Is the United Quest Card Worth Its Annual Fee?

If you fly United Airlines, a new credit card could make your travels more rewarding.

The New United Quest℠ Card has a unique roster of benefits that make it a compelling new option among United credit cards. But is it worth the $350 annual fee? A look at the card’s benefits reveals who should get The New United Quest℠ Card and will help you decide whether it’s a good choice for you.

Perks of The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card is part of Chase and United’s co-branded card lineup, which now offers four consumer card options. Those range from the ultra-high-end The New United Club℠ Card, whose $695 annual fee includes a United Club membership, to the $0-annual-fee The New United Gateway℠ Card.

The New United Quest℠ Card lands in the middle of United’s card offerings. Among the reasons to get The New United Quest℠ Card: It comes with a hefty welcome bonus. Debut Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Cardholders earn:

• 3 miles per dollar spent on United purchases.

• 2 miles on travel, dining and select streaming service purchases.

• 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

» Learn more: The complete guide to redeeming United MileagePlus Miles

The New United Quest℠ Card annual fee is worth it if you …

Fly with United at least once a year

The New United Quest℠ Card comes with $200 in United TravelBank cash after account opening and annually on your account anniversary, for a future United- or United Express-operated flight.

Cardholders also get two free checked bags for themselves and two free bags for one companion on each trip, which can equal a huge savings if you — like many of us — can’t decide which shoes go with which outfit each day of your trip.

These two perks together could make the card worthwhile by offsetting part or all of the annual fee.

Use TSA Precheck or Global Entry

The card also offers a credit worth up to $120 once every four years to cover the fee for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck. TSA Precheck is a trusted traveler program that lets you speed through security. It also allows you to keep your shoes on and your liquids in your bags. Global Entry gives you expedited reentry to the U.S. after traveling abroad. Global Entry generally includes TSA Precheck, so if you’re going to go for just one, go for Global Entry.

» Learn more: What you need to know about United Airlines baggage and other fees

Want United elite status

If you’re hoping to earn elite status in the MileagePlus program for a chance at cabin upgrades on international flights, this card can help you get there. For every $20 you charge, you’ll earn 1 Premier Qualifying Points toward United elite status. This is good all the way to United’s Premier 1K status — and you can earn up to 18,000 PQPs each calendar year using this method.

Use Instacart

The New United Quest℠ Card now offers one $10 Instacart credit and one $5 Instacart credit monthly for purchases made directly through Instacart with your card. That's up to $180 in total value each calendar year if you max it out each month. The Instacart benefits are valid through Dec. 31, 2027.

The New United Quest℠ Card annual fee isn't worth it if you …

• Never fly with United. If you’re located near an airport that is predominantly served by Delta or American Airlines, you may find yourself struggling to find a use for the United TravelBank cash.

• Use your miles for upgrades. If you’re more prone to redeeming miles for mileage upgrades rather than flights, you’ll miss out on the 10,000-mile rebate you’d receive after booking two award flights.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

If you’re considering The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card is an excellent mid-tier option for travelers who will fly with United at least once a year. The $200 annual United travel credit in particular goes a long way in making this a reasonable card to hold.