As a frequent traveler, one of the most common questions that come to mind is whether it is worth paying an annual fee of $450 for the United Mileage Plus Card. The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on various factors such as your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle choices. In this article, we will explore the benefits of the United Mileage Plus Card and help you determine whether it is worth the annual fee.
The Benefits Of United Mileage Plus Card
Before we dive into the pros and cons of paying for the annual fee, let’s first take a look at the benefits that come with the United Mileage Plus Card.
1. Sign-Up Bonus
One of the most significant benefits of the United Mileage Plus Card is the sign-up bonus. Currently, the card offers a sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. This bonus alone could be worth up to $700 in travel value, making the annual fee seem much more reasonable.
2. Mileage Earning Potential
With the United Mileage Plus Card, you will earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases and 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. If you frequently travel with United Airlines or its partners, this can add up to significant mileage earning potential.
3. Travel Benefits
The United Mileage Plus Card offers various travel benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to United Club lounges. If you frequently travel with United Airlines, these benefits can be valuable and save you money in the long run.
4. Elite Status Qualification
The United Mileage Plus Card can help you qualify for elite status with United Airlines. The card offers Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs) and Premier Qualifying Segments (PQSs) based on your spending, which can help you reach elite status levels faster.
The Cons Of United Mileage Plus Card
While the United Mileage Plus Card offers numerous benefits, there are also some downsides to consider.
1. High Annual Fee
The most apparent downside of the United Mileage Plus Card is the high annual fee of $450. This fee is among the highest of any airline co-branded credit card, and it may not be worth it for those who don’t travel frequently.
2. Limited Redemption Options
The redemption options for United Airlines miles are limited compared to other airlines. While you can redeem miles for flights on United Airlines and its partners, the availability of award seats may be limited.
3. High Spending Requirement For Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles is only available after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. This spending requirement may be high for some individuals and may not be worth it if you can’t meet the threshold.
Is It Worth Paying The Annual Fee?
So, with all of these benefits and downsides in mind, is it worth paying the annual fee for the United Mileage Plus Card? The answer to this question depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle choices.
If you frequently travel with United Airlines or its partners, the mileage earning potential and travel benefits of the card may be worth the annual fee. Additionally, the sign-up bonus alone could be worth up to $700 in travel value, which may justify the cost of the annual fee.
However, if you don’t travel frequently or prefer other airlines, the annual fee may not be worth it. The limited redemption options and high spending requirement for the sign-up bonus may also make the card less attractive for some individuals.
Conclusion
The United Mileage Plus Card offers numerous benefits, including a sign-up bonus, mileage earning potential, travel benefits, and elite status qualification. However, the high annual fee and limited redemption options may make the card less attractive for some individuals.
If you are considering the United Mileage Plus Card, it is essential to weigh the benefits and downsides carefully and determine whether the annual fee is worth it based on your travel habits and lifestyle choices.