What the United Card is and who issues it
The United Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with United Airlines. It comes in several versions — the standard United Card, the United Card Business, and premium tiers like the United Club Infinite Card — each with different annual fees, rewards rates, and perks tied to United travel and spending.
Chase handles the credit decisions, billing, and account management. United Airlines determines the miles you earn, the sign-up bonuses, and benefits like checked bag waivers and priority boarding. When you use the card, you're building a relationship with both companies at once.
The card is designed for people who fly United regularly or want to accumulate miles toward United tickets and upgrades. It's not a general rewards card — the benefits concentrate on United travel, so the value depends on whether you actually use United.
Key Takeaways
- United Cards earn miles on United purchases and everyday spending, with sign-up bonuses that typically range from 40,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the card tier.
- Most versions include a free checked bag on United flights, priority boarding, and anniversary miles — benefits that pay back part of the annual fee if you fly at least once a year.
- You explore through Chase's website, and approval decisions usually come within minutes or a few business days.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so it affects your credit score the same way any credit card does.
- Miles earned on the card never expire as long as your account stays open and you have account activity at least once every 24 months.
how the process works for a United Card
Go to Chase's website and search for "United Card" or visit United Airlines' website and click the credit card link — both routes take you to the same Chase process. You'll need your Social Security number, current address, income, and employment information. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Chase will pull your credit report (a hard inquiry) and usually give you a decision on the spot. If they need more information, they'll ask you to call. Once approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, and you can add it to your Chase account online when ready to start earning miles.
You don't have to be a United frequent flyer member to open the card, but linking it to your MileagePlus account (United's rewards program) is free and necessary to see your miles balance and use them for tickets. You can link the card to an existing MileagePlus account or create a new one during the process process.
Sign-up bonuses and how they work
United Cards typically offer a sign-up bonus of 40,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on which version you choose. The bonus usually requires you to spend a set amount — often $3,000 to $5,000 — within the first three months. Once you meet that spending requirement, the miles post to your MileagePlus account within one to two billing cycles.
The bonus is not automatic. You have to actually use the card and hit the spending target. If you don't spend enough in the window, you won't receive the bonus miles, though you'll still have the card and can earn miles on future purchases.
Sign-up bonuses change frequently, so the exact offer available to you depends on when you explore. Chase publishes current offers on their website.
Annual fees and what you get in return
The standard United Card has an annual fee of $95. The United Club Infinite Card costs $650 per year. These fees post to your account on your card anniversary — the same date each year that you opened the account.
In return, most United Cards include a free checked bag on United flights (worth $35 to $40 per round trip if you fly twice a year), priority boarding (which lets you board earlier and choose better seats), and anniversary miles (usually 10,000 to 15,000 miles on your card anniversary). For frequent United travelers, these benefits often cover the annual fee within the first year.
If you don't fly United at least once or twice a year, the annual fee is harder to justify. You can close the card anytime, and you won't be charged the next year's fee if you cancel before your anniversary date.
How you earn miles on purchases
United Cards earn miles at different rates depending on what you buy. The standard card typically earns 2 miles per dollar on United purchases (flights, seat upgrades, United-branded hotels) and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. Premium cards earn higher rates — sometimes 4 miles per dollar on United purchases.
Miles post to your MileagePlus account monthly, usually within a few days of your billing cycle closing. You can see your balance anytime by logging into your MileagePlus account online or through the United app.
Miles earned on the card are yours to keep. They don't expire as long as your MileagePlus account stays active (which means at least one transaction every 24 months — a credit card purchase counts). If your account goes inactive, United will close it and you'll lose the miles.
Using your miles for flights and upgrades
You redeem miles through your MileagePlus account on United's website or app. You can book a flight using miles, upgrade a paid ticket to business or first class, or transfer miles to United's partner airlines. The number of miles needed depends on the route, how far in advance you book, and how busy the flight is.
Award availability (the number of seats United sets aside for mile redemptions) varies by flight and season. Popular routes and peak travel times have fewer award seats. Booking further in advance usually gives you more options, though some flights open award space closer to departure.
You can also use miles to pay for part of a ticket and use cash for the rest, a feature called "Saver" or "Excursionist" pricing depending on the route. This is useful if you don't have quite enough miles for a full award ticket.
Credit score impact and responsible use
Opening a United Card affects your credit score in two ways. First, the hard inquiry (when Chase checks your credit) causes a small, temporary dip. Second, a new account lowers your average account age, which also dips your score slightly. Both effects fade within a few months.
After that, the card helps your score if you use it responsibly: pay your full balance on time each month, keep your balance low relative to your credit limit, and don't close the account (keeping it open helps your credit history length). If you carry a balance and pay interest, the card costs you money and doesn't help your score.
The card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so it shows up on all three of your credit reports. Missing a payment or carrying a high balance will be visible to all lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the sign-up bonus if I already have a United Card?
Chase's rules vary by card version. Generally, you can't receive a sign-up bonus if you've had the same card in the past 24 months, but you may be able to switch to a different United Card tier and receive a new bonus. Check Chase's current terms before explore, as these rules change.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Your miles stay in your MileagePlus account — closing the card doesn't delete them. However, your account must stay active (at least one transaction every 24 months) or United will close it and you'll lose the miles. A credit card purchase counts as activity, so you could keep the account alive by using a different card or making a United purchase.
Do I have to pay the annual fee every year?
Yes, unless you close the card before your anniversary date. The fee posts automatically on the same date each year. If you want to keep the card but avoid the fee, you must cancel before that date. You can always reopen a United Card later if you want to come back.
Can I transfer my United miles to another airline?
Yes. United is part of the Star Alliance, and you can transfer miles to partner airlines like Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines. The transfer rate varies — sometimes you get a 1:1 exchange, sometimes you lose value. Check the transfer rates before you move miles, as they're not always worth it.
What if I'm denied for the card?
Chase will tell you the reason — usually a low credit score, recent late payments, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can call Chase's reconsideration line to ask them to review your process again, or wait a few months and reapply once your credit improves. Opening the card is not required to earn United miles — you can also earn them by flying United directly.