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United's Latest Challenge Offers Elite Status Through Early 2018
Zach Honig
Contributor
April 29, 2016
•
4 min read
United's Latest Challenge Offers Elite Status Through Early 2018
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Update: Apparently it may be possible to request a match from AA Executive Platinum to United 1K. The same 90-day trial applies, with a requirement to earn 35,000 PQMs or 40 segments during that period.
Last month we reported that United's status match program was ending — fortunately, that's no longer the case. United has just extended its status match/challenge program, allowing you to register up until June 30, 2016. You'll have higher status for a 90-day period, during which you must meet certain terms for the match to stick.
Since we're approaching the halfway mark of 2016, United's status match can be even more advantageous this time around — assuming you meet the requirements on or after July 1, 2016, you'll have your new status through January 2018! Here are the terms from UA:
Earned 2016 Premier status is valid through January 2017. The MileagePlus status is valid through January 2018 for customers who earn Premier status through this promotion on or after July 1, 2016. *For customers who meet the PQM or PQS requirement of this promotion on or after July 1, 2016, status is valid through January 2018, unless a higher Premier level is earned.
Here's how this works:
Match
United will only match status with one of its top legacy competitors. Here's which UA level to expect, based on the status you currently hold with another airline:
| Level matched to in MileagePlus | Premier Silver | Premier Gold | Premier Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
Delta Air Lines Medallion level | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
American Airlines AAdvantage elite status | Gold | Platinum | Determined upon review |
US Airways Preferred level | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
Interestingly, United still includes matching from US Airways Preferred, though that program is now defunct. Additionally, you may have success matching to a higher level than what's shown above. TPG contributor JT Genter managed to get United to match an AA Gold (lowest level) member to United Gold (mid-level) by demonstrating that this traveler has plans to fly extensively throughout the year.
After submitting your match request, you'll have your new status for a 90-day "Offer Period." You can choose the start date, but it needs to be within 14 days of the date you submit your request, so don't contact United until just before you're ready to begin.
Additionally, your trial status won't include full Star Alliance benefits, such as access to partner lounges. If you don't meet the challenge requirements, United may (and likely will) downgrade your account.
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Challenge
You must meet the following requirements within 90 days of your start date:
| MileagePlus Premier status | PQM (Premier Qualifying Miles) or PQS (Premier Qualifying Segments) |
|---|---|
Premier Silver | Fly 7,000 PQM or 8 PQS on flights operated by United or United Express |
Premier Gold | Fly 12,500 PQM or 15 PQS on flights operated by United or United Express |
Premier Platinum | Fly 18,000 PQM or 22 PQS on flights operated by United or United Express |
Unfortunately even if you earn enough PQMs or PQSs to reach a higher status level, United will only issue permanent status based on the chart up top. So if you're a current American Airlines Platinum elite and match to UA Gold, you can't fly 18,000 PQM and get United Premier Platinum.
Again, if you meet the challenge requirements on or after July 1, 2016, you'll keep the matched status for the remainder of 2016 and the entire 2017 program year (until January 31, 2018). That's a pretty sweet deal!
Notes
- You technically can't participate if you currently hold Star Alliance Silver or Gold status (though it's unclear how United will confirm this if you don't provide these credentials).
- You aren't eligible if you've participated in a OnePass or MileagePlus status match within the past five years.
- It may take United 7-14 days to upgrade your account with temporary matched status, so keep that in mind if you're planning to travel soon.
Thanks to TPG reader Charlton Y., who shared this news tip by emailing tpgtips@thepointsguy.com. We’ll be sending out a $200 Visa gift card as a token of our appreciation.
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.