United Airlines has made its co-branded credit cards more expensive, raising annual fees for several popular options. The United Explorer Card, for example, now costs 150peryear after the f95. This change affects travelers who use these cards for perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
The increase comes as airlines and banks adjust pricing to match added benefits and rising costs. United’s credit cards still offer valuable rewards, including a free checked bag ,120 in credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years. For frequent United flyers, these benefits can easily offset the higher fee. A single round-trip flight with checked bags could save $160, making the card worthwhile for regular travelers.
However, those who fly United less often may want to consider other travel credit cards with lower fees or different rewards. The United Club Infinite Card, now priced at 525peryear, includes unlimited lounge access, while the United Gateway Card remains free but with fewer perks.
Before deciding whether to keep or cancel a United credit card, travelers should review their spending habits and compare benefits. The Explorer Card currently offers a 80,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months, which could be a strong incentive. Experts recommend using all available card benefits—such as lounge passes and travel credits—before making a final decision.
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