A guide to United MileagePlus credit cards: Benefits, costs and perks
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United Airlines, in partnership with Chase, offers several credit cards that allow travelers to earn MileagePlus miles and enjoy various benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag when flying with United. These cards cater to different types of travelers, from occasional flyers to frequent business travelers.
Today, we’ll look at the different United credit cards, so you can decide which one is best for you.
United MileagePlus overview
United MileagePlus is United Airlines’ loyalty program. It allows members to earn miles through flights, credit card spending, and partner activities. You can then redeem these miles for award flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.
What to look for in a United credit card
When choosing a United credit card, we recommend considering factors like the annual fees, earning rates, travel perks and your flying habits. It’s best to select credit cards that align with your travel needs, such as free checked bags, priority boarding or lounge access.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $695 | |||
| $695 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $350 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $0 |
Best United card with no annual fee
The United Gateway℠ Credit Card is the best option if you’re looking for a United Airlines credit card without an annual fee.
Key facts of the United Gateway Card
The New United Gateway℠ Credit Card
Take Off with the New United Gateway℠ Card
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 30,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months
- 2× miles on United purchases, United Hotels purchases, gas stations, local transit & commuting; 1× mile on all other spend
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
- 2 free checked bag credits per year after $10,000 in annual spend
- 25% back on United in‑flight food, beverages, Wi‑Fi & Club premium drinks
- Built‑in travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption, rental car coverage & purchase protection
Perfect for flyers who want a no‑cost way to earn United MileagePlus® rewards, this card lets you test an airline card while unlocking free checked bags and in‑flight credits. Manage your miles and perks effortlessly in the Chase Mobile® app, tap to pay with contactless security, and watch your rewards add up on every flight, fill‑up or commute.
Terms apply. Bonus miles, checked bag credits and in‑flight statement credits require qualifying purchases. See full terms at chase.com.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerEarn up to 50,000 bonus miles: 40,000 after $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months.
- Up to 50,000 miles
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the United Gateway Card?
This card is best for occasional United flyers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee.
Best United card for free bags
The United℠ Explorer Card offers the best value for travelers looking for free checked bags.
Key facts of the United Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Unlock Premier United Perks with The New United℠ Explorer Card
- 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
- 2X miles per $1 on United purchases, including airfare, baggage fees and seat upgrades
- 2X miles on dining and hotel stays; 1X mile on all other purchases
- $0 intro annual fee for your first year, then $150 thereafter
- First checked bag free for you and one companion on United flights
- Two United Club one‑time passes each year for lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years
Whether you fly United frequently or just a few times a year, this card’s robust rewards and travel protections make every trip smoother. Enjoy trip cancellation/interruption insurance, 25% back on in‑flight purchases and a complimentary year of DashPass for DoorDash & Caviar. Manage your account seamlessly in the Chase app and watch your miles add up on every flight, meal and hotel stay.
Terms apply. Bonus miles and benefits require qualifying purchases and enrollment where applicable. See issuer for full details.
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Annual fee rebated$150Total$1,170Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,170
- Welcome offerEarn up to 85,000 bonus miles through the United card website: 75,000 after $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months. Offers through other application channels may differ.
- Up to 85,000 miles
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card an excellent choice for both occasional travelers and frequent flyers looking to maximize their benefits with United Airlines with a modest annual fee.
Best mid-tier United card
The United Quest℠ Card is the best mid-tier option for United Airlines travelers. It has a balance of valuable benefits and a moderate annual fee.
Key facts of the United Quest Card
The New United Quest℠ Card
Experience Ultimate United Rewards with the United Quest℠ Card
- Earn 70,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $4,000 in purchases within 3 months
- 3X miles on United purchases
- 2X miles on other travel, dining & select streaming services
- 1X mile on all other spending
- $200 annual United flight credit
- 10,000-mile award flight discount each year (plus another 10K after $20K spend)
- Up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
- Free first & second checked bags for you and a companion
- Primary rental car coverage
- $350 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees
Designed for frequent United flyers, the United Quest℠ Card unlocks premium perks that more than offset its fee. Earn elevated miles on United flights and everyday essentials, enjoy automatic credits to trim costs, and accelerate toward elite status with PQPs. All managed seamlessly in the United mobile app.
Terms apply. PQP earnings cap applies; credits and perks subject to terms. See Chase for details.
- Annual fee
- $350
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,080Annual credit$200Total$1,280Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,280
- Welcome offer+ 500 PQPEarn up to 90,000 bonus miles: 80,000 after $4,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months. Separately, earn 500 PQP after your first eligible purchase within the first 12 months. PQP are not redeemable miles.
- Up to 90,000 miles
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the United Quest Card
The United Quest Card is ideal for frequent United flyers who want premium travel perks without the high annual fee of the United Club Infinite Card. It’s great for those who travel with United several times a year and can take advantage of the annual United purchase credit and award flight credits.
