United Quest℠ Card Review [2024]: Great Perks, but is It Worth the Annual Fee?

Key takeaways

Card basics

Who should get the United Quest Card?

If you're a loyal United customer who checks bags on every trip and travels with United frequently, the United Quest Card will make a lot of sense for you.

I only fly United a few times a year, yet I've certainly gotten decent value from benefits like the free checked bag perk, the annual United purchase credit, and the statement credit for my Global Entry application.

Cumulatively, these tangible perks more than covered the $250 annual fee for me. Anyone flying United more frequently than just a few times per year should be able to get even greater value by taking full advantage of benefits like priority boarding, the 25% back on in-flight purchases, and the opportunities to earn Premier Qualifying Points toward elite status.

And don't forget, you can earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (limited-time offer). This lucrative welcome offer kicks off your earnings potential right out of the gate.

Who should skip?

The United Quest is the middle child of the United Airlines co-branded cards. It’s probably not the best option for travelers who only fly United every once in a while, but it’s also probably not the best card if you exclusively fly United and want access to United Club airport lounges.

Most of the card's benefits are tied to United Airlines, such as free checked bags, United purchase credit, in-flight purchase money back, priority boarding, and more. I didn’t find myself flying United enough to get a ton of value from these benefits, that’s why I ended up replacing the United Quest with the Capital One Venture X.

But those who fly United quite frequently would be better off with the United Club℠ Infinite Card. While it has an eye-watering annual fee of $525, it does provide access to United lounges and comes with a full suite of premium United benefits to go along with its premium price.

What Should You Know Before Applying?

If you're considering applying for the United Quest Card, there are a few things you should know.

You can pay the annual fee with United miles

First off, one aspect that can help offset the United Quest Card's $250 annual fee is that you can use your United miles to cover that cost. Chase, who issues this card, offers a "Pay Yourself Back" feature. 

Keep in mind that you can earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (limited-time offer).

If you earn this welcome offer, you could use your miles to cover the annual fee for a few years. This might sound like it defeats the purpose of earning the welcome offer. But remember that get a great value on your miles with this redemption, and you still get to enjoy the card’s remaining perks.

You get no lounge access or one-time passes

The United Quest Card doesn’t come with any airline lounge access or one-time passes. This was shocking for me since it meant this $250-annual-fee personal United card is missing a benefit found on the United℠ Explorer Card with its $95 (waived first year) annual fee. The United Explorer gives you two complimentary one-time United Club passes every account anniversary.

Here's a closer look at this card's top benefits

Generous welcome offer

As someone always on the lookout for lucrative travel rewards, the United Quest℠ Card's welcome offer immediately caught my eye. You can earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (limited-time offer).

This offers an incredible head start to your United MileagePlus balance. I took advantage of this offer last year when I applied for the card, and those bonus miles allowed me to book two round-trip domestic flights without dipping into my existing stash of miles.

Up to $125 in United purchase credit

Receiving up to $125 United purchase credit every account anniversary is a fantastic perk that helps offset the $250 annual fee. This perk is pretty simple to use too. All you need is to use your United Quest Card while making United purchases, and you should receive a statement credit for your purchase amounts of up to $125.

I've found this credit incredibly valuable for covering incidental expenses like in-flight purchases, airfare, or checked bag fees — although you and one companion get two free checked bags. Last year, I used the full $125 credit to book a round United flight to visit a friend in another state.

Decent rewards rates

The United Quest helps you earn 3x miles on United® purchases; 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel; plus 1x mile on all other purchases.

These rates can help you quickly accumulate miles from common categories and United purchases.

Free checked bags

The two complimentary checked bags benefit I received with the United Quest proved helpful on several trips. I frequently need at least one checked bag for my diving equipment.

Instead of paying an average of $40 to $50 per bag each way on economy domestic flights, I was able to check up to two bags for free, saving me a good amount of money on every United flight I take.

Better yet, one companion can also enjoy the same two checked bags benefit, as long as they’re on the same itinerary made with the United Quest. Using this benefit just a handful of times can completely offset the United Quest’s annual fee.

Up to $120 in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS credit

While not an annual perk, the ability to receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS application fees is a valuable benefit for frequent travelers.

