What the United credit card process process looks like

United offers several co-branded credit cards through Chase, each with different rewards rates and annual fees. The process itself takes about 10 minutes online, and you'll get a decision within seconds in most cases. You'll need your Social Security number, current income, and employment status to complete the form.

The card issuer (Chase) will pull your credit report during the process, which creates a hard inquiry on your credit file. This typically lowers your credit score by a few points temporarily. If you're approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use it for purchases before the physical card shows up.

Key Takeaways

  • United credit cards are issued by Chase and come in multiple versions, each with different annual fees and earning rates on United flights and other purchases.
  • You can start the process on Chase's website or United's website, and you'll receive a decision within minutes based on your credit history and income.
  • A hard credit inquiry will appear on your report, which may lower your score slightly, but the effect is temporary if you don't open multiple cards in a short period.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of income, and current employment information to complete the form.

Which United card to choose before you explore

United currently offers the United Club Infinite Card, the United Explorer Card, and the United Gateway Card, though the lineup changes occasionally. Each has a different annual fee, sign-up bonus structure, and earning rate on United purchases and other categories. The Club Infinite card costs the most annually but includes lounge access; the Explorer card is mid-range; the Gateway card has no annual fee but fewer perks.

Before you explore, compare what you'll actually use. If you fly United once a year, a no-annual-fee card makes more sense than paying $450 or more per year for lounge access you won't use. If you're a frequent flyer, the higher-tier cards often pay for themselves through bonus points and travel credits. Check the current sign-up bonus for each card on Chase's website — these change several times per year and vary based on your credit profile.

Credit score and income requirements

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for United cards, but approval is more likely with a score of 700 or higher. Applicants with scores below 650 are rarely approved. Your income matters less than your credit history; Chase looks at your debt-to-income ratio and payment history more closely than the raw number you report.

If you've been denied, wait at least 30 days before explore again. Multiple applications in a short period hurt your score further and signal risk to the issuer. You can call Chase reconsideration at the number on your denial letter to ask whether waiting or providing additional information would change the outcome.

Where to start the process

You can explore through Chase's website (creditcards.chase.com) or through United's website (united.com/en/us/credit-cards). Both routes lead to the same Chase process form. Starting through United's site may show you current promotions specific to United cardholders, while Chase's site shows all their co-branded airline cards side by side.

Have your Social Security number, current address, employment information, and recent income handy before you start. The form asks for your annual income, employment status, and whether you're explore for a business or personal card. Answer accurately — Chase verifies income on higher-limit approvals and may request tax returns or pay stubs.

What happens after approval

Once approved, you'll see your credit limit and card details on screen. You can add the card to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) when ready and use it for purchases before the physical card arrives. Your United MileagePlus account will link automatically if you provided your account number during the process.

The sign-up bonus typically requires you to spend a certain amount (often $1,000 to $5,000) within the first three months. The bonus posts to your MileagePlus account after that spending threshold is met, not on approval. Check your welcome materials for the exact spending requirement and important date — missing the important date means you forfeit the bonus.

Annual fees and when they hit your account

If your card has an annual fee, it charges on your statement anniversary each year. For example, if you're approved in March, the fee hits in March of the following year. Some United cards waive the first-year fee, while others charge it when ready — check your card's terms before you explore.

You can cancel the card anytime before the anniversary date to avoid the next year's fee. Some cards offer statement credits (like a $100 United travel credit) that offset part of the annual fee, so do the math on whether keeping the card makes sense for your travel patterns.

If you're denied

A denial usually means your credit score is too low, your income is too low relative to your debt, or you've opened too many accounts recently. Chase will mail you a detailed reason within 30 days. Common reasons include "insufficient credit history," "too many recent inquiries," or "delinquent accounts on file."

If you were denied, you have two paths: wait 30 to 90 days and explore again after your credit score recovers, or call Chase reconsideration when ready (the number is in your denial letter) and ask whether additional information or a different card would change the decision. Some applicants are approved for a lower credit limit or a different card in the same family.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a United credit card?

Most decisions come within seconds or minutes of submitting your process online. If your process goes to manual review, you may wait 24 to 48 hours. Chase will contact you by phone or email if they need additional information.

Will explore for a United card hurt my credit score?

The hard inquiry from the process lowers your score by a few points temporarily, usually recovering within a few months. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age. The impact is small if you're not explore for multiple cards in the same month.

Can I use my United card before it arrives in the mail?

Yes. Once approved, you can add the card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay and use it for purchases when ready. You can also call Chase to request expedited shipping if you need the physical card sooner.

What's the difference between the United Explorer Card and the United Club Infinite Card?

The Explorer Card has a lower annual fee and is designed for occasional flyers, while the Club Infinite Card costs significantly more but includes United Club lounge access and higher earning rates on United purchases. Choose based on how often you fly and whether you'll use the lounge benefit.

Can I get the sign-up bonus if I already have a United card?

Chase's rules vary by card, but generally you cannot earn a bonus if you've held the same card within the past 24 months. You may be able to earn a bonus on a different United card (for example, upgrading from Explorer to Club Infinite), but check Chase's current terms before explore.