January 27th, 2013
Should You Get A United Club Card?
Update, 01/27/13: Today is the last day to apply for Avis President’s Club if you are a United Club cardholder. That benefit is being discontinued and on April 1st Avis President’s Club members with status from United credit cards will be downgraded to Avis First elite status.
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Originally posted on 04/30/12:
The United Club card is the premium version of the United Explorer card, just click on the MileagePlus Club card tab.
The United Club card costs a whopping $395 per year, though you get a $95 statement credit for signing up. People have had success sending a secure message to get it matched to a first year free offer.
It is a heavy metal card, like the Sapphire Preferred.
You can have the card even if you already have an Explorer card. While the Explorer card offers 30K miles for signing up and spending $1,000 (and you can SM to be matched to 55K miles+$50 cash back) on the Club card there’s no mileage bonus for signing up.
So should you get the card? That depends on how often you travel with luggage, how much you spend, and how you value having a full club membership. Even if you just value 1 of those things it can be worth being a cardholder.
So what do you get for having the card? These incredibly sweet benefits:
-Full United Club membership:
This membership normally costs $500 per year for non-elites and it’s the only club network that can’t be accessed with the AMEX Platinum card or the Priority Pass lounge membership that comes with that card.
A full United Club membership allows your entire family, or you and 2 guests, to enter hundreds of United and partner lounges worldwide, regardless of which airline you are flying of even if you are even flying at all! Just show your membership card and you’re in!
Here is a dreadfully incomplete list of lounges. For example I’ve used my United membership card in Tel Aviv but they’re not listed.
-Unlimited Airport Terminal Access:
Another very nice benefit of being a full United Club member is that you can access the secured part of the airport even when you’re not flying! When I pick someone up from the airport I often like to meet them at the gate and surprise them and go for a free drink in the club. All you have to do is go to the checkin counter, show your United Club membership, and request a gate pass to get past security to access the lounge.
This will work in any airport where there is a United or USAirways lounge.
With free wifi, snacks, drinks, newspapers, magazines, and even showers and free ironing services in some locations, you can even make the United Club your new office if you wanted to!
Or you can just take your kid past security to see the planes taking off when not rushing to a flight, just like in the pre 9/11 days.
-1.5 United Miles per dollar spent everywhere!
This blows every other card out of the water. You’ll get 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend anywhere. No other card out there offers anything near this earning rate on everyday purchases! Even the great Starwood card earns an effective 1.25 miles per dollar spent and those can’t be directly transferred to United (though they can be used on United via an airline like USAirways though they have harsher award policies), or the excellent Freedom card with checking offers 1.1 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases.
It’s not hard at all to get at least 1.8 cents value per mile (or much more than that), but at that rate it’s a 2.7% rebate on everything you buy. Considering you can pay your federal income taxes for a 1.88% fee, you will be able to load up on miles the next time you pay taxes and be excited about getting a discounted vacation out of it! It would come out to a cost of just 1.25 cents per United mile, which is an incredible bargain (A business class ticket to Europe is 100,000 miles with no fuel surcharges, so you would be paying just $1,250 for business to Europe or $1,500 for business to Israel or the Maldives), plus you may even be able to deduct the 1.88% fee!
You also earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, though that is beat by the 2.14 points per dollar offered by Sapphire Preferred.
-2 Free Checked Bags:
You and one companion automatically get 2 free checked bags on United worldwide. If you bring 2 bags each that’s a savings of $240 domestically or a savings of $400 to most international destinations (Europe, Israel, Argentina, Asia, Australia, etc) on a round-trip.
Not only that but additional cards are free, and although additional cardholders don’t automatically get 2 free bags like the primary cardholder, they will at the checkin counter by just showing the agent their United Club card if you purchase their ticket using the United Club card. I have tested this out many times to confirm that this works. For a family of 4 with 8 checked bags you can split your itinerary into 2 after purchasing it, and then with 1 primary card and 1 additional card all 8 checked bags will be free, a savings of $480 domestically or $800 to most international destinations on a round-trip.
As the free luggage benefit can be attained by just showing a checkin agent your credit card, it will last until the card’s expiration date, which is 3 years from when you are approved.
-Premier Access and Boarding:
You’ll get priority check-in, priority baggage handling (your bags will arrive ahead of the general public’s), and priority security line access.
Plus you will board at the same time as Premier Silver elite members, ahead of Explorer cardholders, ahead of families with children, and way ahead of the general public, so that you will have plenty of space for your carry-ons.
-Waived Award Expedite/Close-In Fees:
Those pesky $75 per passenger fees for booking an award ticket within 21 days (which is right when the best award availability starts to open up) are automatically waived for cardholders!
-No foreign Transaction fees:
Get the best rates and pay no exchange rate fees.
-Avis President’s Club Elite Status:
Cardholders get Avis’ invite only President’s Club elite status!
With this status you get guaranteed 2 class upgrades, and often will get free luxury car upgrades, just like Chairman members!
-Hyatt Platinum Elite Status:
Cardmembers get Platinum status at Hyatt, giving them free internet, upgrades, bonus points, and a sweetened offer when they apply for the Hyatt credit card.
As with the Explorer card, you also get these benefits:
-Primary CDW Rental Car Insurance:
Almost all credit cards only offer secondary CDW rental car insurance, meaning that you must first file a claim with your personal insurance which will affect your rates. The United consumers cards cover accidents without the need to make any claim with your personal insurance and should definitely be your go-to card for all car rentals outside of Israel.
-Premier upgrades on award tickets:
Premier members will be eligible for upgrades by being a United cardholder.
-Non-expiring miles:
As long as you’re a United cardholder your miles will never expire.
-Last-Seat Standard Awards:
As long as there’s a seat on the plane you’ll be able to use double miles for it. This level is now capacity controlled for general members.
-Other protections:
-Travel Accident Insurance
-Emergency Assistance
-Trip Cancellation Insurance
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Delayed Luggage Reimbursement
-Delayed Trip Reimbursement
-Extended Warranty Protection
-Price Drop Protection
-Purchase Protection
-Return Protection
-Worldwide Emergency Card Replacement
1
April 30th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Does the card need to be active to get lounge access?
2
April 30th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
If you already have the presidential plus card, a) is it worth it to switch b) what are the differences?
3
April 30th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@jj 1000:
You receive a separate United Club membership card that will be good for 14-18 months when you apply for the credit card.
I’m not unsure what will happen to that if you cancel the card for a refund.
Other benefits, like the 2 free bags by showing the credit card will still work, and the Avis/Hyatt status should stick around for a while as well.
@mickeyg:
The main difference between the Presidential Plus card and the United card is that the Presidential Plus card earn 1,000 elite miles for every $5,000 you spend.
In other words it earns 1 redeemable mile and 0.2 elite miles per dollar spent.
Effective 2012 the elite miles will start expiring after 39 months and you can no longer attain top-tier status (1K) with Presidential Plus elite miles, you can only earn up to Platinum.
The United card does not earn elite miles, it earns 1.5 redeemable miles per dollar spent.
Another thing to keep in mind, the Presidential Plus card is discontinued, so while you can convert a Presidential Plus card into a United Card, that will be a one-way street as you can’t apply for the Presidential Plus card anymore.
You can have both a United Club card and a Presidential Plus card though if you so desired.
4
April 30th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@jj1000 Yes the card needs to be active. Unlike the Amex Platinum, in this case the credit card itself is used to get into the lounge, rather when you get the card, they enroll the primary cardholder into the United Club and send them a separate United Club Membership Card good for a year. Every time you keep the card for another year they do this again. According to the terms and conditions if you cancel the card then they will also close you United Club account. So at best case you’d still have access until the end of the year if they don’t get to closing it, but they definitely arent going to renew your lounge membership.
5
April 30th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Does the au on this card also get lounge access?
6
April 30th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Do these apply if you still have the old CO PP card?
7
April 30th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@Yosef_S:
The membership is good for slightly longer than a year, but you are correct, they definitely will not renew your membership.
I think his question is if you cancel within the 30/60 days for a refund as to what happens to the membership card for that year.
@fan of dan:
Not unless they are traveling with you.
@joey:
I highlighted the only difference that I know of in comment 3.
8
April 30th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@fanofdan No, for this card they only enroll the primary in the United Club.
