Great Benefits, Poor Redemptions: Credit Card Review: UBS Visa Infinite

My exposure to the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card was limited before my investigation for this review. My initial impression of the card was that it didn't have much going for it, but I was incorrect. Some features that set it apart from similar products are price protection and limitless visitor privileges as part of a Priority Pass membership.

Whose Card Is This?

The yearly cost for the UBS Visa Infinite is $495. However, the card might be a smart choice for vacationers who can use its premium service perks. As a matter of fact, the UBS concierge is a fantastic tool to have at your disposal.

As an added bonus, booking through the UBS concierge will get you access to elite-level services at several other hotel chains. It also has some of the most extensive shopping and travel perks of any existing travel rewards card. Earning rates on the UBS Visa Infinite could be more attractive, and it may be tricky to get the most out of the redemption procedure.

If you aren't sure you'll make good use of the card's features, are interested in earning rewards quickly, or want a card with points that can be transferred to other cards, you may want to explore it elsewhere.

Addition Upon Arrival

When you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months after opening your UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card account, you'll receive 25,000 bonus points. Clients who meet with a UBS financial advisor may be eligible for a higher welcome incentive.

As we'll see below, you may use your points in various ways. The best value is to redeem 50,000 points for a single ticket up to $900, while you might get by with a $250 statement credit or a $350 flight with just 25,000 points. The value of the sign-up bonus ranges from $250 to $450, with an average redemption rate of 1 and 1.8 cents per point.

Primary Advantages And Perks

UBS stuffed the UBS Visa Infinite with features and bonuses, even ones other card issuers have eliminated. For instance, cardholders and an unlimited number of guests have gratis access to Priority Pass Select lounges worldwide after enrolling in UBS Visa Infinite. Moreover, the UBS Visa Infinite provides special protections for online transactions, such as price protection and nearly unprecedented protection for event tickets:

• Buy up to $10,000 for each claim and $50,000 annually
• $500/claim and $1,500/year price protection.
• $300/claim and $1,000/year return protection

Guide to Acquiring Points

The UBS Visa Infinite offers three points for every dollar spent on commercial airline tickets, two points on petrol and groceries, and one point on everything else. If you spend money as usual you will effectively earn a return of 3.4 to 5.4% on commercial air travel, 2.6 to 3.6% on petrol and groceries, and 1.1 to 1.8% on everything else. There is no maximum number of points that may be earned. Your points will be valid as long as your account is active.

Steps For Cashing in Points

Multiple choices exist for cashing in your points. However, if you redeem 50,000 points for a single flight with UBS, you may save up to $900. You may save through UBS Online Services or by calling the UBS Rewards Desk; just make sure the flight you book comes at or under $900.

If you want to redeem a ticket that costs more than $900, you can do so, but you'll have to use extra points to cover the difference—specifically, 5,000 points for every $50.

Additional payments must be made using points; you can only do so in 5,000-point increments. However, you're leaving money on the table if you redeem a ticket worth less than $900.

Bottom Line

The UBS Credit Card's $495 annual fee may be justifiable given its many advantages, despite its meager rewards program. Many of the card's perks, such as travel insurance, price protection, and premium perks, can more than make up some customers' annual charges.

Using the card's premium travel privileges, including access to private aircraft, elite-level services at a range of hotel brands, and a helpful concierge, is the best way to maximize your return on investment.

You should decide if the UBS Credit Card is worth adding to your wallet based on how often you anticipate using the card's perks.