I used this credit to renew my Global Entry membership, which not only saves me time and hassle at immigration checkpoints but also includes TSA PreCheck® for expedited security screenings. It's a small but meaningful perk that adds up over time.

“I have the United Quest Card, and I find it worthwhile. You get TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credits if you don't have those already. The two times 5,000 miles only kicks in after your first year anniversary, and you only get it when you redeem an award flight. The 25% back on in-flight purchases is decently nice too. Chase also offers paying the annual fee using United miles with "Pay yourself back," so if you have a lot of miles, that helps offset the cost too.”
- Reddit user Eneka

Anniversary award flight credits

You can earn up to 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary year through the United Quest Card's award flight credits.

After taking your first United award flight each year, you’ll receive a 5,000-mile credit, which is repeated after your second award flight. These bonus miles may not be enough for a full redemption, but they can certainly provide a helpful top-up to your MileagePlus balance.

25% back in statement credit on in-flight purchases

This benefit wasn't on the top of my list of valuable perks when I got the United Quest, but it was still a nice little perk.

As someone who enjoys a glass of wine or a cocktail during flights, I've grown accustomed to the sticker shock that comes with in-flight beverage prices. However, knowing that I'll receive a 25% statement credit takes some of the sting out of those inflated costs.

Extensive network of global travel partners

United has a vast network of travel partners. Being part of the Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance in the world, opened up a whole new realm of travel possibilities.

For example, last autumn, I used my United miles to book a seat on Turkish Airlines from Miami to Istanbul without leaving the United ecosystem. The experience was seamless, and the value was fantastic.

Drawbacks: Why you may want a different card

High $250 annual fee

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the $250 annual fee. That's not pocket change. Sure, you can offset it with the United purchase credit and the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry statement credit. However, while the United purchase credit renews every year, the PreCheck® or Global Entry credit renews every four years.

I wish that the United Quest came with a bigger purchase credit. The Capital One Venture X has a $395 annual fee, but offers up to $300 in annual travel credit, 10,000 anniversary miles valued at $100, and TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry statement credit.

No lounge access or one-time passes

This one really threw me for a loop. You'd think a $250-annual-fee card would at least offer a few lounge passes, right? No. Not with the United Quest.

I remember a particularly long layover at Denver International last summer. My United Quest got me priority boarding and free checked bags, but when it came time to relax during my three-hour wait, I was out of luck. No United Club access, not even a one-time pass.

I ended up waiting at the gate. That stung, especially knowing that the United℠ Explorer Card with its $95 (waived first year) annual fee offers two one-time passes each year. Or that the Capital One Venture X with its $395 annual fee offers unlimited access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.

Limited non-travel mile redemptions

While the United Quest Card shines when it comes to travel redemptions, I've found its value drops significantly when you venture outside this realm.

Last Christmas, I thought about using my miles for some Apple products as gifts. However, when I did the math, I was shocked. A new iPhone Pro Max that costs $1,199 would set me back 199,900 United miles — valuing each mile at a measly 0.59 cents.

It's clear that this card is designed with travel in mind. While it's nice to have options like merchandise or gift cards, they offer such poor value that I now save every mile for flights, where the United Quest truly excels.

Earning and redeeming United miles

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your miles can add up with the United Quest Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of 1 cent.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $1,368

Year two earnings: $621

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which looks at points earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee.

The earnings figures above don’t account for the annual $125 statement credit cardholders can receive for United purchases (terms apply), anniversary credits for award flights, or the higher rewards rate for United spending. If you’re able to take advantage of those credits each year and you’re a frequent flyer on United, you’ll likely get much more value from this card.

Best ways to earn

To build up your United miles quickly, be sure to hit the Quest card’s spending requirements to qualify for the welcome offer. Cardmembers can earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (limited-time offer).

Besides the welcome offer, you’ll earn the most points by booking United flights on your Quest card. You’ll earn 3x miles miles per dollar spent on United purchases. Cardholders also earn bonus miles for other travel spending. You earn 2x miles miles per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel and 1x mile miles on all other purchases.

Maximizing your redemptions

MileagePlus is United’s loyalty rewards program. Quest cardholders can redeem their miles through their MileagePlus account for a variety of redemption options. One of the best ways to use your United miles is to book award tickets through United. You can also use your miles for seat upgrades on United flights.

