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Best United Airlines credit cards of January 2026

Most of the cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you approve through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our  advertising policy and  product review methodology for more information.

The best United Airlines credit cards offer great perks for frequent flyers — as well as casual travelers who sometimes find themselves on a United flight. Some United credit cards unlock useful benefits when flying on United and using United MileagePlus miles, while others earn valuable transferable points you can redeem through other reward programs.

Whether you’re looking for ways to optimize your United credit card usage to earn more miles or want to apply for a new card, our guide to the best credit cards from our partners for United Airlines flyers will help you find the right fit.

At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.

Comparing the best United credit cards

Best for frequent United flyers

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
3x3x miles on United® purchases.
2x2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.
1x1x mile on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 70,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$350
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

The United Quest Card is a solid, middle-of-the-road option for frequent United flyers. The $350 annual fee is more than cut in half if you can take advantage of the annual $200 United travel credit, and there’s a long list of benefits from checked baggage benefits to a strong earning rate on United and everyday purchases. Read our full review of the United Quest Card.

Pros

  • Receive up to $200 in travel credits each account anniversary year as reimbursement for United purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags
  • Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit

Cons

  • $350 annual fee
  • No lounge access benefits
  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQP
  • 3x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 8 weeks of February 1, starting in the calendar year following your account open date.
  • Free first and second checked bags--a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply)
  • Receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
  • Earn a 10,000-mile eligible award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year
  • Member FDIC
New offer

Best for flexible travel rewards

4.5 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
5xEarn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3xEarn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2xEarn 2x on all other travel purchases.
1xEarn 1x on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
75,000 bonus points
60,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent/Good

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points for Chase Travel bookings or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Pros

  • You’ll earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar dining including eligible delivery services and takeout
  • Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance

Cons

  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC

Best for frequent travelers

4.5 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
8xEarn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠.
4xEarn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct.
3xEarn 3x points on dining worldwide.
1xEarn 1x points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
125,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$795
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
740-850Excellent

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $2,700 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits. 

With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value. 

Pros

  • Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
  • Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
  • Over $2,700 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
  • $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
  • Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027)

Cons

  • Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
  • Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
  • Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
  • May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC

Best for United business travelers

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
2x2x miles on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting.
1x1x mile on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$0 Intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 Annual Fee.
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Good Credit, Excellent Credit

If you’re a business owner, the United Business card offers excellent benefits for United flyers while charging a low annual fee. Read our full review of the United Business Card.

Pros

  • Earn 2 MileagePlus miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting and 1 mile per dollar on everything else
  • First checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation
  • Two United Club one-time passes when the cardholder or authorized user is traveling each cardmember anniversary
  • Travel protections including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Cons

  • Only provides lounge access twice per card member year
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 Intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 Annual Fee.
  • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
  • 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
  • Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
  • Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
  • Receive a $125 United travel credit after making 5 United® flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year with your United℠ Business Card.
  • Member FDIC

Best for high-spending businesses

4.5 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
3XEarn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
1XEarn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.74% - 25.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Good, Excellent

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card offers a lucrative intro bonus and earns points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.

Pros

  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
  • Reasonable $95 annual fee
  • Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners
  • Primary car insurance
  • Perks including cellphone and purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
  • Trip delay reimbursement

Cons

  • High spending needed to get 90,000-point sign-up bonus
  • No travel perks
  • Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
  • Member FDIC

Comparing the best United credit cards

Credit card
Best forIntro offerEarning rateAnnual fee
4

at Chase's secure site

See rates & fees

frequent United flyers
Earn 70,000 bonus miles
Open Intro bonus
1 - 3X miles
Open Rewards rates
$350
New offer
4.5

at Chase's secure site

See rates & fees

flexible travel rewards
75,000 bonus points
Open Intro bonus
60,000 bonus points
1 - 5X points
Open Rewards rates
$95
4.5

at Chase's secure site

See rates & fees

frequent travelers
125,000 bonus points
Open Intro bonus
1 - 8X points
Open Rewards rates
$795
4

at Chase's secure site

See rates & fees

United business travelers
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Open Intro bonus
1 - 2X miles
Open Rewards rates
$0 Intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 Annual Fee.
4.5

at Chase's secure site

See rates & fees

high-spending businesses
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Open Intro bonus
1 - 3X points
Open Rewards rates
$95

