United Airlines raises fees on credit cards and lounge access amid restructuring

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United Airlines raises fees on credit cards and lounge access amid restructuring

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United Airlines | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Apr 13, 2025

United Airlines has introduced changes to its co-branded Chase credit card offers, resulting in higher annual fees and altered perks and bonuses. This alteration also affects the airline's lounge access membership, which has been divided into two levels, requiring more than double the previous cost to maintain the same benefits.

According to United, the updates aim to "align more closely with competitors and help manage crowds" and to enhance the value of MileagePlus credit cards by offering more benefits, as per a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The United Explorer Card's annual fee has increased from $95 to $150, while the Quest Card will now cost $350 annually, up from $250. The United Club Card's fee has risen from $525 to $695. Meanwhile, the United Gateway Card retains no annual fee but introduces a minimum spending requirement for reduced award prices.

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New benefits for cardholders include ride-share and airline credits and easier paths to reach higher loyalty tiers. However, some previous benefits, such as sharing United Club passes, have been removed.

For lounge access, United has restructured its membership into "Individual" and "All Access" categories. The base cost for an Individual membership has increased to $750, while an All Access membership, allowing up to two guests and access to Star Alliance partner lounges, costs $1,400 annually.

Changes are also seen in competitor airlines, like Delta, which has restricted lounge access due to overcrowding issues. United still allows guest access for cardholders, albeit at a higher price and reduced perks for the cheapest membership tier.

Despite these shifts, United's credit card business remains flourishing, with record-level spending last year. The airline and Chase appear confident in their fee increases, banking on continued demand. United Airlines is also investing in airport lounges, with new ones set to open in San Francisco and Houston.