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If you fly United Airlines, even just a couple of times a year, the New United Quest℠ Card should be on your radar. It comes with unique perks that can save you big time when you travel — such as two free checked bags when flying on United, up to $125 in automatic statement credits toward United purchases, and more.
The New United Quest℠ Card is offering a welcome bonus of United Quest℠ Card. That’s a great deal, but it’s not the main reason to get the card.
United Quest Card Review: Is It the Best Credit Card for You?
The New United Quest℠ Card charges an annual fee of New United Quest℠ Card, which is steep compared to other airline cards. But if you can use the card’s benefits, you can make up for the annual fee and then some. For example, cardholders receive:
Up to $125 in annual statement credits toward United purchases (like airfare and incidental fees)A 5,000-mile credit (up to twice a year) after you complete an eligible award flight on United, starting on your first card anniversaryA free first and second checked bag for yourself and a companion when you use the card to pay for your ticket (worth $35 and $45 respectively)Up to $100 credit every four years toward the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee
You’ll also earn bonus miles in categories like travel, dining, and streaming services, and receive other valuable travel and purchase protections, including primary car rental insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance, trip delay protection, lost luggage reimbursement, and extended warranty.
Before you decide on the New United Quest℠ Card, be sure to have a look at other United credit cards like the United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee of United℠ Explorer Card) and United Club℠ Infinite Card (United Club℠ Infinite Card annual fee) to see if their benefits and perks are a better fit for your wallet.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
United Quest Card Rewards
Welcome bonus offer
The New United Quest℠ Card is offering a bonus of New United Quest℠ Card. According to Insider’s points and miles valuations, that’s worth around United Quest℠ Card – Featured Reward Value in travel.
Because United miles never expire, you can give your balance a big boost with the welcome bonus so you’ll have plenty of miles to work with when you’re ready to travel again. And the extra PQP (Premier Qualifying Points) from the welcome bonus can help you reach the next level of elite status.
How to earn miles with the United Quest credit card
The New United Quest℠ Card makes it easy to earn lots of United miles, even if you’re not a frequent traveler.
Cardholders earn:
3 miles per dollar on eligible United purchases (after earning the $125 United credit) — including airline tickets purchased from United, United seat upgrades, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges, other United fees, and United Card Events from Chase2 miles per dollar on travel (including airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds, and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages)2 miles per dollar on dining (including eligible delivery services)2 miles per dollar on select streaming services (Apple Music, Apple TV, Disney+, ESPN+, Fubo TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Paramount+, Peacock, Showtime, SiriusXM, Sling, Spotify, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and Vudu)1 mile per dollar on everything else
How to redeem miles from the United Quest
You can redeem United miles for award flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Star Alliance airlines like Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. Because United no longer has an award chart, the number of miles required for a flight varies based on demand, paid ticket price, and season. United recently increased award flight prices to Europe, but other routes haven’t been affected as yet.
One-way domestic economy award tickets start at 5,000 miles, but can range up to over 30,000 miles. You can find saver business or first-class awards within the US for as few as 25,000 miles, but also as high as over 60,000 miles. From the US to other regions, expect to pay significantly more. For example, flights to Europe tend to start at 40,000 miles in economy and 80,000 miles in business class.
United miles are worth 1.3 cents each, on average, according to Insider’s valuations. So if you’re getting that rate or better when you compare the cost of your award flight to that of a paid ticket, you’re getting a good deal.
The New United Quest℠ Card has a unique feature that can put miles back in your pocket. Cardholders receive a 5,000-mile credit when they complete a United award flight, up to twice per year (so a maximum of 10,000 miles per year) starting on the first card anniversary. Those 10,000 miles are worth around $130 based on Insider’s valuations, so that’s another perk that can effectively offset the card’s annual fee.
If you have no upcoming travel plans, there’s no rush to spend your miles because United miles don’t expire. However, you’ve got other redemption options, but you’ll typically get a much lower value:
Seat upgradesUnited Club membershipsInflight Wi-Fi passesTSA PreCheck application feesMerchandiseGift cardsExperiencesHotels and cruises Charitable donations
United Quest Card Benefits and Features
The New United Quest℠ Card offers a substantial — and potentially quite valuable — list of benefits. Perks on United flights can save you money and make your travel more comfortable, and protections like trip delay insurance and primary car rental insurance can give you peace of mind (and keep cash in your wallet) when you’re on the road.
$125 United purchase credit
New United Quest℠ Card cardholders receive up to $125 a year in statement credits toward eligible United purchases, so if you fly United even once a year, you should be able to maximize this perk. Purchases that qualify include:
Airline tickets purchased from UnitedSeat upgradesEconomy PlusInflight food, beverages, and Wi-FiBaggage fees Other United feesUnited Card Events from Chase purchases
However, United tickets booked through some discount travel websites or as part of a third-party travel package won’t qualify, nor will United Cruises, United MileagePlus X, DIRECTV, and merchandise awards.