9
April 30th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Dan, is there any likelihood that they’re going to up the signing bonus for this anytime soon that would make it worth waiting?
10
April 30th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
@Yosef_S:
No, I don’t recall them ever offering a mileage signup bonus for Presidential Plus or United Club.
Some elite members have received targeted offers for the first year free. If you do apply for this card definitely try to send a secure message once it appears in your account on chase.com to see if they will match the first year free promotion and let us know what happens!
11
April 30th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
is there any other way to get the Airport Terminal Access? id like to take my kid there one time
12
April 30th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Can I convert an explorer card to a club card? And would it be worth it?
13
April 30th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
@shlomo:
Not without having an airplane ticket or buying a $475/year United club membership outright.
@Sunny:
You may be able to if you have had the card active for greater than one year.
Call Chase for more details and read the benefits in this post to decide if it’s worth the extra $300 per year.
14
April 30th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Is there a way to get the unlimited terminal access with the presidential plus card?
15
April 30th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Dan,
What about changes to an award ticket within 21 days of departure – is that fee waived with this card?
16
April 30th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
@mickeyg:
Absolutely!
Just go to the checkin counter, show your United Club membership, and ask for a gate pass to go to the club.
If they give you any problems ask for a supervisor or ask them to call the club.
If they still give you problems you can tell them to lookup “GG Checkpoint” and on line 53 of their internal system it spells out that United Club members can get gate passes for themselves as well as all guests to access the club at anytime.
Enjoy, it’s an awesome benefit that I have used dozens of times!
@Al:
Excellent question!
I would assume those would be waived too, but if anyone has firsthand experience please post a comment!
Note that changes made within 21 days of your current award flight to a new flight outside of 21 days are always free, it’s just changes to a new flight within 21 days that draws the $75 close-in fee. They added that to close the loophole of people booking award tickets for a month out and then changing them to a flight within 21 days to avoid the close-in fee.
17
April 30th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
another option is that if you have any explorer cards or one pass plus cards that its almost one year and u want to cancel it because of the annual fee you should convert it to the club card since you can use the club card for 60 days. since chase told me if you cancel the card with in 60 days your annual fee is refunded.
18
April 30th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
@dave:
You can’t convert until you’ve had the Continental/United card for over 1 year.
Also some Chase reps say 30 days and other say 60 days, so be sure to SM and get it in writing as Chase does not offer pro-rated refunds like AMEX does once the deadline is up.
The 30/60 days is from when they charge the annual fee and not from when the statement prints.
19
April 30th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
how does it stack up vs the platinum amex? ( for the $)
20
April 30th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Do authorized cardholders get lounge access when traveling without the primary cardholder?
21
April 30th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Dan,
how long does the avis presidents club status last?
22
April 30th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@ym:
They’re both excellent cards, but this card offers amazing benefits and an amazing amount of miles for spending.
The Platinum card only gives amazing benefits, you’d have to be crazy to spend anything on it.
That said, they both give access to a completely different set of lounges. If you have both you’ll be able to access a lounge pretty much anywhere you may find yourself.
@Daniel:
No.
@yonah:
As long as you have the card the card you’ll have the Avis and Hyatt status.
I’m not sure when they check to see if your card has been cancelled, but they’ll definitely last a while longer than afterwards.
23
April 30th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@yonah: As long as you have an active PP or united club account
24
April 30th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
@Dan: the same goes for the Presidential Plus?
25
April 30th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
I recently flew and used the Priority Pass and got hit with 3 $27 charges for bringing in my friend to the lounges. I thought I have free guests with the platinum Amex. Anything I can do about it now? It was in JFK – Delta club, terminal 4, and KBP.
Thanks!
26
April 30th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Can I get 2 bags with other star alliance airlines with this card? How about when I fly with miles?
27
April 30th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
@sam:
Yes.
@Shmuel Boruch:
You only get free guests when you use the actual AMEX card for lounge access. I’m not sure why you didn’t do that.
The Priority Pass is only free for you and should only be used at non-AA, Delta, and USAir lounges.
You can try calling/messaging AMEX and tell them you were confused and ask for a refund.
@zalmen:
It’s only for travel on United.
It works even if you are on miles.
28
April 30th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
If you are coming off a flight and want gate access to the lounge, what’s the largest size luggage you can bring though security?
29
April 30th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
@sam:
You plan on getting off a flight, leaving security, picking up your luggage, getting a gate pass, going back through security, and using the lounge?
Why not just leave your luggage on the carousel and an airline employee will lock it up for you? Unless of course you have valuables in there, but you should never ever check valuables in your luggage anyway.
30
April 30th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@Dan: my question was for someone not travelling at all let alone get off a plane…..
31
April 30th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@sam:
You just said “if you are coming off a flight” and now it’s for someone not traveling at with a huge suitcase??
At any rate I have no idea. I don’t think there’s a rule, it’s just whatever will fit into the TSA scanner, and different scanners are different sizes.
32
April 30th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
two different Sam’s here so it’s confusing.
Can’t leave on belt if you are coming off an overseas flight and you want to get into the lounge. Eg you are waiting for someone to fly in on another flight.
33
April 30th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@Dan: Looks like theres 2 sams
34
April 30th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@sam:
Lol…I see that now.
I had already answered the other sam, not sure why he didn’t see my answer.
At any rate, I don’t know the exact answer you’re looking for, sorry.
35
April 30th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
can you get a gate pass for internatinal flights incoming to see someone coming from an internatinal place
36
April 30th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@dave:
Of course not. International arrivals don’t go through the gate, they go through customs.
And nobody is giving you a customs pass.
37
April 30th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Dan,
You said the “$75 close-in fee” is waived. Is that only for travel on united or does it include travel on a partner?
Say, if I booked a flight from US to TLV on Lufthansa or similar using my united miles?
Is it also free to change united mileage ticket destinations (i.e switch LAX – NY to LAX – FLL) and cancel awards or only to change the travel dates?
38
April 30th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@Dan: with the exception of most US arrivals from Canada who have already cleared customs before boarding.
39
April 30th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@Kenny:
The $75 close-in fee will be waived for travel on partners as well.
It is free to change dates, airlines, and connecting cities, but the origin and destination cities can’t be changed for free.
@Freddie:
True, as they arrive through the gate.
40
April 30th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
what is a better card to have if you spend 100k a year the Presidential Plus card or united club or chase ink bold what give you more benefits and miles
41
April 30th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Have you seen a Chase Card that gives 5 points for every dollar spent at office supply stores?
someone told me about such a card.
thanks.
42
April 30th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
What about standby fees – are they waived?
43
April 30th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
@aa gold:
Which version Ink Bold? The current one or the discontinued one with or without exclusives?
@drodavis:
There are a few cards like that: http://www.dansdeals.com/credit-cards
@Steve:
No.
44
April 30th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
with 20% Exclusives Bonus earned on purchases
45
April 30th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
@aa gold:
100k on the discontinued Ink Bold with exclusives is the exact ideal amount for that card and will beat any other card.
46
April 30th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Does anyone know if sending money through paypal’s personal owed option is a good idea for meeting a spending minimum for a signup bonus?
47
April 30th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@manny:
You will pay 3% if you pay with a cc.
Amazon Payments is free.
48
April 30th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
but the way you say it you get 1.5 redeemable miles per dollar spent. om united club and ink bold plus you get all the bonus
49
April 30th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
I have the Presidential Plus card, so far between like Feb. When the system online recognized me (not sure, maybe chase gave them a list) as a pres plus cc holder, I didn’t pay close in booking fees, same happened on the phone, I explained them I’m a PP cc holder, no problem, vhanged with no $75 fee, lately since April 16 (I tried twice), they didn’t care what I said, they charged me the $75 twice X 2 for 2 separate bookings, I will still go ahead and dispute those charges, and will see if Chase sides with me (fortunately they list those feees separately on the statement, so pointing them out is easy). To my understanding, close in booking fees, means regardless if its a new res or a change…
50
April 30th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Dan,
Do you get better award availability on uniteds award booking with this card?
What type of limit do you get with this, I currently spend monthly over 200k on the ink bold.
Thanks
51
April 30th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
In your estimation how much do I need to spend a year to make this card worth it to justify the annual fee?
52
April 30th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@David:
That would depend on how you value the other benefits like the club membership, 2 free checked bags per person, waived expedite fees, Avis Presidents Club, etc.
