What the United Airlines Credit Card is and who issues it
The United Airlines Credit Card is issued by Chase and earns rewards in the form of United MileagePlus miles — the frequent flyer currency of United Airlines. You earn miles on every purchase you make with the card, and those miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel benefits through the United MileagePlus program.
Chase offers several versions of this card, each with different annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and earning rates. The most common versions are the United Explorer Card, the United Club Infinite Card, and the United Gateway Card. Each is designed for a different level of United travel and spending.
This card works like any other credit card — you receive a bill each month and pay what you owe. The difference is that instead of earning cash back, you earn miles that accumulate in your MileagePlus account.
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines Credit Cards are issued by Chase and earn miles instead of cash back, which you can use for United flights and upgrades.
- Chase offers multiple versions of the card with different annual fees ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars, depending on the card tier.
- New cardholders typically receive a sign-up bonus of miles after meeting a spending requirement within the first few months.
- You earn miles on every purchase, with higher earning rates on United purchases and dining, depending on which card you hold.
- The card includes benefits like checked baggage waivers, priority boarding, and lounge access on higher-tier versions.
How to understand the different United card versions
Chase offers the United Explorer Card as its entry-level option. This card has an annual fee and earns 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and dining, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. It includes one free checked bag per year and priority boarding on United flights.
The United Club Infinite Card is the premium tier. It has a higher annual fee but includes access to United Club lounges, a higher sign-up bonus, and additional perks like a United travel credit and baggage benefits. This card is aimed at frequent United travelers who value lounge access.
The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee option that earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases. It does not include baggage waivers or lounge access, but it has no yearly cost and is a way to start earning miles if you do not want to pay an annual fee.
Each card comes with a sign-up bonus — a large number of miles awarded after you spend a certain amount in the first three months. These bonuses vary by card and change periodically.
How sign-up bonuses work
When you open a United Airlines Credit Card, Chase offers a sign-up bonus if you spend a set amount within a set timeframe — usually $3,000 to $5,000 in the first three months, depending on the card. Once you meet that spending requirement, the bonus miles post to your MileagePlus account.
The bonus is the main financial benefit of opening the card. A typical bonus might be 50,000 to 100,000 miles, which can cover a domestic round-trip flight or contribute significantly toward an international ticket. The exact bonus amount changes, so check the current offer before you open the card.
You do not have to use the bonus miles right away. They stay in your account until you choose to redeem them. However, miles do expire if your account is inactive for 18 months, so you should use or transfer them before that window closes.
Annual fees and what they cover
The United Explorer Card charges an annual fee, typically $95, though this varies. The United Club Infinite Card charges a higher annual fee, usually $650 or more. The United Gateway Card has no annual fee.
On the higher-tier cards, the annual fee often comes with credits that offset part of the cost. For example, the Club Infinite Card includes a United travel credit that can be used toward flights, seat upgrades, or baggage fees. Some versions also include a statement credit for incidental travel expenses or lounge day passes.
Whether the annual fee is worth paying depends on how much you fly United and how much you value the included benefits. If you fly United frequently and use the lounge access or baggage waivers, the fee may pay for itself. If you fly rarely, a no-fee card may be the better choice.
How to earn and redeem miles
Every purchase you make with the card earns miles. The earning rate depends on which card you hold and what you are buying. Most United cards earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and dining, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. The no-fee Gateway Card earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
Miles accumulate in your MileagePlus account, which is separate from your credit card account but linked to it. You can see your mile balance by logging into your MileagePlus account on United's website or app.
To redeem miles, log into your MileagePlus account and search for award flights. You can book a flight using miles instead of paying cash. The number of miles required depends on the route, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. A domestic round-trip flight typically costs 25,000 to 50,000 miles, while international flights cost more.
Miles can also be used for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel-related purchases through the MileagePlus program. You can transfer miles to partner airlines or hotels, though this is usually less valuable than using them for United flights.
Additional benefits beyond miles
United Airlines Credit Cards include perks beyond earning miles. All versions include a checked baggage waiver — you do not pay the standard checked bag fee on United flights when you use the card to purchase your ticket. This benefit applies to you and one companion on the same reservation.
The cards also include priority boarding, which means you board before most other passengers. This is useful if you want to find overhead bin space or prefer to board early.
Higher-tier cards include lounge access. The Club Infinite Card grants access to United Club lounges, where you can use Wi-Fi, eat complimentary snacks, and relax before your flight. Some versions include a certain number of free lounge visits per year, with additional visits available for a fee.
All versions include travel protections such as trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage coverage, and emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling. These protections are standard on most airline credit cards and help cover costs if something goes wrong during your trip.
How to decide if a United card is right for you
A United Airlines Credit Card makes sense if you fly United regularly or plan to take at least one or two United flights per year. The sign-up bonus alone can cover a domestic flight, which means the card pays for itself on the first trip if you would have flown United anyway.
If you do not fly United or fly other airlines more often, a general travel rewards card or a card from another airline may be a better fit. If you fly United frequently and value lounge access, the premium card may be worth the higher annual fee. If you fly United occasionally and want to avoid annual fees, the no-fee Gateway Card is an option.
Before opening any card, compare the current sign-up bonus, annual fee, and earning rates across the available versions. These details change, and the best card for you depends on your specific travel plans and spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use United miles on other airlines?
You can transfer United miles to partner airlines and hotels through the MileagePlus program, but the transfer rate is usually not favorable — you typically lose value in the exchange. Most miles are worth more when used for United flights directly.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Closing the card does not automatically cancel your miles. Your miles stay in your MileagePlus account as long as your account remains active. However, if your MileagePlus account becomes inactive for 18 months, your miles will expire.
Do I have to pay the annual fee every year?
Yes, the annual fee posts to your account each year on the anniversary of when you opened the card. You can cancel the card before the fee posts if you decide you no longer want it, but if you keep the card open, you will be charged the annual fee.
How long does it take to earn enough miles for a free flight?
This depends on how much you spend and which card you hold. A sign-up bonus alone can cover a domestic flight. After that, earning a flight through regular spending takes longer — typically several months to a year, depending on your monthly spending and the earning rate of your card.
Can I use my miles to upgrade my seat?
Yes. You can use miles to purchase seat upgrades on United flights, either at the time of booking or after you have purchased your ticket. The cost in miles varies by flight and cabin.