Can I upgrade my United Explorer Card to Infinite?
If you’re a frequent traveler and a cardholder of the United Explorer Card, you might be wondering if there’s a way to upgrade your card to the more premium United Explorer Card Infinite. The answer is yes, you can! However, there are certain requirements and steps you need to follow to make this upgrade possible. In this article, we will discuss the process, benefits, and considerations of upgrading your United Explorer Card to Infinite.
Understanding the United Explorer Card and United Explorer Card Infinite
Before diving into the upgrade process, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two cards. The United Explorer Card is a solid travel credit card offered by Chase, providing various benefits such as miles, hotel and car rental discounts, and access to United Club lounges. On the other hand, the United Explorer Card Infinite is an upgraded version of the standard card, offering more substantial rewards, higher annual fees, and additional perks.
Requirements for Upgrading
To upgrade your United Explorer Card to Infinite, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a current cardholder of the United Explorer Card.
2. Have a good credit score, as the Infinite card requires a higher credit threshold.
3. Maintain an active account with no late payments or other negative marks on your credit report.
How to Upgrade Your Card
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the requirements, follow these steps to upgrade your United Explorer Card to Infinite:
1. Log in to your Chase account online.
2. Navigate to the “Credit Cards” section and select your United Explorer Card.
3. Look for an option to “Request a Card Upgrade” or “Apply for a New Card.”
4. Follow the prompts to apply for the United Explorer Card Infinite. You may need to provide additional information, such as your current credit score or financial details.
5. Review the terms and conditions of the Infinite card, including the higher annual fee.
6. Submit your application and wait for a response from Chase.
Benefits of Upgrading to the United Explorer Card Infinite
Upgrading to the United Explorer Card Infinite offers several benefits, including:
1. Higher sign-up bonus: The Infinite card typically offers a more generous sign-up bonus compared to the standard card.
2. Increased miles earning rate: You’ll earn more miles on purchases, making it easier to accumulate rewards.
3. No foreign transaction fees: This is particularly beneficial if you frequently travel internationally.
4. Priority boarding: Enjoy priority boarding on United flights.
5. United Club access: Access to United Club lounges for you and a guest when flying on United.
Considerations Before Upgrading
While upgrading to the United Explorer Card Infinite offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to consider the following:
1. Higher annual fee: The Infinite card has a higher annual fee compared to the standard card. Ensure that the benefits outweigh the cost.
2. Credit score impact: Applying for a new card can temporarily lower your credit score. However, as long as you meet the requirements and maintain a good payment history, this impact should be minimal.
3. Personal financial situation: Make sure that you can afford the higher annual fee and that the upgrade aligns with your financial goals.
In conclusion, if you’re a current cardholder of the United Explorer Card and meet the requirements, upgrading to the United Explorer Card Infinite can be a worthwhile decision. The additional benefits and rewards may make the higher annual fee worthwhile. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making the switch.