Best United card for premium travel perks
The United Club Card provides the most comprehensive premium travel benefits.
Key facts of the United Club Card
The New United Club℠ Card
Elevate Every Journey with The United Club℠ Infinite Card
- 90,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within 3 months
- 4X miles per $1 on United purchases
- 2X miles per $1 on dining and all other travel
- 1X mile per $1 on all other purchases
- Complimentary United Club℠ membership for you and eligible guests
- Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion on United flights
- Premier Access℠ airport services, including priority boarding
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
- 25% back on in‑flight purchases
- Up to two 10,000‑mile award flight discounts each year
- No foreign transaction fees
- $695 annual fee
Ideal for frequent United flyers, this premium card transforms travel into a seamless experience. Earn accelerated miles on every United purchase and enhance your airport journey with lounge access, priority services and complimentary bags. Annual credits and award discounts help offset the fee, while robust travel protections and intuitive online tools keep you covered and in control. Make every trip more rewarding and comfortable.
Terms apply. Bonus miles, credits and benefits require qualifying purchases. Annual fee applies. See issuer for complete details.
- Annual fee
- $695
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,080Total$1,080Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,080
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
- 90,000 miles
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the United Club Infinite Card
The United Club Card is best for frequent United flyers who value lounge access and premium travel perks. It’s ideal for those who fly United often enough to take full advantage of the United Club membership and can offset the high annual fee with the card’s benefits.
Best United card for earning elite status
The Explorer and Quest earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent while the Club card earns 1 PQP per $15 spent. These are underwhelming earn rates, and overall, we don’t recommend using United credit card spend to qualify for elite status. Each card has a maximum number of annual PQPs you can earn from credit card spend:
Best United card for earning miles
The United Club Card offers the highest earning rates on United purchases and everyday spending. It earns 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel and dining and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. This card provides the most opportunities to accumulate United MileagePlus miles quickly.
Best United card for most travelers
The United℠ Explorer Card provides a good balance of benefits and a reasonable annual fee for most United travelers.
Best United card for business owners
The United℠ Business Card offers tailored rewards and perks for small business owners who frequently fly United.
Key facts of the United Business Card
The New United℠ Business Card
Optimize Your United Flying with The New United℠ Business Card
- 100,000 bonus miles + 2,000 Premier Qualifying Points after $5,000 in purchases within 3 months
- 2X miles on United flights, dining (incl. delivery), gas stations, office supplies and local transit
- 1X mile on all other purchases
- Free first checked bag for you and a companion on United flights
- Two United Club one-time passes each year
- Priority boarding for you and your traveling party
- $125 United travel credit after five $100 United flight purchases per calendar year
- Employee cards at no additional cost, with miles pooled into your account
- No foreign transaction fees
- $150 annual fee
Perfect for small‑business owners who fly United often, this card combines generous bonus miles, valuable travel perks and seamless account management via the Chase app. Elevate every trip with complimentary credits, lounge access and priority services tailored to your needs.
Terms apply. Bonus miles and PQP require qualifying spend. Travel credit applies after flight purchases. See full terms for details.
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,200
- Welcome offer+ 2,000 PQPEarn up to 100,000 bonus miles: 90,000 after $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 after adding an employee authorized user in the first 3 months. Separately, earn 2,000 PQP after the same $5,000 spending requirement. PQP are not redeemable miles.
- Up to 100,000 miles
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the United Business Card
The United Business Card is a great choice for small business owners who fly United Airlines, even if it’s just a few times a year. It offers valuable perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. This card is ideal for those who can utilize the $125 United travel credit and need employee cards, which are available at no extra cost.
Additionally, it allows business travelers to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) toward elite status. While it doesn’t provide full United Club membership, the two annual passes are a nice bonus for occasional lounge access.
Bottom line
United Airlines credit cards offer a range of options to suit different travel needs and budgets. By carefully considering your travel habits and priorities, you can choose the card that best aligns with your goals, whether it’s earning miles, enjoying travel perks or working towards elite status.
FAQs about United MileagePlus credit cards
Which United credit card has no annual fee?
The New United Gateway℠ Card is the only United Airlines credit card with no annual fee. It’s ideal for occasional flyers who still want to earn MileagePlus miles.
Which United card is best for free checked bags?
The United℠ Explorer Card is the best choice for travelers looking to get one free checked bag on United flights for themselves and one companion.
Can I earn elite status with a United credit card?
Yes, select United credit cards earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), but the rates are low and capped annually. Credit card spend alone is not the best strategy to reach elite status.
Which United credit card earns the most miles?
The New United Club℠ Card earns the most miles: 4x on United purchases, 2x on travel and dining, and 1x on other purchases.
What’s the best United card for frequent travelers?
The New United Club℠ Card offers the most perks for frequent United flyers, including lounge access and higher earning rates, but has a high annual fee.
What’s the best United card for most people?
The United℠ Explorer Card strikes a strong balance between perks and cost, making it the most suitable option for many United travelers.