What the United Airlines MileagePlus Credit Card Does
The United Airlines MileagePlus credit card is a rewards card issued by Chase that gives you miles toward United flights instead of cash back. You earn miles on every purchase, get a sign-up bonus of miles after you spend a certain amount in the first few months, and can use those miles to book flights, upgrades, or other travel perks through United's program.
The card comes in several versions — the most common are the standard MileagePlus card, the MileagePlus Premier card, and the MileagePlus Reserve card. Each version charges a different annual fee and offers different benefits. The higher the annual fee, the more perks you get, but that also means you need to use the card more to make the fee worth paying.
Unlike cash-back cards, a MileagePlus card only makes sense if you actually fly United or can transfer miles to airline partners. If you never fly, or fly a different airline most of the time, this card will not save you money.
Key Takeaways
- The MileagePlus card charges an annual fee that ranges depending on which version you choose, and you pay it every year whether you use the card or not.
- You earn miles on purchases, but the miles are only valuable if you book United flights or transfer them to partner airlines — they have no cash value.
- The sign-up bonus requires you to spend a set amount within a few months, and that spending must happen on the card to count toward the bonus.
- Higher-tier cards offer perks like free checked bags and seat upgrades, but these benefits only help if you fly United frequently enough to use them.
- Miles expire if your account is inactive for 18 months, so you need to use the card or take a United flight regularly to keep your balance alive.
How Miles Earn and What They're Worth
Every dollar you spend on the card earns a set number of miles. The standard MileagePlus card typically earns 1 mile per dollar on most purchases, with bonus miles on United purchases and dining. The Premier and Reserve versions earn more miles per dollar, especially on United flights and travel purchases.
The real question is what a mile is worth in dollars. United does not publish a fixed value — instead, the price of a flight in miles changes based on demand, just like cash prices do. A flight that costs 25,000 miles one day might cost 35,000 miles the next. This means you cannot know in advance exactly how much value you are getting for your spending.
Industry estimates suggest a United mile is worth between 0.8 and 1.5 cents, but that varies wildly depending on which flights you book and how far in advance you plan. A mile spent on a short domestic flight during peak travel is worth less than a mile spent on a long international flight during off-season. You have to check the actual price of the flight you want to know if the miles are a good deal.
Annual Fees and When They Make Sense
The standard MileagePlus card charges an annual fee of around $95, though this varies and Chase changes it periodically. The Premier version costs more, and the Reserve version costs significantly more. You pay this fee every year, even if you do not use the card.
To decide if the fee is worth it, calculate how much value you get from the perks. The standard card includes benefits like a free checked bag on United flights (worth $35 to $40 per round trip if you fly twice a year) and a $100 United travel credit after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year. If you fly United at least twice a year and spend enough on the card to earn the travel credit, the fee can pay for itself.
If you fly United less than twice a year, or if you rarely use the card for everyday spending, the annual fee will cost you more than the benefits are worth. In that case, a cash-back card or a card with no annual fee makes more financial sense.
The Sign-Up Bonus and Spending Requirements
When you open a MileagePlus card, Chase offers a bonus of miles if you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe — usually $3,000 to $5,000 in the first three months, depending on which card version you choose. The bonus can be worth 50,000 to 100,000 miles or more.
The catch is that only purchases made on the card count toward the spending requirement. Balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not count. You have to actually charge that amount to the card in the timeframe given, or you lose the bonus.
Before you open the card, think about whether you can spend that much in three months without overspending or carrying a balance. If you would have to put planned expenses on the card just to hit the bonus, you are not saving money — you are just rearranging when you pay. The bonus only makes sense if you were going to spend that money anyway.
Perks Beyond Miles: Checked Bags, Upgrades, and Lounge Access
The standard card includes a free checked bag on United flights for you and one companion on the same ticket. This alone saves money if you fly with a bag twice a year. You also get priority boarding, which means you board earlier and can find overhead bin space.
The Premier and Reserve cards add more perks: United Club passes (access to airport lounges), complimentary upgrades on certain flights, and higher annual travel credits. These perks have real value if you fly United frequently, but they are worthless if you fly once a year or less.
Read the full benefits list on Chase's website before you explore, because the perks change and vary by card version. Do not assume the perks you heard about from a friend still explore — Chase updates them regularly.
How to Decide If This Card Is Right for You
Start by asking yourself three questions: Do I fly United at least twice a year? Do I spend enough on a credit card to earn back the annual fee in perks and miles? Can I pay off the balance each month, or will I carry a balance and pay interest?
If you answered yes to all three, the card may make sense. If you answered no to any of them, a different card — or no airline card at all — is probably the better choice.
Also consider whether you have other ways to earn United miles. If your employer offers a corporate card, or if you have a checking account with a bank that partners with United, you might earn miles without paying an annual fee. Compare those options before you commit to a credit card.
Miles Expiration and How to Keep Your Balance Active
United miles expire if your account has no activity for 18 months. Activity means earning or spending miles — it includes credit card purchases, taking a United flight, or transferring miles to a partner airline. If you do not do any of these things for 18 months, your miles disappear.
If you have a large balance of miles you are saving for a big trip, make sure you use the card or fly United at least once every 18 months. Even a small purchase counts as activity. If you are worried about losing miles, you can also transfer them to a United partner airline to reset the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer United miles to other airlines?
Yes. United partners with dozens of airlines and you can transfer miles to their programs at a 1-to-1 rate. This is useful if you want to fly a partner airline or if you are close to losing miles due to inactivity — a transfer resets the 18-month clock. Check United's website for the current list of partners.
What happens if I carry a balance on the card?
You will pay interest on the balance, just like any credit card. The interest rate varies based on your credit score and market conditions. If you carry a balance, the interest you pay will likely exceed the value of the miles you earn, making the card a bad deal. Only use this card if you can pay the full balance each month.
Do I have to be a United frequent flyer member to get the card?
No. When you open the card, Chase automatically enrolls you in United's MileagePlus program if you are not already a member. Your miles are tied to that account, so make sure you use the same email address and personal information each time you fly or use the card.
Can I use miles to book flights for other people?
Yes. You can book award flights for family members or friends using your miles, as long as you are the one making the reservation. You cannot give miles to someone else to use themselves — the miles stay in your account and you control how they are spent.
What if I want to cancel the card?
You can cancel anytime, but your miles stay in your United account as long as you have activity within 18 months. If you cancel the card, you lose the perks like free checked bags, but the miles themselves do not disappear unless your account goes inactive. You can always reopen the card later if you decide to fly United again.