Is the United Quest Card worth it? A full review of its perks, fees and benefits
If you’re a loyal United flyer looking for a credit card that offers a balance between perks and a moderate annual fee, the United Quest℠ Card might be the card for you. With an annual fee of $350, this mid-tier card slots comfortably between the entry-level United℠ Explorer Card and the premium New United Club℠ Card. It’s designed for travelers who want valuable United benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and statement credits without going all-in on luxury lounge access.
The United Quest℠ Card recently received a refresh, adding new statement credits and boosting some of its value propositions. For frequent United flyers who can stay organized and use the various perks, these updates could make the annual fee well worth it. Whether you’re chasing Premier status or simply looking to cut costs on your next United trip, today, we’ll explore if the Quest Card is right for you.
United Quest card welcome offer
The New United Quest℠ Card
Experience Ultimate United Rewards with the United Quest℠ Card
- Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $4,000 in purchases within 3 months
- 3X miles on United purchases
- 2X miles on other travel, dining & select streaming services
- 1X mile on all other spending
- $200 annual United flight credit
- 10,000-mile award flight discount each year (plus another 10K after $20K spend)
- Up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
- Free first & second checked bags for you and a companion
- Primary rental car coverage
- $350 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees
Designed for frequent United flyers, the United Quest℠ Card unlocks premium perks that more than offset its fee. Earn elevated miles on United flights and everyday essentials, enjoy automatic credits to trim costs, and accelerate toward elite status with PQPs. All managed seamlessly in the United mobile app.
Terms apply. PQP earnings cap applies; credits and perks subject to terms. See Chase for details.
- Annual fee
- $350
- Our valuation
- $840Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$840Total$840Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$840Total$840Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 70,000 miles
on Chase's website
United Quest card earning rates
If your goal is to earn flexible rewards transferable to multiple travel partners, a non-cobranded travel rewards credit card might be a better fit. But if you’re loyal to United and want to maximize your MileagePlus earnings, the United Quest℠ Card offers the following earning rates:
- 3 miles per dollar on United purchases.
- 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services and all other travel.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Admittedly, these earning rates aren’t the best, especially considering that cards like the American Express® Gold Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer significantly better earning rates in some categories with comparable annual fees.
But given that you can use United miles for flights across the Star Alliance network and that your spend helps you earn toward United Premier status, the Quest Card is an option worth considering if you’re looking to boost your United mileage balance with everyday and travel-related spending.
United Quest card benefits
With a generous welcome bonus, multiple travel-related credits and the ability to fast-track elite status, this mid-tier card packs in plenty of perks for loyal United travelers. In this section, we’ll break down the key benefits that make the Quest Card worth considering.
Recurring credits to offset the annual fee
The latest refresh of the United Quest℠ Card introduced a slew of new travel credits. While it may take some planning to use them all, fully maximizing these perks can unlock over $700 in annual partner credits. That’s more than enough to offset the card’s annual fee and then some:
- $200 United TravelBank credit: Get a $200 statement credit after account opening and each year on your account anniversary when you book a United or United Express-operated flight.
- $150 hotel credit: Receive up to $150 in statement credits each year on prepaid hotel bookings made directly through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United cardmembers with your United Quest Card.
- $100 rideshare credit: Earn up to $8 back as a statement credit each month from January to November and up to $12 back as a statement credit in December when you pay for rideshare purchases using your United QuestSM Card.
- $80 car rental credit: Earn up to $40 in United TravelBank cash on your first eligible Avis or Budget purchase and up to $40 in United TravelBank cash on your second eligible Avis or Budget purchase when you use your United QuestSM Card on Avis or Budget rental car purchases made directly through cars.united.com, up to a maximum accumulation of $80 annually.
- $150 JSX credit: Earn up to $150 in annual credits when you use your United Quest Card to book JSX flights directly through JSX.
- $180 Instacart Credit: One $10 and one $5 monthly Instacart credit, plus a three-month complimentary Instacart+ membership (ends Dec. 31, 2027).
- $120 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit: up to $120 every 4 years.
Terms and conditions apply for the credits.
Travel benefits
In addition to the credits associated with the United Quest℠ Card, it comes with some great travel benefits. Here’s a look at some of our favorites:
- Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion on the same reservation.