Once you figure out what each of those are worth to you on a yearly basis you can then figure out if the 1.5 miles pushes the card over the threshold or not.
For some people just those things alone will be worth the $395 annual fee and the 1.5 miles per dollar is icing on the cake.
For others those benefits may be worth nothing and you’d have to spend north of $50,000 per year until the card becomes worthwhile.
Most people will probably wind up in the middle though.
53
April 30th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
For me its the miles I care about everything else is the icing.
I would probably spend north of 300k a year I’m debating if its worth biting the bullet..
54
April 30th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@David:
At 300K/year you are far and beyond the threshold, get this card today!!!
That’s an extra 120,000 miles per year at 1.5 miles per dollar compared to Freedom with checking at 1.1 miles per dollar.
(450K with United Club Vs. 330K with Freedom with checking)
If you get 1.8 cents value per mile that’s an extra $2,160 in your pocket because of the extra .4 miles per dollar, besides for all of the other benefits of the card.
55
April 30th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
One more q. Do you know if I have additional cards on this account will the statement be divided by card like amex or will I have to dissect who made what purchase?
Thank you
56
April 30th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
what’s the min CL?
57
April 30th, 2012 at 10:22 pm
@David:
Usually if it’s a business card account it will be divided by the users, but on a personal account not.
58
April 30th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
will avis give a secondary card holder president club status? how much is secondary card holder?
59
April 30th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
@Levi I believe 7500
60
April 30th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
For those asking about when the club membership will end, FT’ers have reported that their club membership lasted even though they cancelled their card.
One user posted that he cancelled his card in January when the next annual fee came up, but the club membership card still worked in April. His membership seems to have been for 16 months from when he got his card.
@steph:
No.
Free.
61
May 1st, 2012 at 12:05 am
so i got 55k and $50 credit on the united explorer. thanks bro!
62
May 1st, 2012 at 12:18 am
@Dan:
The question is, which is more preferable the extra miles or the elite qualification miles?
63
May 1st, 2012 at 12:19 am
@Daniel:
Congrats!
@Maxie:
That answer will be different for everyone, but it won’t matter unless you already have the Presidential Plus.
64
May 1st, 2012 at 1:28 am
The 1.5 points per dollar is only better than the Freedom card for purchases over $25, otherwise the 10 points per transaction bonus puts Freedom over the top. Though for the people here spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, you’re probably spending more than $25 per purchase…
65
May 1st, 2012 at 1:32 am
@Ben:
Correct.
66
May 1st, 2012 at 2:32 am
can u cancel after 30 days and get a full refund?
67
May 1st, 2012 at 2:42 am
@me:
Yes, within 30/60 days depending on the rep.
68
May 1st, 2012 at 8:06 am
@Dan:
I do have the presidential card now and I spend appropriately 50k on it yearly.
69
May 1st, 2012 at 8:45 am
Your probably only referring to US credit cards, but I get 1.5 krisflyer points for every dollar I spend on my Singapore airlines westpac (bank in australia) amex card.
70
May 1st, 2012 at 9:07 am
Thanks Dan!
71
May 1st, 2012 at 10:41 am
I have been primarily using the (formerly) Continental Presidential Plus card. Are there many advantages to this one over that one? Many of the benefits seem quite similar.
72
May 1st, 2012 at 11:03 am
@Maxie:
50K means either 50K redeemable+10K elite miles with Pres Plus or 75K redeemable miles per year with United Club.
Only you can know what is better for you.
@Yakov:
Singapore miles means heavy fuel surcharges on award tickets.
United miles never have fuel surcharges on award tickets and allow free changes as well.
Not even comparable, though I suppose it would be cool to blow a million miles to fly in the A380 F suite from the US to Singapore
@Chaim:
The only difference was outlined in comment 3.
73
May 1st, 2012 at 11:15 am
Does this card have CDW coverage in Israel?
74
May 1st, 2012 at 11:35 am
@Manulkale:
No.
75
May 1st, 2012 at 12:32 pm
i call chase and they told me that u still get 1,000 elite miles for every $5,000 you spend and that you start off in silver how many miles does it take to get to united 1k
and you get the 10 k for the first 25 k
what i want to now is if i have 2 united explore cards right now and i am paying $95 for each should i move them to united club and have only one card
76
May 1st, 2012 at 12:37 pm
@aa gold:
The United Club card does not give elite miles.
77
May 1st, 2012 at 12:57 pm
so what should i do bc when i called the rep told me they do
78
May 1st, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@aa gold:
The rep is mistaken.
79
May 1st, 2012 at 1:12 pm
do u have a better # to call united i am on hold for a hour
80
May 1st, 2012 at 1:31 pm
dan i called united and they told me again that you do get it
81
May 1st, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@Dan I actually meant to post in the other page about the Sapphire Preferred card, wondering in what ways that one is better than Pres Plus. But now that we are discussing the differences between PP and UC, according to your reply in 74, that is another difference, I believe, because IIANM the PP card does provide CDW in Israel.
82
May 1st, 2012 at 1:43 pm
@aa gold:
Hope you get that in writing
@Chaim:
It does not.
83
May 1st, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@Dan: I stand corrected
84
May 1st, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Dan,
I went on the apply page for the united club card. It says.”Existing United Club members are eligible for a special United MileagePlus® Club Card Offer” I called Chase they weren’t aware of it, and sent me to United. That didn’t help. I am a Presidential Plus card holder, and would get the club card as well, if disscounted. Any info?
85
May 1st, 2012 at 2:55 pm
@Steve:
It’s talking about someone who actually paid for a club membership, not for cardholders.
86
May 1st, 2012 at 4:38 pm
applied, crossing my fingers…
87
May 2nd, 2012 at 9:57 am
Are the two free bags only if you paid for the ticket on the card? Because the United site says “when they purchase their tickets with their MileagePlus Club or Presidential Plus Card” and you seem to be saying all you need to do is show it?
88
May 2nd, 2012 at 10:13 am
@Abs:
Based on my experiences:
The primary member receives 2 free bags automatically regardless of payment method and will not have to show the card.
Secondary cardholders can also receive 2 bags regardless of payment method but they will have to show the card to a competent agent.
89
May 2nd, 2012 at 10:18 am
Applied last night for this card as well as the sapphire. I got instant approval for this card and pe ding on the sapphire. Than you
90
May 2nd, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Which of the benefits doesn’t the additional user get?
91
May 3rd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Dan – thanks for all your work. The Club card gives PremierAccess benefits for UA flights; do those benefits (early boarding, etc) extend to Star Alliance partners the way Premier mileage status does? I don’t have actual Premier status, just the Club card.
92
May 3rd, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@Joe:
They only get free bags.
@MarktMan:
Just when flying United.
93
May 3rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Is there anything I need to do once I get the card to get the benefits on united or does it automatically link to my united account? Thanks
94
May 3rd, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@David:
It will link automatically within a couple days.
95
May 9th, 2012 at 2:08 am
but dan, after the first yr should i cancel it? i dont want to pay those fees! u always tell me to never cancel cards! …..
96
May 9th, 2012 at 2:53 am
With the United “Explorer” card, where you always get 1 free bag, does that mean that to Israel where anyone automatically gets 1 free bag, that the 2nd bag will also be free with the Explorer card?
97
May 9th, 2012 at 7:09 am
also does the free extra baggage only work if i fly united? or any airline? and also how many times a yr can i use the free baggae
98
May 9th, 2012 at 7:50 am
I have a Continetnatl World Business Card that will be be renewed in June at he curent membership rate about 85 dollars. We travel to Israel several times a year and are no longer getting 2 suitcases as we were silver elite until the March merger. Any suggestions what to do do to get a better card?
99
May 9th, 2012 at 8:26 am
Update, 05/09: After receiving this card you can login on Chase.com and send a secure message requesting a match to get the annual fee on this card waived for the first year! Multiple people have had tried this and received confirmation that their annual fees will be waived for the first year!???????????
what is the match code or were can you find it
100
May 9th, 2012 at 10:17 am
@Dan – @ Joe:
They dont get 1.5 miles for the $ spent on their card?
101
May 9th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@TZvee:
You can always downgrade to a free card or use the card as leverage to get approved for a different new card you apply for.
@Deal Guy:
No, with the regular explorer card you only get your first bag for free.
Only with this Club card will the 2nd bag also be free.
