Editorial take: United Club Infinite Card
Worth it only for frequent United flyers who use the clubs regularly. At $695, you need to visit the club 15+ times a year to break even on lounge access alone.
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Side-by-side
United Club Infinite Card vs United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Club Infinite Card comes from Chase at $695/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the United Explorer Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | United Club Infinite Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $695 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user) | 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,120 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (United) | 4x | 2x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Club Infinite Card
$695/yr · 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user)
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Club Infinite Card or United Explorer Card?
- The United Club Infinite Card has the bigger bonus, 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user), worth roughly $1,120, versus 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus (~$1,040) on the United Explorer Card.
- Is the United Club Infinite Card's $695 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- Premium cards like the United Club Infinite Card ($695/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $695+ of those credits, the math works. The United Explorer Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the United Club Infinite Card and United Explorer Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the United Club Infinite Card or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Club Infinite Card: $5,000 spend in 3 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.