How to Compare Chase United Credit Cards.

How to Compare Chase United Credit Cards

If you're in the market for a new credit card and are a frequent United Airlines flyer, you may be considering one of the Chase United credit cards. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which card is right for you. In this article, we'll break down the key features and benefits of each card to help you make an informed decision.

Chase United Explorer Card

The Chase United Explorer Card is the most popular of the United credit cards and offers a wide range of benefits. The card comes with a sign-up bonus of 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases, as well as on restaurants and hotel stays. Additionally, you'll receive a statement credit of up to $100 to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Chase United Club Card

The Chase United Club Card is designed for frequent travelers who want access to United's airport lounges. The card comes with a United Club membership, which gives you access to over 45 United Club locations worldwide. You'll also earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases and 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases. The card has a higher annual fee than the Explorer card, but if you frequently use United's airport lounges, the benefits can be well worth it.

Chase United Gateway Card

The Chase United Gateway Card is a no annual fee card designed for occasional United flyers. The card comes with a sign-up bonus of 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases and 1 mile for every $2 spent on all other purchases. While therewardsare not as lucrative as the other two cards, the lack of an annual fee may be appealing to some.

Comparing the Cards

When comparing the Chase United credit cards, there are a few key factors to consider:

- Annual fee: The Explorer and Club cards both haveannual fees, while the Gateway card does not. Consider whether the benefits of the more expensive cards outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

- Rewards: All three cards offer rewards for United purchases, but the Explorer and Club cards offer higher rewards for other types of purchases.

- Sign-up bonus: The bonus for the Explorer card is the largest, but all three cards offer a sign-up bonus.

- Additional benefits: The Club card offers access to United's airport lounges, while the Explorer card offers a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Consider which benefits are most important to you.

Applying for a Chase United Credit Card

When applying for a Chase United credit card, there are a few things to keep in mind to increase your chances of approval:

- Check your credit score: Chase generally requires a good to excellent credit score for approval.

- Consider your income: Make sure you have enough income to support the credit limit you're applying for.

- Apply for the card that best fits your spending habits: If you're a frequent United flyer, the Explorer or Club card may be a better fit. If you only fly United occasionally, the Gateway card may be sufficient.

- Have all necessary information ready: You'll need to provide personal and financial information, as well as your United MileagePlus number if you have one.

Saving Money with a Chase United Credit Card

In addition to earning rewards, there are a few ways to save money with a Chase United credit card:

- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: The sign-up bonuses can be a great way to earn a large number of miles quickly.

- Use the card for United purchases: You'll earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, so make sure to use the card for flights, baggage fees, and other United expenses.

- Use the card for dining and hotel stays: The Explorer card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on restaurants and hotel stays, so use the card for these expenses to earn more miles.

- Avoid carrying a balance: The interest rates on credit cards can be high, so make sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest charges.

Avoiding Fees and Risks with a Chase United Credit Card

While Chase United credit cards offer many benefits, there are also a few fees and risks to be aware of:

- Annual fees: The Explorer and Club cards both have annual fees, so make sure to factor this into your decision.

- Late fees and interest charges: Make sure to pay your bill on time and in full each month to avoid late fees and interest charges.

- Foreign transaction fees: If you're traveling internationally, be aware that the cards charge foreign transaction fees.

- Fraud and identity theft: Monitor your account regularly for suspicious activity and report any unauthorized charges immediately to Chase.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Chase United credit card can be a great way to earn rewards and save money on United flights and other expenses. Consider your spending habits, travel needs, and financial situation to determine which card is right for you. Be sure to use the card responsibly to avoid fees and risks, and take advantage of the various benefits and rewards offered by the card.