More details on the best United credit cards

United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest Card is an excellent choice for a mid-tier United card, offering substantial value that more than justifies its annual fee. The card’s annual $200 credit for United purchases makes up for more than half its annual fee, and you can save on award flight redemptions thanks to a 10,000-mile anniversary award flight credit when you redeem for flights on United or United Express. Plus, you can earn another 10,000-mile flight credit after spending $20,000 on purchases in a calendar year. Additionally, you can enjoy baggage perks, priority boarding and a generous PQP maximum, making it a highly rewarding option for a mid-tier travel card.

The United Quest Card is an excellent choice for folks who already fly United frequently but can still take advantage of benefits like a first and second checked bag free for you and a companion on the same reservation, priority boarding and a discount on inflight food, drink and Wi-Fi purchases.

 “For United flyers who aren’t concerned about accessing the United Club, the Quest provides the perfect benefits for a card with its annual fee. The $200 annual travel credit on United purchases is effectively cash back for United flyers.”—  Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

For an even lower annual fee, the United℠ Explorer Card offers priority boarding and one complimentary checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation. Plus, with the Explorer card, you’ll earn miles on everyday purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Since you can accumulate valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points with every purchase, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is consistently one of our top picks for travel rewards cards. You can earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on dining and online groceries, and 2 points per dollar on other travel expenses.

If you travel at least a couple of times each year, fly various airlines besides United, seek added insurance coverage for your travel bookings and wish to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on your purchases, this card is certainly worth considering despite its annual fee. Moreover, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor

If you’re a United loyalist that is looking for a card with airline-specific perks and a moderate annual fee, consider the United℠ Explorer Card. The intro annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $150 and comes with a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit, two annual lounge visits when the cardholder or authorized user is traveling and a free checked bag for you and a companion on the same United reservation. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Sapphire Reserve offers exceptional value for frequent travelers through generous rewards on travel spending, flexible point transfers and over $2,700 in potential annual perks.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best suited for travelers who can take full advantage of its elevated earning rates, statement credits and wide range of luxury benefits.

If you regularly spend on travel and lifestyle purchases, and want a premium reward card that delivers both luxury benefits and long-term value, the Sapphire Reserve is a card you should consider.

Though it has fewer perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a lower annual fee, reliable travel protections, a minimum of 2 points per dollar on all travel purchases and the opportunity to accumulate valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

United℠ Business Card

The United Business Card is an excellent choice if you occasionally travel for work. For a reasonable $150 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), you can earn bonus miles on United purchases, dining, gas, office supply stores, local transit and commuting. Moreover, by making more than five United flight-related travel purchases of $100 or more each calendar year, you'll receive a $125 statement credit. Additionally, if you also have one of United's personal credit cards, you can earn 5,000 bonus miles annually.

This card is the ideal choice for individuals seeking a business card and who fly with United regularly without reaching elite status. It provides exclusive benefits tailored to the airline, such as complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, and a 25% discount on inflight Wi-Fi, food and beverages.

“This card allows business owners to earn United miles on business purchases with a nominal annual fee. If you manage to have at least five United flight-related travel purchases of $100 or more each calendar year, you’ll get a $125 statement credit, which effectively lowers this card’s annual fee.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

Though it’s not a business card, if you want more Premier qualifying points and United Airlines perks, it’s worth looking into the United Quest℠ Card. This card offers a $200 United travel credit annually and 3 miles per dollar on United purchases, in addition to other perks.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a range of exclusive benefits, making it an appealing choice for business owners who want to maximize their earnings and enjoy valuable rewards through the Ultimate Rewards program. These rewards can be easily transferred to several airline and hotel partners, or they can be redeemed directly for travel through the Chase portal.