@TZvee:
Only United.
As many times as you or your free added cardholders fly!
@Stephie:
Apply for this one and then send a SM to get the first year for free.
@aa gold:
There is no code, nor do you need a code.
Just like you don’t need a code for other matches (United Explorer 55K+$50, Southwest 50K, Ink Bold 60K, etc.)
@Yitzchok:
Yes, of course they get that as well. But the other fringe benefits of the card do not apply to added users besides for 2 free bags.
102
May 9th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Dan,
Can give me an example of what to write to request the match to cancell the fee.
Thanks
103
May 9th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@DZ Telzer:
I saw that there is an offer to get the United club card with the first year fee waived, can you please match that offer on my United Club card that I just received.
104
May 9th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Hi dan if i upgrade from a explorer card to club card will they also match the offer then since i dont want to run my credit
105
May 9th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@DAVE:
Call and ask, but I doubt it.
Either way applying for a card won’t ruin your credit, I apply for cards all the time and have great credit.
106
May 9th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Where will y miles go if I keep both or do i have to eliminate one of the cards? What if I begin to travel less and dont want the hefty membership fee next year?
Thanks
107
May 9th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
@Stephie:
The miles can go to the same account. You can always downgrade to a free card later on.
108
May 9th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Dan,
Just to clarify….If the first year fee is waived, this card is a no-brainer isnt it? I like the sound of all the free upgrades
How sure are you that I will be able to get matched?
109
May 9th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@New DD’er:
Everyone I have spoken to has been successful with the secure message request for the first year free and yes, it is an amazing card.
However even if you do get rejected (and you try messaging a differing department as well to no avail) you can always cancel within 30/60 days to get a refund.
The card will still work for 2 free bags (for 3 years until the printed expiration) and you will get a lounge membership (typically good for about 15 months though terms state it can be cancelled if the card is cancelled) and Avis/Hyatt elite status, though it’s unknown exactly how long each of those will last for once the card in cancelled.
110
May 9th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Btw, I’ve been meaning to ask….I’ve been tempted by this card because of the Avis upgrades, but I never rent with Avis because I am 23 and I am afraid of getting into age issues. Instead I rent with Enterprise using their Chabad code. Can the same be done with Avis and then get the upgrade?
111
May 9th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@New DD’er:
Yes, there are plenty of underage codes out there for Avis, and the President’s Club status you get for having this card is excellent!
112
May 9th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
what are some codes for avis if im 23 to waive the underage fee dan??
113
May 9th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Dan,
You are a true gentleman and a scholar…Looking forward to the next rafi contest!!
114
May 9th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
also some1 has told me that elite members got a brochure in the lounges with a code on them that offered this card with the 1st year waived, do u know if i can use 1 of those codes? will it work? thanx dan
115
May 9th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
@shimon:
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=10598
@shimon:
You may be able to get those in some lounges, however with this method you do not need them!
Either way you will get the first year for free!
(Plus with the link in this post you may just get lucky and get the $95 statement credit and the first year free)
116
May 9th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@Dan: wow thats gr8 i just applied and got approved instantly! thanx 2 u dan!!!!
117
May 9th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
@shimon:
Congrats, keep us posted with your secure message results once the card shows up in your chase.com profile!
118
May 9th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
@Dan:
hi dan do you know of any amex waived card fees ID
119
May 9th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Dan,
By the way, I have the PP but the statement says Mileage Plus United.
120
May 9th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Will this card help for overweight bags coming back from Israel?
121
May 9th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Hello,
A few months ago I applied and was approved for the Continental OnePass Mastercard. I followed your advice and got the 55k+50 deal.
I followed your advice once again, closed my SP Visa and just got approved for the SP MC.
Should I apply for the United card now? Wouldn’t that be too many credit pulls in a short period?
I appreciate your help. Keep up the good work בעז”ה!
122
May 9th, 2012 at 10:25 pm
great posting as usual.
as far as i was told the secondary user does not get free luggage on united explorer. what is your finding?
if you want to go to a gate just buy refundable tickets and make sure to cancel before the flight and get your money back.
123
May 9th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
@Joe:
No, it gives you an extra free bag, but not overweight.
@Hello:
There’s not really a limit, it’s all YMMV.
@margo:
It does work for a free bag by showing it at the checkin counter.
That works as well, but then you have to wait a while for a refund to process, this is much simpler.
124
May 9th, 2012 at 11:58 pm
WooHoo! just got approved on the spot! Can I send them a SM now, or do i need to wait till the card shows up in my chase account?
125
May 9th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
dan any update on the thank you points?
126
May 10th, 2012 at 1:29 am
Dan, you mention that “You can have the card even if you already have an Explorer card.”
But what about applying for both the Explorer card and this club card at the same time using the 3BM? What are the chances that they will both be approved?
127
May 10th, 2012 at 7:15 am
Is there a difference between the personal and business card?
128
May 10th, 2012 at 9:56 am
Can I apply now or do i have to wait till i have had the Continental Business World card for a year?
129
May 10th, 2012 at 10:13 am
@Cholentfresser:
Wait until it shows up.
@dave:
Nope.
@Anon:
If you can make the case for having both, decent.
@TraderDe:
I’m not sure if the business card has the Hyatt/Avis benefits.
And car rental insurance may not apply to business cards.
@Stephie:
You can apply now.
130
May 10th, 2012 at 10:30 am
If I am approved for this new crd would it make sense to keep my current world business master card from chase/continental?
THANKS!
131
May 10th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@Stephie:
You can change that into a better business card, like Ink Classic or Ink Bold.
132
May 10th, 2012 at 10:46 am
Also any advantage to the Business Club Card over the regular? My husband is applying for it and is a self employed attorney.
133
May 10th, 2012 at 11:13 am
I just requested a status match to national executive elite with the presidents club status I got from the card, but in my card it says united pres plus on the bottom. Do you think they’ll still match it if i only got it from the card
134
May 10th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Stephie:
Answered in 129.
@Ari:
No idea.
135
May 10th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
how do i get another united mileage plus number so i can apply for the explorer card? i have an old united miles card and want the bonus and then i can move the other card to the explorer? please advise. thanks
136
May 10th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
@margo:
http://www.united.com
137
May 10th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
what info do i give differently than my original one?
138
May 10th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
@Dan: please advise what to write differently to open another mileage plus account. thanks so much.
139
May 11th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Are there United clubs in TLV?
I know there’s 2 Dan clubs I can get into with my AMEX Platinum Priority Pass. If I’m flying United are they too far from my gates? Is it worth it? Are they any better than the Dan club?
Thanks!
140
May 11th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@Joe:
United uses the Dan lounge in TLV.
141
May 12th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Hi Dan
Quick Question.
We can get the First Yr waived? and maybe get also a Statement Credit? How?
Thanks!
142
May 12th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
thanx dan
Thank you for contacting Chase about your United
MileagePlus credit card account.
We will be happy to honor your request and issue a credit
for the remaining $300 annual fee to waive it for the
first year. However, our records show the $395 annual fee
has not yet been billed to the credit card. Please
contact us after the $395 annual fee posts.
If you have any further questions, please reply using the
Secure Message Center.
143
May 12th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@Heshy:
Send a secure message.
@aa gold:
Congrats!
144
May 13th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@aa gold: did they reply rite away? wen i sent a message they said they will send it to the rite department and get back 2 me within 7 days? does that make sense? does it mean i wont get the credit?
thank you
145
May 13th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@aa gold: did it take time till they responded??
146
May 13th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Yes it took them 2 days to get back to me
147
May 13th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
i tried getting them to upgrade my explorer to a club and they said its federal regulation not to allow changes in your card unless you’ve had it for a year. HUCA or is that the rule?
148
May 13th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
@bb:
That’s the rule.
149
May 13th, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Hey dan,
you happen to know if my wife and I share the same chase checking account, would that effect receiving the refund through the secure message board if we were to both open our own united cards?
150
May 14th, 2012 at 7:04 am
@As gold: what did u write in your secure message?
151
May 14th, 2012 at 9:37 am
At the Dan Lounge in TLV does this card give access to the whole family?
152
May 14th, 2012 at 11:59 am
what Dan Says:
103
May 9th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@DZ Telzer:
I saw that there is an offer to get the United club card with the first year fee waived, can you please match that offer on my United Club card that I just received.
