Travel can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also get expensive—especially with today’s baggage fees and flight costs. For seniors who travel to visit family or enjoy retirement adventures, saving money and adding comfort makes a big difference. That’s where United Airlines credit cards come in.
These cards, offered through Chase in partnership with United, give travelers perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and the ability to earn miles for future trips. In this guide, we’ll break down the different United cards, their benefits, and which options may work best for seniors. If you’d like personalized help choosing, call 877-297-0699 and ask United which card fits your travel style.
United Airlines credit cards are co-branded with Chase and are designed for MileagePlus members. Each card allows you to earn miles on purchases and unlock travel perks. Some cards are best for occasional travelers, while others are built for frequent flyers who want luxury benefits like lounge access.
💡 Think of them as tools to save money on extras while building rewards toward future trips.
Annual fee: $0.
Best for: Seniors who fly once in a while.
Perks: Earn miles on groceries, gas, and dining—everyday purchases count.
Why seniors like it: Simple and no annual fee.
Annual fee: $95.
Best for: Seniors who fly a couple of times a year.
Perks:
Free first checked bag for you and a companion.
Priority boarding (board early, find overhead space).
Two free United Club lounge passes each year.
Savings example: A retired couple visiting their grandchildren twice a year saves ~$280 annually in bag fees—well above the $95 annual fee.
Annual fee: $525.
Best for: Seniors who fly often, especially internationally.
Perks:
Full United Club lounge membership (unlimited visits).
Earn 4x miles on United purchases.
Luxury travel protections like trip cancellation and rental car coverage.
Why seniors like it: Lounges provide calm, food, and assistance in busy airports.
Annual fee: $99.
Best for: Seniors who still run small businesses or consult.
Perks: Earn miles on office supplies, gas, and dining.
Free first checked bag (saves about $35 each way per person).
Priority boarding to get seated without the rush.
MileagePlus miles earned on everyday spending.
Lounge access (Explorer: passes, Club Infinite: full membership).
Travel protections like trip delay reimbursement.
👉 For seniors, the biggest value often comes from free bags and early boarding—both reduce stress and save real money.
Online: Visit United.com or Chase.com.
By phone: Call 877-297-0699 for help applying or understanding benefits.
Senior tip: Review annual fees and compare them against savings (like bag fees) to pick the right card.
Travel frequency matters: Occasional flyers should stick to Gateway or Explorer. Frequent travelers may get the most out of Club Infinite.
Look beyond miles: The real savings are in free bags, lounge passes, and boarding priority.
Consider comfort: Lounges and early boarding can make travel less stressful.
Check with family: A child or grandchild can help review the fine print before applying.
👵 Real-world example: A retired grandmother flying twice a year said the Explorer Card’s free checked bag perk saved her enough money to treat her grandkids during visits.
So, what are United Airlines credit cards? They’re travel tools that let seniors save money, earn rewards, and enjoy perks that make airports less stressful. From the no-fee Gateway card to the luxury Club Infinite card, there’s an option for every type of traveler.
If you’re unsure which card is right for you, call 877-297-0699 for guidance before applying. With the right card, you’ll save money, earn miles, and make travel days far more comfortable.