The card is particularly advantageous for business owners who frequently spend in the card’s bonus-earning categories. If you already have another Chase credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you have the convenient option to combine your points, allowing you to maximize their value and take advantage of a wider range of redemption opportunities.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter, senior writer

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card is worth considering if you prefer a credit card without the hassle of bonus categories. With this card, you can earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year (see rates and fees). While you still have the ability to transfer your miles to Capital One’s transfer partners, it’s important to note the welcome bonus is not as significant as that of the Ink Business Preferred.

United℠ Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card is geared toward both frequent and occasional United flyers and offers plenty of benefits, such as a free checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation, priority boarding, two annual one-time United Club passes (redeemable by the cardholder or authorized user) and a discount on in-flight purchases. It also earns bonus miles on various purchases, including dining and hotels, putting your next award ticket within reach sooner.

If you’re a casual United flyer and want to earn valuable cost-saving perks like a complimentary checked bag (worth $40 on domestic flights) and two one-time United Club passes (worth $59 per entry), you’ll easily get your money’s worth from this card’s $150 annual fee, $0 intro annual fee for the first year.

“The United Explorer Card offers an array of perks that will enhance your travel experiences on United, even if you only fly with United occasionally. With benefits like a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit, two annual United Club one-time passes and a complimentary checked bag, this card is packed with valuable perks that help you get your money’s worth year after year.” —  Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

If you want to earn more Premier qualifying points and don’t value the two United Club one-time passes that highly, we recommend the United Quest℠ Card. This card offers a $200 United purchase credit annually and 3 miles per dollar on United purchases, in addition to other perks. 

United Club℠ Card

The United Club Card’s notable perks include a membership to the United Club (worth up to $750 every year), IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status (worth $1,290), and complimentary first and second checked bags for you and one travel companion on the same reservation. Cardmembers can also count on other day-of-travel perks such as Premier Access for priority service at the airport, free checked bags and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit worth up to $120 once every four years.

Though the United Club Card has a high annual fee, it comes with premium perks that can make this card worthwhile for frequent United flyers.

“While I’m not the most die-hard United Club fan, I use this card to help earn PQPs to qualify for United status, which gives me perks like PlusPoints for international upgrades and Economy Plus seating. I also appreciate having instant, upper-tier IHG One Rewards status with no stay activity to retain my status. And if you don’t have United status, the card’s benefits that are usually reserved for the airline’s elite members, like free checked bags, priority boarding and priority services at the airport, all contribute to the card’s overall value proposition.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

The United Quest℠ Card has a lower annual fee and allows you to earn United Airlines miles. While it does not provide United Club access, it does offer priority boarding and the convenience of a first checked bag free on United Airlines itineraries.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Business owners get to take advantage of solid travel perks but also business-specific perks such as an up to $120 wireless telephone service statement credit (up to $10 per month) for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. Enrollment required.

Business travelers who can take advantage of this card’s statement credits and would benefit from perks like lounge access and hotel elite status.

If you’re often on the go for work trips, this Amex Business Platinum card is a solid choice. It’s packed with travel-related statement credits and benefits in addition to offering business-specific perks that are pretty straightforward to use.

If you’re in the market for a premium business card but don’t want to commit to the Amex Business Platinum, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠. Like its consumer counterpart, the Sapphire Reserve for Business earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points and also offers business-related statement credits and perks.

United Gateway℠ Card

Despite being United’s entry-level card, the Gateway card offers the ability to earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting with no annual fee. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees.

This is a great starter card to earn United miles on everyday purchases to eventually redeem for an award flight.

“The Gateway card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and lets you earn a modest number of United miles on your purchases. That’s a trifecta for beginners.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

For a $150 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), the United℠ Explorer Card offers priority boarding and one complimentary checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation. Plus, with the Explorer card, you’ll be able to earn more miles.

