Maximizing the United Quest Card’s travel benefits
Quick insights
- United QuestSM Cardmembers can earn rewards on eligible United purchases and more.
- Cardmembers can earn up to $125 in statement credits annually as reimbursement for eligible United purchases.
- Other Quest Card benefits include award flight credits, complimentary checked bags and priority boarding.
Whether you are an occasional or frequent flyer on United flights, the United Quest Card could be right for you. The Quest Card comes with a range of benefits that may provide a more elevated experience when flying United. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to earn more rewards when you pair a Quest Card with membership in the United MileagePlus® program.
Cardmembers can enjoy a variety of ways to earn miles for every eligible dollar spent on the card. With accelerated earning opportunities on United purchases, other travel categories, dining and select streaming services, Cardmembers can earn in many ways with the card and through their MileagePlus membership.
Let’s dive into how to maximize the travel benefits of the United Quest Card.
Travel-friendly features of the United Quest Card
Wondering which United credit card is best for your needs and lifestyle? You may want to consider what the United Quest Card has to offer. Here are just a few benefits that could appeal to United loyalists:
Travel benefits
When you make eligible United purchases with your United Quest Card, you can enjoy an elevated United travel experience with perks like these:
- United credit: Get up to a $125 annual United purchase credit as reimbursement for qualifying United purchases.
- Award flight credits: Starting with your first anniversary, get 5,000 miles back after you book an eligible United flight with your miles using your United Quest Card. You can receive this credit up to two times per anniversary year.
- Complimentary checked bags: The primary Cardmember and a companion traveling on the same reservation can each check a standard bag for free.
- Priority boarding: You’re invited to board prior to general boarding on eligible flights.
Keep in mind that the Quest Card has an annual fee. However, Cardmembers who travel frequently could find that the benefits outweigh the fee.
Travel rewards
The United Quest Card comes with travel rewards that could help you take more trips with United. As of October 2024, the categories where Cardmembers can earn miles at an accelerated rate are as follows:
- 3x miles on United purchases.
- 2x miles on all other travel, dining including eligible delivery services, and select streaming services.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Opportunity to earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) per year that can be applied to your Premier status qualification.
Quest Card travel perks you may not know about
People often want to know about a credit card’s rewards structure, but there could be other available benefits as well. As you decide whether the Quest Card aligns with your needs, here are some potential perks.
MileagePlus program benefits
If you’re a MileagePlus program member, the United Quest Card can help you reach status faster than through travel alone. With a Quest Card, you could earn up to 6,000 PQP in a calendar year to apply toward qualifying for MileagePlus Premier® status.
As a Cardmember, you’ll have the opportunity to earn 25 PQP for every $500 spent on eligible purchases with your Quest Card. The points can be applied toward Premier status qualification, up to and including the Premier 1K® level.
Premier upgrades on award tickets
Quest Cardmembers and a companion can receive Complimentary Premier Upgrades on select United or United Express flights. With a Quest card, you may be able to earn the upgrade if you meet certain criteria.
You may be eligible for the upgrade if you are:
- A MileagePlus Premier member
- Traveling on an award ticket
If you’d like a companion to receive the upgrade, you’ll both need to be traveling on the same reservation. Note that upgrades are subject to availability.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS reimbursement
Considering a Trusted Traveler Program to streamline your travel experience at the airport? When you pay the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS with a Quest Card, you can receive reimbursement for up to $120 every four years in the form of a statement credit.
25% cash back on inflight purchases
When you purchase food, beverage and Wi-Fi during a United flight with a Quest Card, you receive 25% back as a statement credit. The offer also includes United ClubSM premium drinks.
Travel protections with the United Quest Card
Travel protections, a category of Cardmember benefits, are another feature of the United Quest Card you may not know about. These built-in benefits may reimburse you when something goes wrong during a trip.
A few examples of potential benefits include:
- Travel insurance
- Insurance for baggage delays
- Reimbursement for lost luggage
- Coverage for rental cars
Travelers typically need to purchase the passenger fare for a common carrier, such as an airline, with the United Quest Card to be eligible for these travel benefits. Full explanations of coverage, including eligibility requirements are listed in the Guide to Benefits.
What else to know about the United Quest Card
What else can the Quest Card offer travelers? Cardmembers can purchase experiences through United Card Events from Chase and United MileagePlus Exclusive Events. Experiences include travel packages, tickets to sporting events, culinary experiences and more.
In summary
United Quest Cardmembers can benefit from perks like statement credits on eligible United purchases and even award flight credits by using their credit card. Additional benefits that could improve travel include complimentary checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on inflight purchases.
When you combine membership in United’s MileagePlus loyalty program with a Quest Card, you may be able to maximize your rewards. Plus, the travel protections that come with the Quest Card can help give travelers peace of mind during their next trip.
