As the travel landscape evolves, it’s crucial to find the right credit card that aligns with your travel goals and spending habits. Two of the most popular premium rewards cards in the market are the United Club℠ Infinite Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision about which card is the best fit for you.
Welcome Offers
- United Club Infinite: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (worth $1,080 according to TPG valuations).
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (worth $1,538 according to TPG valuations).
Winner: While the United Club Infinite card offers a higher welcome bonus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve promotional points are historically worth more when you redeem, so the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the clear winner here.
Benefits
- United Club Infinite:
- Complimentary United Club membership and access for up to two companions (worth up to $650 annually)
- Free checked bags
- 10% United Economy Saver Awards discount
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and up to $75 in annual statement credits for IHG purchases
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass Select membership
- Free DashPass subscription through Dec. 31st
- Complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for two years (up to $199 annually)
- One-year complimentary Instacart+ membership
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, due to its broader range of benefits and higher overall value.
Earning
Rewards
- United Club Infinite:
- 4 miles per dollar on United purchases
- 2 miles per dollar on travel and dining
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- 10 points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
- 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel
- 10 points per dollar on dining purchases through the Chase portal
- 5 points per dollar on flights purchased through Chase Travel
- 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining purchases
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, due to its broader categories and higher earning rates on key travel and dining expenses.
Redeeming and Transferring
Rewards
- United Club Infinite:
- Redeem miles for flights and award travel on United and partner airlines
- Transfer miles to certain loyalty programs
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- Redeem points through Chase Travel for a value of 1.5 cents per point
- Transfer points to 14 different travel partners for potentially higher-value redemptions
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, due to its flexible redemption and transfer options.
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Which Card is Right for You?
- United Club Infinite: Ideal for those who are loyal to United Airlines and frequently fly United or Star Alliance partners.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Ideal for individuals who prefer a card with flexible rewards and broader earning categories.
Considerations
Before applying for either card, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Annual fees: Both cards have annual fees of $525 and $550 respectively.
- Creditworthiness: Both cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you’re unlikely to be approved if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the past two years.
- Personal travel preferences: Determine which card’s benefits and earning categories align best with your travel needs.
Ultimately, the choice between the United Club Infinite and Chase Sapphire Reserve depends on your individual circumstances and travel habits. If you’re a United loyalist who prioritizes airline-specific benefits, the United Club Infinite may be the right choice. However, if you prefer a card with greater flexibility, higher earning potential, and a wider range of redemption and transfer options, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the clear winner.