153
May 14th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Does this idea of opening multiple cards under this “3BM” method not strike anyone as being unethical? Just because there is some technical feasability to do this, doesn’t make it right. It’s clearly not the intent of the company to allow this. I really have a problem promoting this. I have think karma will catch up with you for this.
154
May 14th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@bcl:
If they didn’t want to give you 3 cards they wouldn’t.
The fact is that they do (even by talking to recon over the phone after being rejected) and the fact that you only get 1 credit pull has to do with the credit bureau’s policy.
To each their own though, personally I find that saying something bad will happen to someone else causes something bad to happen to the one that says it.
155
May 14th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Dan,
You mention that “Cardmembers get Platinum status at Hyatt, giving them free internet, upgrades, bonus points, and a sweetened offer when they apply for the Hyatt credit card.”
What additional “sweetened offer” do card members get?
Do these perks only apply if you are currently a club card holder at the time of the Hyatt check-in, or until the expiration date on the card?
Also, more of a general question… not taking the United Club card into consideration, what makes the Hyatt Card better than the Fairmont card (which both offer 2 free nights and 1 free each year) if the Fairmont card comes with a complimentary annual lounge club membership (https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/fairmont-credit-card.aspx) and the annual fee is waived the first year as opposed to Hyatt’s which is not?
156
May 14th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
If they wanted you to have three cards and receive all of the bonus awards, they would allow you to select “3″ on the application. Because you have figured out that you can use three browsers to do it suggests this was not an intended outcome for them. What you’re doing is just gaming the system. Same as using an expired AMEX Platinum to get into an airline club. This is not an intended benefit of the card. That the computer system doesn’t recognize it doesn’t make it right. My point is these things have a way of catching up with people down the road.
157
May 14th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@Anon:
-You receive 2 free confirmed upgrades if you apply for the Hyatt card while being a Hyatt Platinum member, you do not need to be Platinum at checkin.
-To be clear, The Fairmont card requires $12,000 in annual spending for a free night, while the free night at Hyatt doesn’t require any spending.
-It takes $65,000 of spending on the Fairmont card for 1 free night at a top tier hotel. It takes $22,000 on the Hyatt card for their top tier hotels, which often cost more than Fairmont’s top tier.
-The Hyatt card gives elite status just for having the card, the Fairmont card does not.
-There are hundreds of Hyatts and just a few dozen Fairmonts.
The signup offer for either card is indeed pretty sweet though!
@bcl:
Sorry, but how exactly would it allow you to select “3″? And there should be a dropdown of which 3 cards you want?
The fact that real live Recon folks will approve all 3 apps prove that this isn’t just a scam.
As far as the Platinum card, I’m really not sure what that has to do with this, other than you venting all of your beefs on me (does venting like that also cause bad karma?) Personally I have lifetime lounge memberships and an active Platinum card, but the fact is that canceled Plat cards dos work and if they didn’t want it to work they would’ve stopped it years ago.
Sorry if you’re unhappy that I reported it.
158
May 14th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@bcl:
bcl, you are obviously not understanding what 3BM is. Please read up on it before making accusations. 3BM does NOT allow someone to get three of the same card and all the bonus miles that come along with it. It is simply used to sign up to 3 different cards from the same bank while only taking one credit hit as opposed to 3 hits.
159
May 14th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Hey dan I have the hyat card already and I just got approved for the united card do I still get the 2 free upgraded rooms as a platinum member or since when I got the hyat card I didn’t have platinum ill only get 2 regular rooms as the bonus?
160
May 14th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@shimmy:
You can try calling Hyatt and ask for the 2 confirmed upgrades for getting the Hyatt card as your are Platinum.
161
May 14th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
@Dan: as of when do i become platinum? the second i got approved for the united card or i have to wait to get the offer from united?
162
May 14th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
@shimon:
Once you’re approved just call Chase for instructions.
163
May 14th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I got back:
I am writing in response to your inquiry.
I have forwarded your message to the appropriate
department for review and you should receive a response
within seven business day.
164
May 14th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@Yitzchok:
That’s normal.
165
May 14th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
I never used the word scam nor am I implying that it’s illegal. I’m only saying’s it inappropriately gaming the system. I appreciate a lot of the advice and info you provide here but I think in this area, you are merely supplying people with a loophole in the system that wasn’t intended. ie the Platinum AMEX card…I doubt they want people to be able to use an expired card to continue to receive premium benefits. The fact that the computer allows it does not imply the company condones it. Companies don’t have the time or resouces to close every loophole in the system. That doesn’t make taking advantage of that fact ethical. Again, I’m not suggesting what you are promoting is illegal, just unethical. Anyway, we all have to live with our choices.
166
May 14th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@bcl:
Fair enough.
I’ll simply leave it up to the ethical standards of everyone out there, as I said, to each their own.
167
May 14th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Hey dan,
you happen to know if my wife and I share the same chase checking account, would that effect receiving the refund through the secure message board if we were to both open our own united cards?
Basically, can we each apply for our own united cards and both receive the first year free?
168
May 14th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@Eli:
I don’t see why not.
169
May 15th, 2012 at 9:22 am
Dan,
Have you ever thought of offering your services as a consultant? There are many businesses spending 100k’s of cc’s a year. I cant see why hiring you at $200/hr for a minimum of 3 hours would not be worth their while. You can analyze their spending and advise on the best assortment of cards based on your experience. I imagine you’d be able to help in other areas too. I would consider offering it on your site..(I have some more ideas on how you can implement if you’d like – email me)
Either way, can you please elaborate a bit on:
This blows every other card out of the water. You’ll get 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend anywhere. No other card out there offers anything near this earning rate on everyday purchases!
and
It’s not hard at all to get at least 1.8 cents value per mile (or much more than that), but at that rate it’s a 2.7% rebate on everything you buy.
170
May 15th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@Michael:
Not a bad idea
What would you like me to elaborate on? You get 1.5 miles per dollar at a value of about ~1.8 cents per mile that’s a rebate of ~2.7%.
171
May 15th, 2012 at 10:27 am
got the club card for business today.No bonus just a 95 credit to my account on first purchase. any thoughts as to whether they can offer me a free year since i only have the continental world for business Master card? it will be a year in june. Also what can i convert that card to that makes sense. I have amex gold and now club card for business. I think I posted this to the board yesterday sorry,
172
May 15th, 2012 at 11:03 am
Got it. Thanks. I was not connecting the two..
Do you have a good source to sell miles to?
173
May 15th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
hey dan i really appreciate it thanx again this is wat they sent me!
Thank you for contacting Chase about your MileagePlus
account.
We will be happy to honor your request and issue a credit
for the remaining $300 annual fee to waive it for the
first year. However, our records show the $395 annual fee
has not yet been billed to the credit card. Please
contact us after the $395 annual fee posts. The account
does show a $95 statement credit for the annual fee under
the original offer.
If you have any further questions, please reply using the
Secure Message Center.
Thank you,
Jordan Padron
Email Customer Service Representative
1-800-436-7927
174
May 15th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
@shimon:
Congrats!
175
May 15th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Hi,
Is an “FR” like an audit?
Who does the “FR”?
Thank you for your help.
176
May 16th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
TNX DAN!!
We appreciate this opportunity to assist you with your
inquiry regarding your United MileagePlus� Club credit
card account.
We have reviewed the application that you completed and
the enrollment offer attached to that application states
you will receive a $95.00 statement after your first
purchase. We understand you received an offer entitling
you to receive the first year annual fee waiver of
$395.00. We will be happy to exchange the offers and issue
a credit for the difference of $300.00. Please contact us
after the annual fee has posted to the account so we can
make the necessary adjustments at that time.
If you have any further questions, please reply using the
Secure Message Center.
Thank you,
Margaret Hugh
E-mail Customer Service Advisor
1-800-436-7927
177
May 16th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Hi Dan,
I was just approved for a Mileage Plus Explorer card. Would there be any problem with my applying for a Club card so soon after getting the Explorer card? I know you said you could have both. Should have gotten the Club to begin with. Thanks in advance.
Chris
178
May 16th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@Yoily:
Lol, nothing like an IRS audit, they just want to make sure you earn an income if you raise red flags.
@Yitzchok:
Congrats!
@Chris:
Go for it and recon will likely approve.
