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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
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In general, if you fly any airline frequently, you’ll benefit from having its branded credit card.
Doing so can provide the perks of free checked bags, discounted or complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, upgraded seating, and quicker trips through security. You’ll also earn frequent flyer miles quickly so you can book award flights faster.
Having a United-branded credit card can deliver all these benefits and more. Even if you travel just a few times a year, you’re sure to find value in one of the offered United credit cards.
You’re probably wondering, however, which United credit card is the best for your situation or if there are other travel rewards cards that benefit the United flyer more.
We’ve assembled the best credit cards available for United flyers along with benefits for each card so you can see which card might be best for you.
Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases. Learn more.
Annual fee of $0
2x miles on United purchases
25% back on inflight purchases
Best United Credit Cards for United Flight Benefits & Purchases
General Flight Benefits
We all enjoy the savings that come with free checked bags and the convenience of early boarding. Here’s a list of the basic flight benefits each United-branded card provides:
2 free checked bags for you and 1 travel companion on the same reservation
UnitedPremier Access benefits including priority boarding, priority seat selection, priority security lane, and priority baggage handling for the cardholder and traveling companions on the same reservation
2 free checked bags for you and 1 travel companion
United Premier Access benefits including priority boarding, priority seat selection, priority security lane, and priority baggage handling for the cardmember and traveling companions on the same reservation
A free checked bag for you and 1 travel companion on the same reservation
Priority boarding for you and your travel companions on the same reservation
In addition to priority flight benefits, all United cardmembers of the above cards receive a 25% statement credit for inflight food and beverage purchases.
Bottom Line: The savings earned from having free checked bags and the convenience of boarding early are valued benefits that come with United-branded credit cards.
Earning MileagePlus Miles on United Purchases
For United purchases, the United Club Infinite card earns 4x miles per dollar spent, the United Quest card earns 3x miles per dollar spent, and the United Explorer card, United Gateway card, and United-branded business cards earn 2x miles per dollar spent.
With United-branded credit cards, you can be assured that all of your flight purchases are earning United MileagePlus miles to use toward your next award redemption.
First and foremost, United MileagePlus Premier elite status is a key factor considered in whether or not you receive an upgraded seat on your flight.
The additional benefits of having Premier elite status include allowing you to earn bonus frequent flyer miles based on your Premier status level. Priority boarding, seat selection, and fee waivers also add to the benefits.
How United Credit Cards Help You Qualify for Status
United credit cardholders can earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) through their annual credit card spend and can apply this earned PQP toward any Premier elite status up to Premier 1K level.
United Club cardholders (business and personal versions) who are Premier members receive seat upgrade priority over those passengers in the same Premier level.
For example, if you have United Premier Silver status and have a United Club Infinite card or United Club Business card, you will have upgrade priority over a passenger who is also United Premier Silver but who doesn’t hold either United Club card.
Additionally, any MileagePlus member, including non-Premier members, can request to upgrade an eligible flight with miles. These MileagePlus Upgrade Award requests, if not immediately available, are waitlisted and processed in the following priority order:
Chase United Club cardholders and Presidential Plus cardholders
United corporate travelers
Chase United cardholders with $25,000 spent on the card in the calendar year
Date and time of the upgrade request
All qualifying Premier elite United cardholders are eligible for upgrades on United award tickets.
Qualifying United cardholders will want to sign into their MileagePlus account before searching for flights as United cardholders (and elite members) receive expanded access to more award flight options.
Best United Credit Cards for United Club Lounge Access
Having access to an airport lounge can certainly elevate your travel experience. Lounge access, however, can be expensive. A single one-year membership to the United Club currently costs $450 to $550 depending on the prospective member’s current MileagePlus status level.
Adding a companion to your membership will cost an additional $550 and even a single-day pass will cost $59 per person.
As you can see, having complimentary lounge access is an immediate savings of at least $450 a year.
Complimentary membership provides access to United Club lounges and select affiliated Star Alliance lounges for the cardholder and their immediate family members, or for 2 additional guests.
Best Overall United Personal Credit Cards for United Flyers
As a frequent United flyer, you want to ensure that you’re getting the most from your United-branded credit card. While we’ve covered most of those United-related benefits thus far, a summary of each card is useful.
United Club Infinite Card
The United Club Infinite card comes with complimentary lounge access, stellar 4x earnings on United purchases, a faster path to elite status, and upgrade priority on United flights over non-cardholders. The card also comes with expanded award availability.
United Quest Card
The United Quest card is best for a generous welcome offer, elevated 3x earnings on United purchases, and a faster path to Premier elite status by earning PQP credits for spending on the card. We like that the card earns big on travel, restaurants, and streaming services. Finally, use your card for United purchases and receive an annual statement credit ($125) plus 2 5,000-mile credits towards award flights each card anniversary year.