- 25% back on inflight purchases with United.
- Group 2 boarding on United-operated flights.
- Two Global Economy Plus seat upgrades after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
- Built-in travel and purchase protections for added peace of mind.
- After your first cardmember anniversary, you’ll receive a 10,000-mile award flight credit. Spend $20,000 in a calendar year, and you’ll earn a second 10,000-mile credit.
- Complimentary Premier upgrades on United award tickets for elite members.
United elite status fast-track
If you’re chasing United Premier status, the United Quest℠ Card can give you a significant head start. Each year, cardholders receive a 1,000 PQP boost. This is automatically deposited into your MileagePlus account between February and April, starting in 2026.
You can also earn up to 18,000 PQPs per calendar year just by using your card. You’ll receive 1 PQP for every $20 spent on purchases, and these can be applied toward elite status qualification up to Premier 1K. This is a major upgrade from the card’s previous structure.
Lots of spending on the United Quest℠ Card can help you earn toward Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum or Premier 1K — just remember that you have to fly at least four eligible segments on United or United Express to earn any level of Premier status.
MileagePlus miles
The miles you earn with the United Quest℠ Card are automatically deposited into your United MileagePlus account, where you can redeem them just like any other MileagePlus miles.
One of the most valuable ways to use your MileagePlus miles is for award flights, especially in premium cabins on United and its Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, ANA and SWISS. These redemptions can unlock business or first-class experiences that often deliver outstanding value for your miles. While United has moved to dynamic award pricing and no longer publishes a fixed award chart, partner redemptions tend to offer more predictable pricing and consistently strong value, particularly on long-haul international routes.
Cardholders and MileagePlus elite members also benefit from added flexibility, including expanded award availability on United-operated flights. These perks make MileagePlus miles especially handy for spontaneous travel or if you book expensive last-minute trips.
If you’re looking to stretch your miles, United frequently runs discounted award sales, with economy redemptions on domestic or short-haul international routes dropping as low as 5,000 to 7,500 miles one-way. In fact, short-haul U.S. flights are often among the best low-mileage deals available.
Comparable cards to the United Quest card
The United Quest℠ Card sits in a competitive space for frequent United travelers, but we think it’s a standout with its blend of annual credits, checked bag benefits and award flight perks. Here’s how it compares to other top travel cards:
The New United Club℠ Card
Elevate Every Journey with The United Club℠ Infinite Card
- 80,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within 3 months
- 4X miles per $1 on United purchases
- 2X miles per $1 on dining and all other travel
- 1X mile per $1 on all other purchases
- Complimentary United Club℠ membership for you and eligible guests
- Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion on United flights
- Premier Access℠ airport services, including priority boarding
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
- 25% back on in‑flight purchases
- Up to two 10,000‑mile award flight discounts each year
- No foreign transaction fees
- $695 annual fee
Ideal for frequent United flyers, this premium card transforms travel into a seamless experience. Earn accelerated miles on every United purchase and enhance your airport journey with lounge access, priority services and complimentary bags. Annual credits and award discounts help offset the fee, while robust travel protections and intuitive online tools keep you covered and in control. Make every trip more rewarding and comfortable.
Terms apply. Bonus miles, credits and benefits require qualifying purchases. Annual fee applies. See issuer for complete details.
- Annual fee
- $695
- Our valuation
- $960Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$960Total$960Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$960Total$960Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 80,000 miles
on Chase's website
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Unlock Premier United Perks with The New United℠ Explorer Card
- 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
- 2X miles per $1 on United purchases, including airfare, baggage fees and seat upgrades
- 2X miles on dining and hotel stays; 1X mile on all other purchases
- $0 intro annual fee for your first year, then $150 thereafter
- First checked bag free for you and one companion on United flights
- Two United Club one‑time passes each year for lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years
Whether you fly United frequently or just a few times a year, this card’s robust rewards and travel protections make every trip smoother. Enjoy trip cancellation/interruption insurance, 25% back on in‑flight purchases and a complimentary year of DashPass for DoorDash & Caviar. Manage your account seamlessly in the Chase app and watch your miles add up on every flight, meal and hotel stay.