179
May 17th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
I noticed that if you’re already a Mileage plus member and you get the explorer CC you get 65K bonus miles. Is there anyway to get those miles after getting the Mileage Plus club card?
180
May 17th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
@Eli:
No. The club card gives no miles.
181
May 17th, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Hi Dan wondering if you have any thoughts to my post above. Thanks!
182
May 17th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
@Stephie:
-SM them.
-I’m not sure they’ll convert it to anything, ask them.
183
May 18th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Hey Dan,
Is there a list of rules that say you can access the United Club? I tried to access the one in Washingtons’ Dulles Airport and I was denied as a United Club member. If I had the rule I would love to show it to them.
Thanks!
184
May 20th, 2012 at 5:45 am
@Stephie:
I just got the Club card and sent Chase an SM to match the first year free offer. It took a few days, but I just heard back that they will match the offer once the $300 annual fee hits my account. My advice would be to ask nicely.
185
May 24th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
i just got matched for first year fee waived, on united and hyatt cards. i had to ask a few times and ive found that dans nusach works best “Hi i heard there is such and such an offer can you please match it…” i tried nice cordial and polite letters first but they were nicely and cordially denied.
186
May 29th, 2012 at 10:02 am
How do I get the Avis presidential membership. I have the card for two weeks already..
Thanks
187
May 29th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Hi Dan, Just wondering what the sweetened offer for Hyatt was after getting approved for this card. If I already have the Hyatt card, am I still eligible for that? Also, The United club-does it offer free lounge access for a companion as well (my wife who is traveling with me), does it work in all star alliance lounges, and do I have to be flying on a star alliance flight? Thanks so much!!
188
May 29th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
@Michael:
Call the number on your card.
@Chaim:
-First get the Platinum status and then try calling Hyatt to get the 2 suite upgrades.
-You do get free companion access and you do not need to be traveling on a Star Alliance flight, however it does not work in all Star Alliance lounges. Look on the United Lounge site link that is in the post for the lounges that give access to United Club members.
189
May 29th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
i tried using my club membership to get into the dan lounge in TLV and i was denied because you have to be flying united to get in and i was flying elal.
does that make sense dan??
190
May 29th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@shimon:
Nope.
Did you have your United Club membership card on you or just the credit card?
191
June 3rd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@Dan: i had my club card on me and the woman said to me that other lounges i would be able to get into but the DAN lounge has a special contract that only if i was flying united i can get in with that card.
192
June 4th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
@shimon:
Try writing a complaint to United.
193
June 6th, 2012 at 10:51 am
THANK YOU DAN!!! Just received this………….
Thank you for contacting Chase about your United
MileagePlus? Club credit card account.
We have reviewed the application that you completed and
the enrollment offer attached to that application states
you will receive a $95.00 statement after your first
purchase. We understand you received a new offer entitling
you to receive the first year annual fee waiver of
$395.00. We will be happy to exchange the offers and have
issued a credit for the difference of $300.00. You will
see this adjustment on your next billing statement.
If you have any further questions, please reply using the
Secure Message Center.
Thank you,
194
June 8th, 2012 at 9:09 am
@shimon:
omg i had the same thing last week in Israel
i was traveling back to NYC
and they said u have to be on a united flight
i looked for a supervisor couldnt find one so left but now i will write a letter thanks
195
June 10th, 2012 at 10:29 am
שלום לך דן
אני כותב בעברית כי קשה לי באנגלית ואיתך הסליחה
אני חייב לציין שהבלוג שלך הוא אצלי אחד מהבלוגים המעניינים ביותר ורואים שאתה משקיעה את כל הנשמה שלך.ותודה רבה רבה לך..
וכמובן אודה לך על הרעיון שנתת לכתוב להם מכתב לגבי החיוב השנתי שלהם והנה קיבלתי חזרה תשובה תוך 4 שעות
Date: 06-08-2012 15:32:49
From: Credit Card Support
Subject: Re: Fees/Interest Charges
Message:
Dear Shlomo
Thank you for contacting Chase about the United
MileagePlus� Club product.
We have reviewed the application that you completed and
the enrollment offer attached to that application states
you will receive a $95.00 statement after your first
purchase. We understand you received an offer entitling
you to receive the first year annual fee waiver of
$395.00. We will be happy to exchange the offers and issue
a credit for the difference of $300.00. Please contact us
after the annual fee has posted to the account so we can
make the necessary adjustments at that time.
If you have any further questions, please reply using the
Secure Message Center.
Thank you,
Brittany Navarro
Email Customer Service Representative
1-800-436-7927
Account is owned by Chase Bank USA, N.A. and may be
serviced by its affiliates.
196
June 10th, 2012 at 11:00 am
@Yitzchok:
Congrats!
@some1:
Not the first time an Israeli company is playing shenanigans, let us know what they say!
@שלמה:
Appreciate the kind words and congrats!
197
June 10th, 2012 at 11:19 am
dDoes the trip cancellation insurance that comes with this card the same as on the president’s Plus card? Is it the same as the insurance you buy? Thanks.
198
June 13th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@Dan: i think there was a mistake and you misunderstood united because i was in london yesterday and i wanted to get into the star alliance lounge in terminal 1 and the woman said since your not flying with a partner of star alliance you can not get in so it happened in TLV dan lounge and in london star alliance lounge so i spoke with someone from star alliance and she told me that its up to the airline to let you in if your not flying with a partner and you can not just get in to any lounge so there goes a big downfall for the united club card.
199
June 13th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@shimon:
I have personally used my United lounge membership (that you get with a UA Club card) without flying at all at numerous United and USAirways lounges.
Other lounges can have different policies I suppose, or the reps may not be informed of the United lounge membership rules.
200
June 18th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
@Dan: i wrote them an email and they said its up to the lounge since its a private lounge
201
June 22nd, 2012 at 11:05 am
-Waived Award Expedite/Close-In Fees:
Those pesky $75 per passenger fees for booking an award ticket within 21 days (which is right when the best award availability starts to open up) are automatically waived for cardholders!
Dan – they don’t want to honor this as they claim its not the $75 that they waive but some additional fee…?!?
How about the $75 change fee – Anything to argue about this?
202
June 22nd, 2012 at 11:09 am
@Hallo:
HUCA: http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/22047
It’s only for the $75 fee for booking with 21 days.
203
June 25th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
DAN! I need your help, I just got the Chase MileagePlus Club Card and i got the AVIS preferred, How do i switch over to get the HERTZ Presidents Circle????
204
June 29th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
hi dan,
i have the united club card. you wrote that additional cardholders will get free bags at counter. does this apply even if the ticket was purchased NOT with the united card and they are not flying with the primary cardholder?
205
June 29th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@em:
YMMV, in my experience it has worked like that by showing the card to the checkin agent (and you can always asked for a supervisor as well).
206
June 29th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
thank you!
207
June 29th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Dan-
I spend 200-400k/yr for business. I don’t travel much at all and usually sell my Starwood pts @ 2.1:1. Of course my card has no annual (unless Im mistaken)
From what youre saying this cars does, what is the BEST CARD for me?
208
June 29th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Will:
Starwood has a $65 annual fee (though you can get retention bonuses on it).
I think you will do better on the club card due to getting 1.5 miles per dollar instead of 1 Starpoint per dollar.
209
June 29th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
can i get approved for the explorer card if apply for this one?
u can really go to lounge even without flying?!
210
June 29th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@Anonymous:
Yes.
You and your whole family can definitely access any United or USAirways club without any ticket. Other partner lounges may require a Star Alliance flight.
211
June 29th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Does it matter if i apply for business or consumer united club card?
212
June 29th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@CJ:
Only the consumer card can be matched for first year free
213
June 29th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Hey Dan im trying to set up a trip to israel using all these bonuses so far i figure i should get the clud card for rental insurance and the hyatt for the free hotel stay. I would like to use the 3bm so im wondering if you recommended also applying for the saffire preferred. Currently the only chase card i have is the freedom.
214
June 29th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
@CJ:
There are no Hyatts in Israel.
Go for
United Club
United Explorer.
Sapphire Preferred.
215
June 29th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Dan:
so whats the downside of getting this card even if dont travel much?
only “family” can access lounges?
216
June 29th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
So i got instantly approved for united club. and decision pending for United Explorer Sapphire Preferred. What should i expect to happen?
217
June 29th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@CJ:
Call REcon for the Preferred. You don’t have to wait to call.