United flights aren’t the only travel redemptions available. You can use your miles toward hotel stays, car rentals, and cruises. You can also use them to shop online, buy Apple products, purchase gift cards, toward special event tickets like sporting events and Broadway shows, and more. Another option is to donate your miles to charity or another MileagePlus member, such as a spouse or other family member.

United MileagePlus Program travel partners

United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which allows you to earn and use your United miles to book flights on partner airlines. The airlines that make up the Star Alliance include:

Besides Star Alliance airlines, United has partnerships with other airlines. You can also earn and spend miles with the following partner airlines:

United also partners with hotels and car rental companies. Hotel and transportation partner loyalty rewards programs include:

Alternatives that might be better for you

While the United Quest Card offers a range of United-specific benefits, I’ve found that it may not be the ideal choice for everyone, myself included.

If you prioritize lounge access, seek more versatile rewards, or don’t travel with United often enough, you might find yourself in a similar situation to the one I experienced. This led me to transition to the Capital One Venture X. However, for those who frequently travel with United, I would suggest considering the United Club Infinite.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you're not set on getting a United card, the Capital One Venture X could be a much better fit. I switched to this card last year, and I've been thrilled. Yes, it has a higher $395 annual fee, but hear me out.

First off, you get up to $300 in annual travel credits. I used this to book a last-minute flight for a wedding in India last December. Then there's the 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, worth about $100 in travel. Already, that's $400 in value.

But the real game-changer? Lounge access. The Venture X gets you into Capital One and Priority Pass lounges. Plus, you earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.

And while you can’t transfer Capital One miles to United, you can transfer them to numerous Star Alliance programs that let you book United flights. These include Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca Lifemiles, Singapore Krisflyer, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Miles&Smiles.

Learn more in our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Now, if you're a die-hard United fan who practically lives in airports, the United Club℠ Infinite Card might be your perfect fit. Yes, the $525 annual fee is pretty steep. But for frequent United flyers, it can be worth every penny.

The real game-changer with this card is the unlimited United Club access. Imagine starting every trip with a hot breakfast and strong coffee in a quiet lounge, then unwinding with a glass of wine on your return. If you're flying United twice a month, that's about 48 lounge visits a year. At $59 per visit, that's a staggering $2,832 in value — already more than covering the annual fee.

Plus, the Club Infinite earns 4x miles on United purchases; 2x miles on all other travel and dining; plus 1x mile on all other purchases. These rates can help you rapidly accumulate miles.

Learn more in our United Club℠ Infinite Card review.

Free Checked Bags for United Fans

United Quest℠ Card

4.6

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

United Quest℠ Card

4.6

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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Why We Like It

Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

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See how these cards compare:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• $300 annual travel credit
• 10,000 anniversary miles
• Unlimited access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges
• Elevated rewards miles on flights and hotels booked via Capital One Travel
• Valuable travel protections
• Rates and fees

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• Elevated earnings on United and travel purchases along with dining allow you to build up miles more quickly
• Impressive welcome offer provides immediate value
• Lounge access makes travel more pleasant and cost-effective (no expensive airport food)

FAQ

United Quest Card review: bottom line

After two years with the United Quest℠ Card, I had mixed feelings. Its United-specific perks provided real value when I flew United. The welcome offer also gave me a fantastic boost.

However, as I don’t travel United all that much, I felt the card's limitations. The steep $250 fee, lack of lounge access, and limited non-travel redemption options made me reconsider. I switched to the Capital One Venture X for its flexibility and comprehensive travel perks.

I still find the United Quest a great card for frequent United flyers who can maximize its airline-specific benefits. But if your loyalty isn't exclusively with United, or if premium perks like lounge access are a priority, you might be better off with a different card. Explore our list of the best travel credit cards for more options.

A Slam-Dunk Welcome Offer!

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4.6

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you make your first purchase and pay the annual fee in the first 90 days

Annual Fee

$99

Rewards Rate

2X miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1X mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you make your first purchase and pay the annual fee in the first 90 days
• 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Intro APR on balance transfers
• In-flight savings options, first check bag free, preferred boarding
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Best for American Airlines travelers

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you make your first purchase and pay the annual fee in the first 90 days
• 2X miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1X mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: 0% for 15 billing cycles (on balance transfers that post within 45 days of account opening) then 20.74% to 29.99% (variable)