United Explorer Card
We like that this card has a lower annual fee yet still comes with 2 United Club passes each anniversary year. Like the premium United-branded cards, you’ll also be earning PQP credits towards Premier elite status and receive complimentary upgrades on United award flights.
In addition to the above list of benefits, each personal United-branded cardholder receives a 25% statement credit on inflight food and beverage purchases and expanded award flight availability. Plus, you’ll find valuable travel insurance coverages and shopping benefits/protections that vary by card.
Actual benefits and the terms and conditions can be found in the specific card’s guide to benefits.
Best Overall United Business Credit Cards for United Flyers
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the perks that come with a United business credit card can make your trip more comfortable and even save you money.
Business travelers will welcome the complimentary United Club lounge membership and upgrade priority on United flights. They’ll also receive complimentary upgrades on United award tickets. Miles will accumulate quickly as business owners receive 1.5x earnings on all non-United business purchases and earn PQP toward Premier elite status by spending on the card.
United Business Card
The United Business card pairs well with a United-branded personal card. So well, that you’ll receive 5,000 miles each card anniversary for having both cards. There’s also a generous welcome offer and elevated earnings on specific business categories. In addition, the card comes with 2 1-time United Club passes each year.
Bottom Line: United’s core credit cards offer plenty of flight benefits, expanded award flight availability, and a faster path to Premier status. The cards also offer accelerated earnings per dollar spent on United purchases.
Best United Debit Card for United Flyers With Less-Than-Perfect Credit
While the cards we’ve discussed in this article require a good or excellent credit score, you don’t need a stellar credit score to earn United MileagePlus miles on your purchases.
MileagePlus® GO Visa® Prepaid Card
The GO Visa Prepaid card earns up to 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. There is a $85 (annual fee) or $5.95 (monthly) fee, however, there are some benefits that come with this card:
No credit inquiry
5% annual percentage yield (APY) savings account on balances up to $1,000
FDIC-insured
Earn up to 2,500 MileagePlus miles per month
If you select the monthly plan, you’ll earn 1 mile per $2 spent on the card. If you select the annual plan, you’ll earn 1 mile per dollar spent on the card.
If you’re able to earn 2,500 miles per month, which is the monthly maximum, you could end up with 30,000 miles each year. That can be enough for a one-way ticket to Europe or nearly enough for a round-trip to the Caribbean.
If you’re earning the maximum interest on the account ($50 on $1,000), your net cost for 30,000 miles would be $35, which is the cost of the annual fee minus the interest received.
Hot Tip: Note that the GO Visa Prepaid card does not report to credit bureaus, so you will not be building or rebuilding credit. Our guide on the best credit cards for bad credit can help you find the best card if you’re trying to build or rebuild your credit. If you’re looking for alternative ways of building or rebuilding your credit, check out our complete guide to Self.
This card is not your best choice if you have sufficient credit to qualify for a United-branded or other travel rewards credit card.
Best No-Annual-Fee United Credit Card
Regardless of the corresponding benefits, some travelers prefer a credit card that doesn’t have an annual fee.
United Gateway℠ Card
The United Gateway card does not come with any United flight benefits, lounge access, or expanded award availability — but it does earn United MileagePlus miles with a $0 annual fee. You can also earn a welcome bonus (earned as bonus miles) after meeting a minimum spending requirement. The card includes rental car and trip interruption coverage and does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Hot Tip: Since the United Gateway card does not offer any related United flight benefits, you might fare better with a travel rewards credit card such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® that earns 5% on travel purchases via the Chase travel portal, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for United flights (or any other airline) via the Chase travel portal or transferred to premium Chase credit cards for even greater redemption value.
Additional United Credit Card Benefits
While we’ve covered most of the benefits provided to United flyers on United-branded credit cards, there are several significant additional benefits offered that should be mentioned:
Primary Rental Car Insurance Coverage — No need to purchase extra CDW coverage from the rental car agency
No Foreign Transaction Fees — Your card travels with you without transaction fees on foreign purchases
Trip Delay — When your trip is delayed more than 12 hours, you could receive reimbursement for essentials up to $500
Baggage Delay — When baggage is delayed more than 6 hours, you could receive reimbursement for $100 per day for up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation/Interruption — Up to $1,500 per person, $6,000 per trip for covered trip interruptions and cancellations
Lost Luggage — Up to $3,000 when luggage is lost or damaged by the carrier
Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection Perks — Receive complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and more at over 900 properties
Emergency Evacuation — Available on some United-branded credit cards
Concierge Services — Assistance with reservations, travel plans, and special access for events
Purchase Protection — Receive coverage for loss or damage to an eligible purchased item for up to 120 dates from the date of purchase
Extended Warranty — Extends the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an extra year on warranties less than 3 years
Not all benefits are available on all United credit cards. The actual benefits on your specific United-branded credit card, along with the terms and conditions, can be found in the benefits guide that comes with the card.