218
June 30th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
will secondary card horders be allowed to use the free 2 chacked bags? lounge access? avis presidential?
219
June 30th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
The list does not show lounges in TLV. I tried using in bkk and they demanded that I must be flying on Star Alliance.
220
June 30th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
sky121 Thanks for the reply. Is it normal that i havent received an email letting me know i was approved for the united?
221
June 30th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
I got this card a while ago how do I know if it’s connected to my united account?
222
July 1st, 2012 at 12:40 am
Hey Dan,
I follow dansdeals avidly and think ure awesome for the advice and time of day you give everyone here.
I’m a Canadian citizen and always wanted to open a CC here in the US to get miles but can’t without a SS number. All the Canadian based cards have terrible sign up bonuses. Any suggestions of what to do? I heard some cards will let you open without a SS number. Any ideas which ones? Which card is a good idea to start with if my biggest interest is getting a great sign up bonus….
223
July 1st, 2012 at 12:52 am
if i fly any star alliance do i get 2 bags free as well? or specific to united?
224
July 1st, 2012 at 1:55 am
Dan,
(Only the consumer card can be matched for first year free)
I got the business united club card fee refunded for the first year.
225
July 1st, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Dan – I got capital one business card with 2points for Every dollar spent, regardless of where/what, with a 15000 sign bonus. are these points worth .018 as well?? nice features on card i.e warranties, price protection etc and has Primary CDW coverage for all US based rental (actually, for everywhere except Israel, jamaica and Netherlands) I have world MC for israel.Other option is to switch afetr free year and get their other business card with 2pts per dollar spend and flat 2% rebate……your thoughts?
226
July 8th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
i got this club card around 7 weeks ago and my hyatt account has not been upgraded to platinum. does anyone know if they make me a new hyatt account or they upgrade my current? or anyone have any experience with this?
227
July 9th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Dan,
I applied late Sat. night June 30 for club cards for myself and wife and got additional cards for each other and kids for both cards. A few days later the cards arrived and I sent a sm for both cards. I received the message that the requests need to be reviewed. I did not see in the thread, how long until I get a response? I thank all who posted their replies with names and 800 numbers.
228
July 10th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Does it have a change fee if you change the intinary ?
229
July 11th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
DAN,
checked my sm inbox. got replies about 5 days later. I got a full refund. my wife was give $95 and told after first purchase would get the $300 credit.
230
July 12th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Unfortuantely Chase only matched the waived fee and $95 credit. I sent a seperate SM for the 55K and they responded as follows:
Date: 07-09-2012 11:58:11
From: Credit Card Support
Subject: Re: Account Inquiry
Message:
Thank you for contacting Chase regarding the MileagePlus®
credit card account. Please accept our apologies for the
delay in responding to your message.
The 55k miles and $50 statement credit referenced in your
message is only for the MileagePlus Explorer account. The
only MileagePlus account found for you was MileagePlus
Club. The offer linked to your application was for a $95
statement credit and we recently added a second statement
credit of $300 was just added to match the better offer of
first year annual fee waiver.
Regretfully, we are not able to add the miles requested.
However, if you have received a solicitation for a new
MileagePlus Club account that includes the first year
annual fee waiver as well as miles, please forward a copy
to us at the following address:
Chase Card Services
2500 Westfield Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
Attention Mail Code IL1-6155
If you have any further questions, please reply using the
Secure Message Center.
Thank you,
Linda Lundelius
Customer Service Specialist
1-800-436-7927
and when i asked for it again they replied again: Thank you for contacting us about your United MileagePlus?
credit card account.
The enrollment bonus referenced in your letter is only
offered on our United MileagePlus Explorer product. We
regret to inform you we do not offer this bonus on our
MileagPlus Club accounts.
Any ideas how I can get it?
Thanks
231
July 15th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Dan: Why wouldn’t it be possible to book a rental for someone else using my Avis President’s Club account? Before clicking “reserve,” there is place to change the name!
232
July 19th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
@Dan
“As the free luggage benefit can be attained by just showing a checkin agent your credit card, it will last until the card’s expiration date, which is 3 years from when you are approved.”
Please note I have recently tried that at a few places and they are now stating you must purchase your ticket with the card to get that benefit. They won’t budge on it…
233
July 19th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
@Pinjo:
Where did you try it?
Did you ask for a manager?
Are you the primary cardholder?
234
July 31st, 2012 at 2:36 am
Does the AU card also get primary rental car insurance coverage?
235
August 12th, 2012 at 1:06 am
i called avis and they said the max you can get upgraded is to a premium. is this the official rule but always is overlooked?
236
August 14th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
HELP.
I still have the $95 Continental Airlines OnePass Plus card. I purchased a ticket for my son to Israel several weeks ago. I called to upgrade the card to the Club card and add my kids as authorized users so they could benefit from the free second bag. The Chase person said – it wont help your kids if you arent traveling with them.
237
August 14th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
@Maven:
Yes.
@ab:
People have gotten luxury.
@HLS:
The rep is wrong, I’ve done it myself, but it requires showing the card at the airport.
238
August 14th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Thank you Dan! Any chance of me getting and relief on the annual fee?
Signed,
A proud Clevelander!
239
November 7th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
HI DAN IM SUPPOSED TO FLY UNITED TO EWR FROM TLV TOMO NOVEMBER 8TH AND I GOT CANCELLED DUE TO THE STORM SO I GOT BOOKED ON A US AIRWAYS FLIGHT FROM TLV TO PHL DO I STILL HAVE THE MILEAGE PLUS CLUB CARD BENEFITS??
240
January 27th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
The only problem is I have never been to a United lounge that I liked (in the US, that is). Blah.
241
January 27th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Dan, I read somewhere that they are no longer offering Avis PC instead they are offering Avi first with this card.
242
January 27th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@Mileswhore:
It may not compete with international lounges, but it sure beats the terminal!
@daganster:
Did you read the post update perchance
243
January 27th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Thanks Dan, I applied already. I’m just wondering, from nyc to tlv you normally get one luggage for free, once i have this card will I get +2 free= 3 in total??
244
January 27th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
@gavaldig:
No, you get 2 bags per person, regardless of how many are normally free.
245
January 27th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Doesn’t the MP explorer card also get 2 free bags?
246
January 27th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
@larry:
No, just 1.
247
January 27th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Dan I got passes with my united card can I use it even if I’m not flying with united?
248
January 27th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
@chase cards:
Yes, but you need a club membership/club card to get gate pass access if you’re not flying.
249
January 27th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Dan- as a bimonthly travel mainly leaving from Newark traveling on united do you see any benefit in having the Amex over united?
250
January 27th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
I’m confused. You automatically get one free bag, si=o this card entitles you to a 2nd free bag.
The MP explorer card gets you no extra bag, you only get the 1 original free bag.
Did I get it right?
Also, I just read through alot of the comments. Do we know yet if the benefits will stick even after cancceling the card? For example, Avis presidents club, club membership for the lounge, etc.
Thank you!
251
January 27th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
@Dan: My bad:)
252
January 27th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
@Ben:
Signup miles/airline gift cards.
@larry:
Correct.
The lounge membership continues until the expiration date.
253
January 27th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
Dan, how do you use it for lounge access at TLV? I have tried several times at both Dan lounges there, and was consistently told that I need to be flying with United for access.
254
January 27th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
In the update you write that “Avis President’s Club members will be downgraded to Avis First elite status.” If I have Avis Presidents Club status not through the Club Card, will I be downgraded as well? Your wording seems to suggest that President’s Club is being eliminated entirely.
255
January 27th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
@5T:
For United and USAirways lounges you don’t need to be flying to access the lounge.
For partner lounges other rules may apply.
In TLV, a partner lounge, they require that you be flying a Star Alliance carrier so that would include airlines like Air Canada, United, USAirways, Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels, SAS, Austrian, etc.
@eliteflyer:
Clarified.
256
January 27th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Will I only get the free baggage and priority boarding if I book with this card or can I use my company card (random Canadian visa)?
257
January 27th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
@Ben:
If you are the primary cardholder and use your MileagePlus number you don’t need to book with it.
Additional users do need to book with the card to get free bags.
