United Raises Annual Fees for Credit Cards Amid New Benefits

United Airlines is making big changes to its credit card program, including raising fees and restricting lounge access, in a move that the carrier claims will offer more value to its passengers but, in reality, may test the resolve of its most loyal customers.

There’s a lot to digest within the range of sweeping changes, with some added benefits to take note of, but increased annual fees for most cards.

Fee Increases

For example, the annual fee for the United Explorer Card has risen from $95 to $150—a significant 58 percent increase—but new perks include up to $60 of Rideshare credits each year, up to $100 in statement credits on United Hotels purchases, and up to $120 in Instacart credits each year along with a complimentary three-month Instacart+ membership. However, upgrades on award tickets are ending on August 1.

Photo: Courtesy of United

The annual fee for United Quest Card holders has increased by 40 percent from $250 to $350. New benefits include up to $100 of Rideshare credits each year, $200 in United Travel Credits each year when booking United flights or other select purchases, and 1,000 bonus Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) each year.

Significant Changes for United Club Members

Meanwhile, the annual fee for the United Club Card has jumped by 32 percent for personal cardholders, up from $525 to $695 per year. The fee increase is even greater for business cardholders, rising 54 percent from $450 to $695 per year.

However, the changes include a range of new benefits for both personal and business cardholders, including 1,500 bonus PQPs each year, an increased PQP earning rate threshold (from 15,000 to 28,000 per year), and up to $150 and $250 in Rideshare and Instacart credits each year, respectively.

Finally, United Business Card holders will see their annual fee rise from $99 to $150, a jump of 52 percent . Added perks include a quadrupling of the annual PQP earning rate threshold (from 1,000 to 4,000 per year), up to $100 in annual Rideshare credits and $120 in annual Instacart credits, and the ability to earn two Economy Plus upgrades on continental flights.

Restricted Lounge Access

In general, these changes are giving added benefits to customers but at higher fees, but almost all cardholders will see their lounge access restricted.

Photo: United Club, Denver Concourse B. Courtesy of United

For example, United Explorer Card and United Business Card holders could previously gift their two one-time United Club passes to a guest, but now their guest must enter with an authorized cardholder. Meanwhile, United Club Card holders could previously access participating Star Alliance lounges but now must spend $50,000 in a calendar to get an All Access membership.

The changes were announced on Monday alongside its banking partner, JPMorgan Chase, with the new fees for their co-branded credit cards going into effect immediately for new card members. New benefits have also begun for existing card members, although new annual renewal fees won’t kick in until August 1, 2025, or January 1, 2026, for United Explorer Card holders.