Free first and second checked bag
With the New United Quest℠ Card, cardholders and one companion on the same reservation can get a free first and second checked bag on United flights when they use the card to pay for their ticket (or taxes and fees on an award ticket).
Considering United charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the next, you’re looking at a round-trip savings of $160 per person if you check two bags — and double that if you travel with a companion. If you know you’ll check bags on at least one or two United flights in the coming year, opening the New United Quest℠ Card can save you a ton of cash, even factoring in the annual fee.
5,000-mile award ticket credit
Starting on their first card anniversary, New United Quest℠ Card cardholders can take advantage of a 5,000-mile credit up to two times a year when they redeem United miles for an award ticket. These credits will be credited (for future application) to your account approximately four weeks after your card anniversary.
You’ll actually receive the 5,000-mile rebate in your United account within two weeks of completing (not booking) an eligible award flight. Eligible award flights are those that include at least one United- or United Express-operated flight, and must include the primary cardholder on the reservation. Unused credits will expire 12 months after issue, and you can’t transfer, combine, or extend them.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit
Cardholders can receive up to $100 credit for the NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years. This is a perk many cards offer nowadays, so if you’ve already enrolled in one of these programs, you can always use your card to pay a friend or family member’s fee and still get the credit.
Complimentary Premier Upgrades
United Premier members who have the New United Quest℠ Card and are traveling on an award ticket are eligible for complimentary Premier Upgrades on eligible domestic United-operated flights. This perk is for the primary cardholder only; travel companions or authorized users don’t qualify.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP)
Cardholders receive 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $12,000 spent on purchases with the card, up to 6,000 PQP per calendar year. This is handy if you’re working toward the next level of elite status and need a boost.
Expanded United award availability
As with other Chase United credit cards, New United Quest℠ Card cardholders get expanded United award availability, which means you’ll have access to more available award seats — with no blackout dates — compared to non-cardholders. This benefit can be a lifesaver if you’re flying at short notice or on high-demand routes or dates.
Priority boarding
Getting to board the airplane sooner has become even more important these days, especially if you want to sanitize your seat area and have time to get settled in. If you have the New United Quest℠ Card, you’ll get priority boarding for yourself and your companions on the same reservation.
This means you’ll board before general boarding is called, but after MileagePlus Premier members, customers with Premier Access, and travelers requiring special assistance.
25% back on inflight purchases
When you use your card to pay for eligible inflight purchases, you’ll get 25% back in the form of a statement credit. Qualifying purchases include food, beverages, and Wi-Fi onboard United- and United Express-operated flights, and the credit should appear on your statement within 24 hours of the purchase posting to your account. Authorized users get this benefit, too.
Primary car rental insurance
The New United Quest℠ Card is one of only a handful of cards that offer primary car rental insurance, which means you’re covered for losses without having to bill your own insurance first.
When you use the card to pay for your rental and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver, you’re covered for damage due to collision or theft up to the actual value of the vehicle for most car rentals in the US and abroad. Be sure to read the terms and conditions that come with the card for any exclusions.
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
If you use the card to pay for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares and have to cancel or cut your trip short, you can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip. Covered situations include sickness and severe weather, but check the terms and conditions for limitations.
Trip delay reimbursement
If your flight or other travel on a common carrier is delayed by 12 hours or more, or requires an overnight stay, trip delay insurance can cover you and your family for up to $500 per ticket for unreimbursed expenses, like meals and accommodations.
Baggage delay insurance
If your bag is delayed by a common carrier (like the airline) by six hours or more, you can get reimbursement for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing, up to $100 a day for up to three days.
Lost luggage reimbursement
Having the airline lose or damage your bag is the worst, but if you used the New United Quest℠ Card to pay for your ticket, you and your immediate family members could be covered for up to $3,000 per passenger.
Travel accident insurance
Nobody wants to think about the worst happening on vacation, but when you pay for your air, bus, train, or cruise transportation with your New United Quest℠ Card, you’re eligible for accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000.
Purchase protection
If you use your New United Quest℠ Card to pay for a new, eligible purchase, purchase protection could cover you for up to 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim, and $50,000 per year.
Extended warranty protection
The New United Quest℠ Card extends the US original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items by a year, on warranties of three years or less. This can save you from having to pay for an expensive extended warranty on big-ticket items.
Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
New United Quest℠ Card cardholders get access to the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection — a selection of upscale hotels which offer elite-like perks when you book through the program.
You’ll get benefits like complimentary breakfast, unique benefits or credits (specific to each property, room upgrades, and other goodies like early check-in and late checkout (when available). It’s important to compare rates and perks through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to booking with the hotel directly; sometimes, you’ll pay more through Chase and the benefits won’t outweigh the additional cost.
DoorDash DashPass benefit
Chase added a year of free DashPass membership to just about every one of its co-branded cards, including the New United Quest℠ Card. Activation is required by December 31, 2024.
DashPass membership gets you free delivery and reduced service fees on orders of $12 or more, so this perk can save you money if you order from DoorDash frequently. After 12 months of complimentary membership, you’ll be auto-enrolled for a monthly membership at full price (currently $9.99 a month) unless you cancel.
