Choosing the right credit card can feel confusing, especially with so many options promising perks and rewards. But if you often fly United Airlines—to visit family, enjoy retirement trips, or explore new destinations—the right card can help you save money and make travel more comfortable.
United partners with Chase to offer a range of co-branded credit cards, each designed for different travel needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the main cards, compare their benefits, and help you decide which is best for seniors. If you’d like personalized help, call 877-297-0699 and ask a United representative to guide you.
The best card depends on your lifestyle and travel habits. Seniors often look for:
Savings on baggage fees (these add up quickly).
Comfort features like priority boarding or lounge access.
Reasonable annual fees that balance with the perks.
Simple earning and redemption for miles.
💡 Tip: Think about how often you travel in a year. A card with a higher fee may still save you money if you fly frequently.
Annual fee: $0.
Earn miles on groceries, gas, dining, and United purchases.
No free checked bags or lounge passes.
Why it’s good for seniors: Simple, no fee, great for those who fly once a year or just want to earn miles on everyday spending.
Annual fee: $95.
Free first checked bag for you and one companion.
Priority boarding.
Two United Club passes each year.
Travel protections like trip cancellation insurance.
Why it’s good for seniors: Perfect balance of cost and value. Even two round trips a year often cover the fee through baggage savings.
👵 Example: A retired couple said the Explorer Card paid for itself every year because of free baggage when visiting their grandkids.
Annual fee: $525.
Unlimited United Club lounge access.
4x miles on United purchases.
Luxury perks: travel insurance, rental car coverage, free checked bags.
Why it’s good for seniors: Frequent flyers enjoy lounges with comfortable seating, snacks, and quiet—ideal for reducing airport stress.
👴 Real-world story: A senior who travels abroad three times a year said the Club Infinite Card’s lounge access made his long journeys far more enjoyable.
| Card | Annual Fee | Free Bags | Lounge Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | Occasional travelers |
| Explorer | $95 | ✅ (1st bag free) | 2 passes/year | Semi-frequent flyers |
| Club Infinite | $525 | ✅ (1st & 2nd bags) | Unlimited | Frequent/international travelers |
Earn MileagePlus miles on purchases.
Fraud protection and zero liability.
Travel protections like trip delay reimbursement.
Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or vacation packages.
👉 For seniors, these perks add peace of mind, making trips smoother and safer.
Online: Apply via United.com or Chase.com.
Phone: Call 877-297-0699 for help applying and understanding terms.
Senior tip: Review the annual fee with a family member to be sure the savings outweigh the cost.
There isn’t a single “best” United card—it depends on how often you fly.
Fly once in a while? Go with the Gateway (no annual fee).
Fly a few times a year? The Explorer card balances perks and cost.
Fly frequently or internationally? The Club Infinite delivers maximum comfort with lounge access and premium perks.
For clarity on which card fits your lifestyle, call 877-297-0699 before applying. A quick conversation can ensure you choose the card that saves you money and makes travel more enjoyable.