. The card offers high rewards on United purchases, travel and dining, along with a substantial sign-up bonus and valuable travel perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. While the $250 annual fee is steep, the benefits (including its yearly $125 United credit) can outweigh the cost if you travel often with United.
United Quest Card
Rewards Earning
Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases., 2...
Regular APR
21.99% - 28.99% variable
Annual Fee
$250
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
The United Quest Card is for more frequent United flyers who want to enjoy more miles and better perks. It offers high rewards on United purchases, travel and dining, along with a substantial sign-up bonus and valuable travel benefits. The card also earns premier qualifying dollars, though not at great rates, but it can be the tipping point for a frequently flier getting to that next premier level. While it has a $250 annual fee, the $125 yearly United credit effictively cuts that cost in half.
PROS
- High rewards on United, travel and dining
- Big sign-up bonus
- Free checked bags and priority boarding
- Annual travel credit
CONS
- High annual fee
- Limited rewards redemption
- No lounge access
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 on other travel, dining, and select streaming services.
- Earn 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
- Free first and second checked bags, saving up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply).
- Priority boarding for a smoother travel experience.
- Up to $125 United purchase credit annually.
- Up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply).
- Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 spent).
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
United Quest Detailed Review
The United Quest card is made for frequent United Airlines flyers looking to maximize travel rewards. It offers high rewards on United purchases, travel and dining, along with a 60,000-mile sign-up bonus. Plus, all purchases earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) towards United’s elite status, which lets you enjoy bonus miles, seat upgrades and other perks.
The card has a $250 annual fee, which is partially offset by its $125 annual United credits. It also includes free checked bags, priority boarding and security screening credits.
While these perks help reduce the impact of the annual fee, you'd need to fly United regularly to make the card worth it. Keep in mind, it doesn't include lounge access—if that's a priority, consider the United Explorer Card or the top-tier United Club Infinite.
United MileagePlus Earning and Redemption
The United Quest lets you earn high rewards from your United purchases and various spending categories. It lets you rack up miles during and outside of your vacation. You can earn:
- 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
- 2 miles per $1 spent on travel (includes airfare from other airlines, trains, local transit, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, resorts, rideshare services and tolls)
- 2 miles per $1 spent on dining
- 2 miles per $1 spent on select streaming services
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
The 3X miles on United purchases are in addition to the 5X to 11X miles you earn based on your membership status.
The best value for redeeming United miles is on award flights or seat upgrades, giving you about 1.4 cents per mile. You can also redeem miles for gift cards, hotels and more, though these options typically offer lower value.
United miles can be transferred to other loyalty programs within the Star Alliance network, which includes 26 airlines worldwide. As long as your account remains active, your miles won’t expire, allowing you to accumulate them without worry.
Does It Earn Qualifying Points for United Premier Status?
Yes, the United Quest Card earns Premier qualifying points (PQPs) for United Premier Status. You earn 25 PQPs for every $500 spent with the card, up to 6,000 PQPs per calendar year. This is enough PQPs to qualify you for a Premier Silver membership that requires 5,000 PQPs.
As a United Premier Silver member, you enjoy complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at check-in, one free checked bag and priority boarding. Additionally, you’ll get a 40% boost on the initial miles you earn on flights, letting you earn 7X miles (compared to 5X for non-elite members).
Benefits & Perks
The United Quest offers a range of valuable perks that can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially if you frequently fly with United Airlines.
High Rewards. This card earns 3X miles on United purchases, 2X miles on travel and dining and 1X miles on all other purchases. For frequent travelers, these rewards can quickly add up, making it one of the best cards for earning miles on travel-related expenses. And because the card also covers dining purchases, you can earn points even when you’re not on a holiday.
Annual Travel Credit. Every year, you receive up to $125 in statement credits for your United purchases. This covers flights, upgrades and in-flight spending. It’s a great perk if you travel at least once per year and helps offset half of the card's annual fee.
Big Sign-Up Bonus. You can earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 in the first three months. The bonus miles are worth around $840 if redeemed for travel. Meanwhile, having 500 PQPs is a good boost towards achieving elite status.
Free Checked Bags and Priority Boarding. You and one companion receive free first and second checked bags on United flights. The first checked bag usually costs $40, and the second costs $90. This perk alone can offset the card's $250 annual fee if you’re traveling with someone and have two checked bags each. Additionally, you get to enjoy priority boarding, allowing you to secure overhead bin space and settle in earlier.
Access to MileagePlus Premier Status. For every $500 you spend with the card, you earn 25 PQPs, which goes towards your eligibility for United’s elite status. The card lets you earn up to 6,000 PQPs per calendar year, which is enough for you to attain Premier Silver membership. This membership lets you enjoy seat upgrades and increased miles on United flights.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Use your card abroad without incurring additional charges, making it a great option for international travelers.
Drawbacks & Considerations
The United Quest is packed with benefits, but they come with a cost. Before deciding if it’s right for you, consider the following drawbacks.
High Annual Fee. The card comes with a $250 annual fee, which is on the higher side. If you don't travel frequently with United, you might find it hard to justify this cost. For example, the $125 United credit can offset half of the annual fee, but you only get to enjoy that benefit if you fly at least once per year. If you’re looking for a United card with a lower annual fee, consider the United Explorer Card.
