Links Disappearing for UA Club and UA Explorer Visa

I just received an email alert saying that my affiliate links for the United Mileage Plus Explorer and United Club Visa credit cards from Chase are going to be de-activated on Monday, July 2. There’s no information about new links replacing them. Just gone.

MileagePlus Explorer Visa image
Now, I’m not sure this means you should rush out and apply for them. The current sign up bonus for the UA Explorer card is pretty weak. It starts at 25K and you have to reach some minimum spend thresholds to get at most 40K miles. Some people have been targeted for higher offers of 50K or 60K, and last year 50K was pretty easy without jumping through hoops. I don’t think the card is disappearing, just the 40K sign-up offer, so don’t fret.

MileagePlus Club Visa image
The UA Club card is different. It comes with a $95 statement credit to offset the $395 annual fee (NOT waived the first year). That fee is important because this card comes with a United Club membership, so you’re actually saving a bit off the normal cost. It also earns 1.5X miles on ALL purchases and has no foreign transaction fee. I just used it last night for the down payment on a wedding venue. I don’t expect this offer to change at all, although there is a slight chance they might increase that statement credit. Read my full review here.

If you have plans to sign up for either card, you might want to do it soon, but don’t sign up if you weren’t already planning on it. I get compensated if you use one of my affiliate links, but your support is greatly appreciated.

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About Scott Mackenzie

Scott founded HMT while traveling on a budget during graduate school and stays loyal to United, Alaska, Hyatt, and Starwood.
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  • http://twitter.com/garyleff gary leff

    No reason to be alarmed, the cards themselves are not going away, the links are just no longer going to be available through affiliate channels.

    • Scottrick

      Gary’s absolutely correct. But I do think it’s possible this is part of changing the marketing strategy, which could include different sign-up offers.

      It’s worth noting that not all Chase cards are offered through affiliate networks, so the loss of United’s cards are not that unusual. For example, I don’t have access to a link for the Priority Club card.