258
January 27th, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Thanks applied/approved/Avis presidents member:-)))
259
January 27th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Dan – newbie to your website, which is stellar for a regular biz traveler who hasn’t taken full advantage of cards/mileage programs aside from the planes I fly on regularly. While your strategy sounds great, could you direct me to the post that talks about minimizing/avoiding costly credit card yearly fees? Thanks.
260
January 28th, 2013 at 3:39 am
This sounds like it could be a ‘date’ card. Unless it’s too much of a hassle to get a pass from the checkin counter and then you have to go through TSA. Otherwise, it’s a quiet lounge, free drinks, place to walk around (the airport) with things to look and talk about. And parking fees are better than Manhattan.
261
January 28th, 2013 at 7:26 am
got this card after i got an offer in the mail for the first year’s fee to be waived!
262
January 28th, 2013 at 8:38 am
I currently have the Explorer card. Is it possible to upgrade to the Club card AND apply for the Avis President’s club in one day (today)? Can I apply for the Avis President’s club without physically holding the Club card yet?
263
January 28th, 2013 at 10:34 am
I still have the previous Continental presidential Plus card which gives floating EQMs which help me make Gold each year. Does the new policy apply to that card as well?
264
January 28th, 2013 at 10:41 am
I have been hasseled at jfk getting in with this card
265
January 28th, 2013 at 11:33 am
Is it only the club card that is losing Avis President’s club or will the United Presidental Plus also be losing Avis Presiden’t club in April?
266
January 28th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
can i still get the old version of the card with EQM
267
January 28th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
I tried 3BM (out of curiosity, why does it need to be done with 3 browsers? From what I’ve read on various posts on this site there’s only one pull per day) about a week ago to apply for Sapphire Preferred, United Club (business) & Ink Plus. I already have Ink Bold (issued about 7 or 8 months ago) and Chase Freedom (about 2 or 3 months ago).
No instant approvals. Chase called about 2 days later and approved Sapphire with 10k line without any problem.
I then got 2 denial letters having the reason listed as “too many cards open with us” (maybe it also had the word recently in there, not sure as I don’t have it in front of me now). Called reconsideration on the United Club application but could not get them to issue it. They just said you got too many cards issued recently. I offered to shift credit lines, explained that I wanted the Club benefits, explained that one is personal vs. the other one being business, but kept on getting the same line of “too many Chase cards open recently”.
Also, the denial letter listed Experian as the credit bureau used, so I pulled my Experian credit report which I was entitled to based on this denial, and it is showing TWO inquiries from Chase on the same day!
What am I doing wrong? Why did I get 2 pulls even though I applied with 3 browsers (Chrome, Opera & Safari) within seconds or less? What should I be doing differently to get the great Chase reconsideration experience?
268
January 28th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
@Avi:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/23410
@Yosef:
Been there, done that
@ac:
You can also SM them to get it waived.
@Matt:
The deadline was yesterday, though YMMV.
You can apply for it without having the card, but they verify that you have the card within a week.
@NJMACMAN:
Yes.
@Yakov:
Print this out and refer to it:
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=16914
@miles:
No.
@Gingi:
With Chase if you do person+business you get 2 pulls.
With AMEX it’s just one.
Doesn’t hurt to keep calling though, may people have to call in several times until they get a good Recon rep.
269
January 28th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
i tried doign it today and they said that as of today you only get avis first because their cotract with united club cards expired.
how do i do it, if your link shows avis first already and also will i get downgraded automatically to avis first? or will i stay at presidential status??
270
January 28th, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Dan i currently have the presidential plus card got the first year free and paid the $395 fee last year is there any way I can haggle with them about the $395 fee what approach should i use
271
January 28th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
@DAN: IM TRAVELING TO ISRAEL WITH UNITED. I HAVE PURCHASED MY TICKETS WITH A UNITED EXPLORER CARD. UNITED DOESNT HAVE A LOUNGE IN BEN GURION SO… WHERE YOU SAYING THAT I CAN ENTER A PARTNER AIRLINE JUST BY SHOWING MY UNITED CARD?
272
January 28th, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Hi Dan
I am new to all of this and am trying to catch up! I have a question about one of these benefits.
“priority security line access.”. Does that let us through the first class line when going through TSa?
That alone would convince me to sign up
Also, what is the negative to having a lot if credit checks done? We are heading overseas so a few weeks ago applied for a no foreign tx fee visa card. Yesterday, I signed us up for the business Amex gold and chase Hyatt. I am planning to cancel the card we got a few weeks ago since the Hyatt card also has no foreign fees.
If I apply fort this chase card today what is the downside of having another credit chck done?
Thx
273
January 29th, 2013 at 8:55 am
Not correct Dan i have gotten a gate pass when I told them my wife needs help with our five children to pass through security and control them in the waiting area by the boarding of the plane. We did though have to argue with them a bit
274
January 29th, 2013 at 10:01 am
Dan,
You mention that the 1.5 miles earned for purchase is unparalleled on any other card. Doesn’t one of the Capital One Venture cards outdo or match that. Secondly, I noticed that you never really talk about any Capital One cards. Why?
275
January 29th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@HELP!:
You need the Club card.
@Sfuzzi:
Yes.
Credit inquiries are discussed at length on DDF, try searching there.
@Davidd:
What’s not correct exactly?
@BaltMan:
Because the points stink and they pull your credit from all 3 bureau to get a card:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/27633
276
January 29th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@Dan: Dan see your comment 13 where you state ways to get into the terminal. I wanted to add that I was successful by telling agent I need to help my wife with our 5 children. They agreed after we spoke to a couple of agents. Gate passes are given also to people with disabilities and you can make an argument that 1 adult with 5 children will need assistance
277
January 29th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@Davidd:
When responding to a comment like that it helps to click on “reply” so I can see what comment you’re talking about.
Comment 13 was in response to someone who wanted to just bring his kid to the airport, like my parents did for me when I was a kid.
While they may give you a gate pass for a legitimate reason like yours they won’t in that situation without something like a club card.
278
January 29th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Dan, where exactly is the United-partner lounge in Ben Gurion airport that you mentioned you were able to get in with the United Club card? which partner airline?
279
January 29th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
@Davidd:
Dan lounge.
280
January 29th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@Dan
i currently have the presidential plus card got the first year free and paid the $395 fee last year is there any way I can haggle with them about the $395 fee what approach should i use
281
January 31st, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Hey Dan. I had a discover card for a few months and just got approved for a freedom card two days ago.
I understand the churning of the cards but don’t know what is the next best move at my age for earning points?
Should I go for a 3BM on Amex next time they have a big promo? or wait it out?
Thanks
282
February 7th, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Dan,
I must thank you. I recently signed up for the milegae club card. Following your advice, I SM chase and was refunded the annual fee! Your awesome!!!
Thanks again,
Ben
283
February 15th, 2013 at 11:13 pm
Dan,
I just got my Mileage Pluc club credit card. Do I have to wait in the mail for the United Club membership card ?
284
February 27th, 2013 at 2:57 am
Hi Dan,
I am planing on flying from Los Angeles to Bangkok in April, with a friend. I have a US Airways Dividend Miles MC and I have 89K miles saved as a dividend miles member. And I would like to earn miles towards preferred status somehow if possible. I was planning on purchasing the tickets on my US Airways Card but after reading your post I’m not sure if I should do so. We will have a 7.5 hour layover each way in Beijing, China and would love to take a shower at the club. I’m thinking we’ll each check in one bag, there but on the way back we might have more luggage due to shopping. So that would be a savings of $140 for the checked bags. The club day passes are $50 each per visit, so that would save us $200 RT. I think its worth it for the entire year access what you do think?
285
March 20th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
@Kevin: Yes, you’ll have to wait in the mail for the actual club membership card as this comes from United, not Chase. If you’re asking if you have to wait until the actual membership card arrives to use the United Club, I would assume not. I would, however, be ready to show my MP membership card, actual Chase Club Card, photo ID, and boarding pass as proof. (you probably won’t need all four, but you get the idea)
286
April 9th, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Dan, I noticed that the online application states that the luggage fee is waived only if you purchased the tickets with the United club card. is this true? any way around it?
also is the priority security check in and priority boarding benefits for this card only applicable for United flights or all star alliance partners? if for all star alliance partners how do you make use of this benefit. do you just show the card to foreign airline rep when you get to the airport (ie will Turkish airline will they recognize this card??) Please assist as I am flying to Israel on Turkish airlines for Lag Bomer