When it comes to the line of United MileagePlus co-brand credit cards from Chase, the names are a little confusing. The entry-level card (which I’ll call the “gold” level) is the United Explorer Card. Moving up to the “platinum” level is the United Quest Card—admittedly not the most inspiring name and not much of a clue about the card’s benefits. There’s also a no-annual-fee option, the Gateway, and at the top tier, the United Club Card, which includes access to United Club lounges. At least United’s names are less confusing than Marriott Bonvoy’s lineup, and you can generally tell the cards apart.

But here’s the real question: What does United pack into the Quest Card to make it worth upgrading from the Explorer? Let’s break it down.

United Quest Card

Annual Fee

The United Quest Card has a $250 annual fee.

Sign Up Benefits

If you’ve signed up for several new credit cards in the last 2 years, this card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule (to learn more about that, check out this list of 8 commonly heard questions regarding the 5/24 rule).

You’ll also need to wait 24 months between earning new cardmember bonuses for the same card. Luckily, receiving a bonus for the United Explorer Card doesn’t disqualify you from earning the bonus for the Quest Card.

Right now, there’s a limited-time offer for 70,000 United MileagePlus miles and 500 PQP when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. This offer is valid until January 29, 2025.

Spending Bonus Categories

• 3X miles: Earn on United tickets and purchases like seat upgrades, Economy Plus®, inflight food and beverages, Wi-Fi, baggage service charges, and United Card Events from Chase.
• 2X miles: Earn on dining (including delivery services), all other travel (airfare, trains, local transit, cruises, hotels, car rentals, taxis, rideshares, tolls), and select streaming services.
• 1X mile: Earn on all other purchases.

$125 Annual United Purchase Credit

Each year, cardholders receive a $125 statement credit for qualifying United purchases. The credit resets on the cardholder’s anniversary date. Purchases that qualify are the same as those that earn triple points.

Anniversary Award Flight Credit

After your first year, you’ll receive two 5,000-mile credits for award flights. To qualify, the itinerary must include a United-operated flight, and the primary cardholder must be on the reservation.

Earning PQPs for Premier Status

The Quest Card helps you earn MileagePlus Premier status faster by awarding 25 PQPs for every $500 spent on purchases, up to 6,000 PQPs per calendar year.

Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, or NEXUS Credit

You’ll receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, or NEXUS application fees. This is one of the only cards which includes NEXUS payment as a reimbursable expense.

No Foreign Transaction Fees 

As you would hope a card used on United flights worldwide would, the United Quest Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Priority Boarding

The primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation will be invited to board United-operated flights before general boarding, following MileagePlus Premier members, customers with Premier Access, and travelers requiring special assistance.

According to the United boarding process, Quest cardholders board with Group 2 alongside Star Alliance Silver members. While this advanced boarding might sound appealing, at least eight other groups board before Group 2. If you book a basic economy ticket on United (which, honestly, I wouldn’t recommend), having the credit card allows you to board earlier and bring a carry-on bag for the overhead bin.

Free Checked Bags

The primary cardholder and one traveling companion on the same reservation are each eligible to receive their first AND SECOND standard checked bag for free. Some restrictions on this benefit need to be followed.

 To receive first and second standard checked bags free, the primary Cardmember must use their United Quest^℠ Card to purchase their ticket(s) (this purchase requirement is waived for flights completed during the 90 days following the account open date) and include their MileagePlus® number in their reservation. First and second standard checked bags free is only available on United- and United Express-operated flights; codeshare partner-operated flights are not eligible

Unlike some other co-brand cards, you do have to pay for your ticket with the United Quest card to get the free bags benefit.

Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets

The primary cardmember with MileagePlus® Premier® status, along with one companion on the same reservation, is eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades on select United- and United Express-operated flights, subject to availability.

Inflight and Lounge Savings

Cardmembers receive 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi onboard United-operated flights, Wi-Fi subscription purchases and United Club premium drink purchases when paying with your Quest Card.

Expanded Award Availability

This is an often-overlooked perk of having a United co-brand credit card.

As long as tickets are still available for sale for the applicable cabin on any United-operated flight, MileagePlus members can use miles to book award travel on such flight.

If you’re searching for award seats using your United miles, just having this card will open up access to flights that would be otherwise unavailable with points. Award pricing is higher for these tickets but if cash prices are astronomical, using some miles to get that “gotta-have-it” ticket can be invaluable.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

If you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your Card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles with an MSRP of $125,000 or less.

This PRIMARY coverage is a HUGE benefit and something most other cards don’t offer. Primary coverage means you don’t have to report the damage to a rental car to your insurance company, so if you get into an accident, the card will cover you.

Travel Coverages

• Baggage Delay (6 hours): $100/day for up to 3 days
• Lost Luggage: $3,000
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: $1,500 per person, $6,000 per trip
• Trip Delay (12 hours or overnight): $500 per ticket

Purchase Protections

• Purchase protection (120 days): Up to $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per year
• Extended warranty: Adds 1 year to eligible warranties of 3 years or less

Final Thoughts

Is the United Quest Card worth the extra $155 over the United Explorer? For regular United flyers, the answer is likely yes. The $125 annual purchase credit nearly covers the fee difference, and benefits like free checked bags, flight credits, and a 70,000-mile sign-up bonus make the Quest Card a great value for frequent travelers.

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