Terms apply. Bonus miles and benefits require qualifying purchases and enrollment where applicable. See issuer for full details.
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuation
- $720Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$720Total$720Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$720Total$720Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 60,000 miles
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Unlock Travel Rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
- 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost on prior year’s spend
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
Make every trip count with flexible redemption options—transfer points 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners or boost their value when booking through Chase. Enjoy built‑in travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage and lost luggage reimbursement, plus seamless account management via the Chase mobile app. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next getaway, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® delivers premium perks at an approachable price.
Terms apply. Bonus offer requires minimum spend. Annual fee applies. See Chase for full details.
- Annual fee
- $95
- Our valuation
- $1,538Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 75,000 points
on Chase's website
Is the United Quest card with it?
If you fly United even a few times a year, the United Quest℠ Card can be well worth its $350 annual fee. The $200 annual United TravelBank credit immediately offsets more than half the cost and is easy to redeem for United-operated flights. Add in two free checked bags for you and a companion (a benefit that can save up to $360 per round-trip), Group 2 boarding and a $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS credit every four years and the value adds up fast.
The card stands out with unique perks like up to 10,000 miles back per year when you redeem miles for award flights and complimentary Premier upgrades on award tickets for elite members. You’ll also earn 25% back on United inflight purchases, avoid foreign transaction fees and get solid protections for trips and purchases. Admittedly, the earning rates aren’t as high as we’d like, but bonus earning rates on travel, dining and select streaming services add to its appeal.
If you check bags, travel with companions or redeem miles regularly, you’ll likely come out ahead with the United Quest℠ Card. But if you rarely fly United or pack light, a lower-fee option like the United Explorer Card may be a better fit. On the flip side, frequent United flyers who value lounge access might prefer the premium United Club Card.
Overall, the United Quest℠ Card offers a respectable balance of valuable travel perks, credits and solid rewards for semi-frequent United travelers.
Bottom line
The United Quest℠ Card if worth considering if you’re looking for solid travel perks without the steep price tag of premium cards. With generous credits, two free checked bags and strong MileagePlus benefits, it can easily offset its $350 annual fee — especially if you fly United a few times a year. While the earning rates aren’t industry-leading, the value-adds like statement credits, award flight rebates and elite status boosts make it a compelling pick for semi-frequent United travelers who want more than basic perks but don’t need full-on luxury.
- Annual fee
- $350
- Our valuation
- $840Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$840Total$840Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$840Total$840Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 70,000 miles
on Chase's website
FAQs – United Quest℠ Card
What is the United Quest Card?
The United Quest℠ Card is a mid-tier cobranded credit card for United Airlines flyers. It offers valuable travel perks like two free checked bags, priority boarding, and up to $700 in annual travel credits, all for a $350 annual fee.
What is the current welcome bonus on the United Quest Card?
The card offers 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points (PQPs) after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
What credits come with the United Quest Card?
You can receive credits such as $200 United TravelBank, $150 hotel, $100 rideshare, $80 car rental, $150 JSX, $180 Instacart, and up to $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit (every 4 years). Terms apply.
Do I get free checked bags with the card?
Yes. The card provides the first and second checked bags free for you and one companion on United-operated flights when you use the card to purchase your ticket.
Does the United Quest Card help me earn elite status?
Yes. You’ll earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent on purchases, up to 18,000 PQPs annually. You’ll also receive a 1,000 PQP boost each year. These can be applied toward Premier status qualification.
What are the card’s earning rates?
The card earns 3x miles on United purchases, 2x on dining, travel, and select streaming services, and 1x on all other purchases.
Can I get award miles back with the United Quest Card?
Yes. You can receive up to 20,000 miles back annually when you redeem United miles for award flights: 10,000 miles after your first anniversary, and another 10,000 miles after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
Are there any lounge benefits with this card?
No, the United Quest Card does not offer United Club access. If you’re looking for lounge perks, consider the United Club℠ Infinite Card.
Is the United Quest Card worth the $350 annual fee?
If you fly United multiple times per year and use the included credits, the card can easily justify its $350 annual fee through travel perks, checked bag savings, and award flight bonuses.
Our editorial integrity
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.