Limited Rewards Redemption. While you can use your miles for various redemption options, the best value is limited to award flights and seat upgrades from United or Star Alliance members. If you want a more flexible way to redeem your miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be an alternative.
No Lounge Access. Generally, cards at this price range come with lounge access. The United Explorer Card even offers lounge access despite being on a lower-tier. If you often travel internationally and lounge access is a priority for you, the United Club Infinite Card is the top choice.
How United Quest Compares To Other Cards
Considering other United cards? We compare the United Quest Card with the airline’s other co-branded cards to help you pick the right one for you.
United Quest Card | United Gateway Card | United Explorer Card | United Club Infinite Card | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $250.00 | $0.00 | $0 intro for the first year, then $95. | $525.00 |
Statement credit | Receive up to $125 in statement credits each account anniversary year as reimbursem*nt for United purchases | None. | None. | None. |
Sign-Up Bonus | Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. | Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases three months from account opening. | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
Rewards on United Airlines Purchases | 3 miles per $1. | 2 miles per $1. | 2 miles per $1. | 4 miles per $1. |
Rewards on Other Categories | • 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel (including other airlines, hotels, car rentals and more).• 2 miles per $1 on dining (including takeout and delivery).• 2 miles per $1 on select streaming services.• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. | • 2 miles per $1 at gas stations.• 2 miles per $1 on local transit and commuting.• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. | • 2 miles per $1 at restaurants.• 2 miles per $1 on hotels (when booked directly with the hotel).• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. | • 2 miles per $1 on all other travel.• 2 miles per $1 on dining.• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. |
Free Checked Bags | First and second checked bags free for you and one companion on your reservation. | None. | First checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation. | First and second checked bags free for you and one companion on your reservation. |
Priority Boarding | Yes. | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
Credit for TSA Precheck, Global Entry or Nexus | Up to $100 every four years. | None. | Up to $100 every four years. | Up to $100 every four years. |
Airport Lounge Access | None. | None. | 2 United Club one-time passes each year. | Annual membership to all United Club locations, plus select Star Alliance lounges. |
Does it Earn PQP Points? | Yes. | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
Read Our Review | Read Our Review | Read Our Review |
We also compare the United Quest Card with a regular travel card to help you make an informed decision.
United Quest Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred lets you earn 5X on travel purchased via Chase, 3X on dining, select streaming and online grocery purchases and 2X on other travel purchases. Although it lacks travel perks, its annual fee is lower at $95. Notably, the points you earn with this card are more flexible. You can redeem them for travel or transfer them to your preferred loyalty program, including United MileagePlus. If you travel often and want a generalized travel card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a strong alternative.
Cards You Can Pair with United Gateway
To maximize the rewards you earn, it can be a good idea to pair the United Quest Card with a no-annual-fee cash back card.
Pairing with Blue Cash Everyday Card
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express lets you earn 3% cash back on U.S. retail purchases, supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year for each category). It offers high cash back on several spending categories not covered by the United Quest Card. Since the Blue Cash Everyday Card has no annual fee, you can add it to your wallet without any extra cost. Pairing these two cards allows you to maximize your rewards across a wider range of purchases.
Is United Quest Worth Getting?
The United Quest Card is best suited for frequent United flyers who can take full advantage of its travel rewards. It carries a high annual fee, but it’s packed with several travel perks that can offset that fee if you use them. If you’re able to use its $125 United credit yearly, then it’s a better choice compared to the United Explorer Card. However, if having membership on an airport lounge is important for you, consider the United Club Infinite Card.
United Quest Card Details
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Card Uses |
|
Annual Fee | $250 |
Introductory Offer | Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. |
Introductory APRs | None |
Rewards |
|
Regular APRs | 21.99% - 28.99% variable |
Penalty APR | Up to 29.99% |
Balance Transfer Fees | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
Late Fees | Up to $40. |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None. |
Other Perks |
|
How We Evaluated United Quest
We evaluated the United Quest Card by reviewing 49 cards in total. Our assessment focused on several key features, weighted as follows:
- Expected Value Traveler (40%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks less the annual fees for a person who travels 2-3 times per year and has higher spending overall than the median American household.
- Airline Scope (20%): Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which is important for understanding the card's utility for frequent travelers.
- Offer ROI (15%): Measures the rate of return on the introductory bonus offers.
- Airline Rewards Rate Traveler (10%): Measures rewards earned on airline expenditures for someone who vacations 2-3 times per year.
- Foreign Transaction (5%): Rates the card's foreign transaction fees, where 5 indicates no fees.
- Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on JD Power issuer satisfaction study, rates the overall satisfaction with the card issuer.
- Recommended Credit (5%): Rates the accessibility of the card based on credit score requirements, where 5 represents availability to almost all credit scores.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- American Express. "Blue Cash Everyday® Card." Accessed August 19, 2024.
- Chase. "Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card." Accessed August 19, 2024.
- Chase. "United Club Infinite Credit Card." Accessed August 19, 2024.
- Chase. "United Explorer Credit Card." Accessed August 19, 2024.
- Chase. "United Gateway Card." Accessed August 19, 2024.
- Chase. "United Quest Card." Accessed August 19, 2024.
