Chase updates United airline credit card with new logo and bonus rewards
Chase Card Services has introduced the new United MileagePlus Explorer Card, its first post-merger airline credit card.
Familiar design, more perks
Just as new paint jobs brought United's name and Continental's logo to the merged carrier's aircraft, the new Chase/United airline credit card resembles the previous Continental Airlines OnePass Plus Card. The new United MileagePlus Explorer Card extends many of the benefits offered to previous Continental OnePass members before the two airlines merged in 2010, while adding a list of new perks that include:
Priority boarding on United and Continental flights
First checked bags free for cardholders and one guest
Double miles earned for every dollar spent with United
10,000 bonus miles after $25,000 in annual spending
Two complimentary United airport club passes on each membership anniversary
No restrictions or blackout dates for reward travel
Extended trip protection and purchase protection benefits
Experience rewards for elite customers
United MileagePlus Explorer Card holders also enjoy access to a new experience rewards program, "Inside Access from Chase." Members can participate in exclusive ticket pre-sales and behind the scenes events hosted by Broadway theatres, music venues, and sporting arenas. The new program rivals similar initiatives from American Express and Citi to differentiate their elite brands with unique member experiences.
Chase also announced plans to add United MileagePlus cards at Select, Access, Club, Visa Signature and Business account levels.
Continental OnePass: what to expect
Although the United MileagePlus Explorer Card will eventually replace the Continental Airlines OnePass Plus Card, Chase officials confirmed that they would offer a Continental branded airline credit card through the end of 2011.
Cardholders with Continental OnePass cards from Chase will continue to enjoy their current rewards and privileges throughout 2012, company officials told reporters. Continental and United had already been Chase Card Services partners when they announced merger plans in 2010. The airlines expect to fully merge their brands, routes and systems by the close of 2012.
The original article can be found at CardRatings.com:Chase updates United airline credit card with new logo and bonus rewards