United Quest Card Annual Fee and Other Costs
With a United Quest Credit Card annual fee, the New United Quest℠ Card isn’t for everyone, but again — if you can make the most of the card’s benefits — it can be well worth it for United flyers. It doesn’t add foreign transaction fees, so it’s a good card to use for international purchases.
Like most other cards, you’ll pay interest (currently a United Quest℠ Card – Regular APR APR) if you don’t pay your balance in full each month. There are also fees in certain instances, including:
Cash advance feesBalance transfer feesLate payment fees Returned payment fees
How the United Quest Card Compares
United Quest Card vs other United credit cards
United Quest Credit Card
United℠ Explorer Card
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Annual fee
United Quest Credit Card
$95, waived first year
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Rewards rate
3x miles on eligible United purchases (after earning the $125 United credit)
2x miles on travel
2x miles on dining
2x miles on select streaming services
1 mile per dollar on everything else
2x miles on eligible United purchases
2x miles on dining
2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
1 mile per dollar on everything else
4x miles on eligible United purchases
2x miles on travel
2x miles on dining
1 mile per dollar on everything else
Welcome bonus
United Quest Credit Card
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (plus, an additional 10k bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months)
United Club℠ Infinite Card
United benefits
Free first and second checked bags on United flights
Priority boarding on United flights
25% back on United inflight purchases
5,000-mile award flight rebate twice a year starting on your first anniversary
Up to $125 in annual statement credits toward United purchases
Free first checked bag on United flights
Priority boarding on United flights
25% back on United inflight purchases
Two one-time United Club passes per anniversary year
Free first and second checked bags on United flights
Priority boarding on United flights
Premier Access travel services
25% back on United inflight purchases
United Club membership
Review
United Club Infinite card review
United Quest card vs other airline credit cards
United Quest Credit Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
Annual fee
United Quest Credit Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Rewards rate
3x miles on eligible United purchases (after earning the $125 United credit)
2x miles on travel
2x miles on dining
2x miles on select streaming services
1 mile per dollar on everything else
3x miles on eligible Delta purchases
3x miles on purchases made directly with hotels
2x miles at US supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide
1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
2x miles at gas stations and restaurants
1 mile per dollar on everything else
Welcome bonus
United Quest Credit Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Travel benefits
Free first and second checked bags on United flights
Priority boarding on United flights
25% back on United inflight purchases
5,000-mile award flight rebate twice a year starting on your first anniversary
Up to $125 in annual statement credits toward United purchases
Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
Annual Delta companion certificate
10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to two times
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider
Discounted access to Sky Club lounges
20% off Delta inflight purchases as a statement credit
Free first checked bag on American Airlines domestic itineraries
25% back on American Airlines inflight purchases
$125 American Airlines flight discount when you spend $20K or more in an account anniversary year and renew your card
Review
Platinum Delta Amex card review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card review
United Quest Card Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the United Quest Card?
You need a credit score that is at least “good” to be approved for the United Quest Credit Card. That means a FICO score of at least 670.
Does the United Quest Card have airport lounge access?
No, the United Quest Credit Card doesn’t have airport lounge access. If you’re looking to enjoy airport lounges, the United Club℠ Infinite Card comes with a United Club membership. Or, if you don’t fly often, the United℠ Explorer Card might suffice with two free single-visit passes to United Club lounges each year.
Is the United Quest Card worth it?
The United Quest Credit Card is worth it if you travel with United at least a couple of times per year. The free checked bag perk and the $125 annual United credit are both easy to use if you take at least one paid United flight each year. That said, if you’re not loyal to United, don’t check bags, or don’t pay for airfare, other cards could be a better fit. The United℠ Explorer Card, for instance, has a much lower annual fee and still comes with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club lounge passes per year.
Be sure to read our comparison of the United Quest and United Explorer, and our United Quest versus United Infinite guide to help you choose the right United credit card for you.
Alternately, if you don’t want to commit to earning miles in a single loyalty program, a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points is a better bet. When you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can transfer points to United (and over a dozen other airline and hotel partners) at a 1:1 ratio. You won’t get day-of-travel benefits on United Airlines, but that might not matter if you’re not a frequent flyer.
Is the United Quest Card metal?
No, the United Quest Credit Card isn’t a metal card. It’s made of plastic and is a deep metallic purple color.
Methodology: How We Reviewed the United Quest Card
The credit cards team at Insider takes a look at many features when rating each credit card product. We evaluated the United Quest Credit Card by pitting its key attributes against other airline credit cards to compare:
Ease of use — Are the card’s rewards easy to earn and use? Are there multiple options for redeeming miles?Earning potential — Is the card’s rewards rate competitive compared to similar airline credit cards? If there are bonus categories, are they good for everyday purchases, and are any of them capped at a maximum amount of spending?Benefits — Airline credit cards usually offer perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, travel insurance, and various airport benefits such as lounge access or an expedited security checkpoint experience.Annual fee — Are the card’s benefits worth its yearly fee?
Read more about Insider’s methodology in our guide to how we rate credit cards.