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I’ve always believed that the best travel credit cards don’t just help you earn points and miles. They should make the journey itself better, too.

That’s why the United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) earns a spot in my wallet. If you’re a frequent United flyer, having access to a United Club before your flight can make a world of difference, especially during a long layover or an unexpected delay.

The card carries a $695 annual fee, but between its United Club membership, premium airport perks and opportunities to save on award flights, I’ve found plenty of reasons to keep it in my wallet.

Apply now: United Club Card

Why I carry the United Club Card

For me, the biggest reason to carry the United Club Card is in the name: United Club access.

The card includes a United Club membership that allows me to bring one adult guest and dependent children under 18 into the lounge. Considering an individual United Club membership costs at least $750 annually, the card’s $695 annual fee is a pretty compelling deal. And that’s before factoring in any of its other perks.

Rather than spending time waiting at a crowded gate, I can head to a United Club to relax, grab something to eat or catch up on work before boarding. It’s a little taste of luxury before you’ve even left the ground.

The card also comes with Premier Access services, a free first and second checked bag for you and one companion on the same reservation (when requirements are met) and discounts of at least 10% when booking eligible United award flights.

And if you’re thinking about applying, the current welcome offer makes the card even more compelling.

New cardmembers can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus another 10,000 miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months.

Based on TPG’s November 2026 valuations, which value United miles at 1.2 cents apiece, that’s worth up to $1,200 in potential travel redemptions.

With the right award availability, 90,000 United miles could be enough for a one-way Polaris business-class flight between the U.S. and Asia. Imagine flying from the U.S. to Japan in a lie-flat seat, with miles left over from your welcome bonus.

Of course, award prices and availability fluctuate, so flexibility when booking is key.

How I use my United MileagePlus miles

One of the things I love about United MileagePlus is how many different ways there are to put your miles to work.

I’ve used United miles for some memorable trips over the years, including a recent trip to Cape Town, South Africa, with my kids.

For example, I booked a nonstop United Polaris business-class flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg for 240,000 miles plus just $5.60 in taxes and fees.

That same one-way flight would have cost approximately $7,000 in cash, meaning I got roughly 2.9 cents per mile in value — more than double TPG’s valuation of United miles.

One thing I’ve learned is that having a United credit card can make a huge difference when redeeming miles. Between access to additional saver award availability and cardholder discounts of at least 10% (sometimes more), you can save a substantial number of miles on the exact same flight. My United elite status helps me save even more, but I think having an eligible United credit card is practically a must if you’re serious about getting the most value from your MileagePlus miles.

Of course, you don’t have to fly United to get great value from your MileagePlus miles. You can also redeem them for flights operated by Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa, ANA and Singapore Airlines, opening up even more destinations and redemption opportunities.

I’d also recommend comparing award prices across different dates if your travel plans are flexible. United uses dynamic award pricing, so the number of miles needed for a flight can vary considerably.

Related: How a United credit card can save you hundreds of thousands of miles on flights

Who should get this card (and who shouldn’t)

Let’s be clear: A $695 annual fee is a serious investment, and I wouldn’t recommend the United Club Card to someone who only flies United once or twice a year.

But if you’re a frequent United flyer, the benefits can add up quickly.

I’d say the card is worth considering if you:

• Regularly visit airports with United Clubs and would otherwise pay for lounge access.
• Frequently check bags or travel with a companion.
• Value priority airport services and a more comfortable travel experience.
• Can take advantage of the card’s award flight discounts and annual credits.

If lounge access isn’t a priority, I’d consider a lower-annual-fee United card instead. The United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) has a $350 annual fee and still offers valuable United travel perks and award-booking benefits.

Related: United Credit Cards compared: Which one is right for you?

Bottom line

The United Club Card isn’t for everyone, but for frequent United flyers, it can be a fantastic way to make the travel experience more enjoyable.

For me, it’s a card worth keeping in my wallet thanks to its United Club membership, premium airport perks and opportunities to save on award flights. Together, these benefits can go a long way toward justifying the $695 annual fee.

For travelers who regularly fly United, would otherwise pay for lounge access and can take advantage of the card’s ongoing benefits, the United Club Card could be worth its annual fee.

If you can comfortably meet the welcome offer’s spending requirement, now could be a good time to consider adding it to your wallet.

For more details, read our full review of the United Club Card.

Apply here: United Club Card