Best Credit Cards for Transferring Rewards to United
You can quickly earn Marriott Bonvoy points and transfer them to United at the rate of 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 United mile. Additionally, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred, you’ll receive a bonus of 5,500 miles for a total of 25,500 miles.
Hot Tip: Transferring points to United may not be the best value for your points. Be sure to explore purchasing the ticket with points, the cost of purchasing the United ticket outright, and the cost to purchase an award ticket with United miles prior to making any transfer.
The best rate you can earn with United-branded credit cards for purchasing flights on United is 2 to 4 miles per dollar spent.
Several premium rewards credit cards offer better earnings and more benefits for the frequent traveler who travels with other airlines, in addition to United.
Amex Platinum Card
Why We Like This Card for United Flyers:
5x Membership Rewards Points on United flights purchased from United or from Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x)
Complimentary access to over 1,400 lounge properties worldwide, including the prestigious Centurion Lounge network
Ease of booking United flights on the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal
Ease of transferring points to United MileagePlus
Up to $300 annual travel credit (can be used on United)
Bottom Line: Depending on your traveler profile, a United-branded credit card may not be the best overall credit card for the United flyer.
How To Choose a United Airlines Credit Card
In our view, the 2 most important things to consider when deciding which United credit card is best for you is how often you fly with United and what perks you are lookingfor out of your new card.
Those who fly with the airline just a few times a year and are primarily looking to save some cash with a free first checked bag and want perks like priority boarding and a 25% rebate on inflight purchases should consider the United Explorer card.
On the other hand, if you’re a United loyalist that flies with the airline constantly, you want to earn as many miles on your United flights as possible, you want United Club lounge access, a 10% discount on select United economy Saver awards, and a way to earn extra Premier Qualifying Points toward your next elite status level, then the United Club Infinite card would be the better fit for you.
How To Apply for United Airlines Credit Cards
Applying for a United Airlines credit card is no different than applying for any other credit card. Simply select the United credit card that you want to submit an application for, then fill out all of the required application details.
Usually, this will include items like your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, income details, and more. After you’ve entered all of the details you can click to submit your application. Keep in mind that sometimes you will receive your application results instantly, but in some instances you might have to wait a few days or a few weeks to receive your result.
Final Thoughts
If you travel even a few times a year on United, you could benefit from a United-branded credit card. Additionally, if you are currently paying for a United Club annual membership, a United Club Infinite card with complimentary lounge access could be an appropriate and economical choice.
If you travel enough with United to qualify for MileagePlus Premier status, you may already be receiving benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and other flight benefits. You may not gain a lot of additional value from a United-branded card.
If you frequently fly on other airlines in addition to United, pay for an annual lounge membership, and spend a lot on travel in general, having just a United credit card may not be the best choice. A premium travel rewards credit card could be a better fit.
The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the MileagePlus® GO Visa® Prepaid Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom Unlimited® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
The best United-branded credit card will depend on how often you fly United, your travel benefit preferences, and your tolerance for paying an annual fee. For lounge access, flight benefits, and earning United miles, the United Club Infinite card offers a nice level of benefits for the traveler who frequently flies on United. Complimentary lounge membership alone makes up for the annual $525 fee. For the frequent United traveler, the United Quest card might be a fit with its $125 statement credit plus 3x earnings on United purchases, and 2 5,000-mile credits towards award flights each year. The card also comes with a generous welcome offer. If you travel just a few times a year on United, you’ll still benefit from the United Explorer card. It comes with a first free checked bag, priority boarding, and 2 free lounge passes each year, and you’ll be earning 2 miles per dollar spent on United.
United miles do not expire. When you earn United miles by spending on your credit card, they are subsequently deposited into your MileagePlus frequent flyer account which is separate from your credit card account. If you should cancel your credit card, your miles will still remain in your MileagePlus frequent flyer account.
Unfortunately you cannot transfer United miles to other airlines. You can, however, use United miles to purchase award flights on more than 20 partner Star Alliance airlines.
The amount of miles needed for an award flight is based on your departure region, destination region, class of service, and availability. Although United no longer publishes an award chart, award ticket deals can be as low as 5,500 miles for a one-way domestic economy ticket. A round-trip saver award fare ticket to Europe can start at 60,000 miles for an economy ticket. You can also use United miles to upgrade flights. The number of miles needed to upgrade is determined by booking class and the class to which you’d like to upgrade.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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