American Express Platinum Card®

The American Express Platinum Card® is a great travel companion thanks to perks like no foreign transaction fees and enhancements like a generous up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits biannually). Now, it also features more lifestyle credits that cardmembers can take advantage of to help offset its hefty annual fee. Enrollment required.

Frequent travelers and digital entertainment subscribers will enjoy travel perks like lounge access and an up to $209 Clear Plus statement credit in addition to an up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 per month in statement credits). Enrollment may be required and you may be subject to auto-renewal.

Adding this card to your rotation makes sense if you can use its perks and statement credits to offset its $895 annual fee.

If you want a premium travel and lifestyle card that’s not nearly $900, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It features a $795 annual fee — which is still a big figure — but offers several similar perks and credits that offset this fee, and it earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most valuable reward currencies on the market.

How we rate

We selected the best United credit cards to suit different budgets and types of flyers. Since TPG staffers spend hundreds of hours (or more) each year on flights all over the world, we understand the importance of having a card that also suits your travel style — whether that means you want pre-flight lounge access or you simply want inflight discounts. To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
Welcome bonusUnited flyers can take advantage of varying welcome bonuses offered on United credit cards.
Annual feeStarting at zero, United credit card annual fees range from budget-friendly to premium.
Earning ratesWe selected cards that feature elevated mile-earning rates.
Redemption optionsCardholders can redeem MileagePlus miles and earned rewards for future travel.
Added benefitsUnited cardholders get access to extra perks like free checked bags.

Is United the best US airline in 2024?

Not according to TPG’s annual report, which has United in third place (behind Delta and Alaska). United took top scores for loyalty and fell near the top of the heap for its route network and cost structure. However, it was the second-worst airline for delivering checked luggage to passengers, and it ranked sixth in cancellation rate. These operational issues ultimately led to United slipping from second in 2023 to third this year.

Here’s how United compared in this year’s analysis.

*TPG’s proprietary formula uses data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, public information from carrier websites and internal valuation calculations to numerically rank the largest 10 airlines in the U.S. in terms of reliability, cost, experience and loyalty.

Ask our experts

What's your favorite United credit card — and why?

What are the benefits of having a United Airlines credit card?

Cobranded United Airlines credit cards offer many benefits for travelers. Here’s a look at what you can expect from some of the MileagePlus credit cards we discussed above.

How to choose the best United credit card

Choose the best United Airlines credit card based on your spending and travel needs. Frequent United flyers will get a lot of value out of a card that offers lounge access and a Global Entry credit while casual flyers may prefer a no-frills, lower annual fee option.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a United credit card:
  • 1
    Sign-up bonus
    Opt for a card with an attainable sign-up bonus that suits your budget. Once you’ve earned a bonus, you’ll be able to use it for future travel.
  • 2
    Annual fee
    Those seeking premium value from a United card will find tons of value in the options that have higher annual fees.
  • 3
    Bonus categories
    Choose a card that grants access to bonus categories you frequently spend in, whether it’s on groceries or dining out. This way, you maximize your earning potential.
Complete guide to United Airlines MileagePlus - The Points Guy
Become a MileagePlus pro with these tips

Pros + cons of United credit cards

Pros

  • United credit cards can earn MileagePlus miles on every dollar you spend
  • Some United credit cards offer shortcuts to MileagePlus Premier status and expanded award availability
  • Many United credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
  • Select United credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, lounge access, statement credits and more

Cons

  • You may not fly with United enough to make a United credit card worthwhile

How to apply for a United Airlines credit card

You can apply for a United card online or by mail. Upon approval, your new card should arrive by mail — regardless of how you applied — in seven to 10 days. To streamline the process, you can access United card applications here:

Frequently asked questions

The ideal United Airlines credit card choice depends on your specific requirements. The United Club℠ Card would be your most suitable option if you want United Club access. However, if your main priority is to receive the benefit of a complimentary first checked bag on domestic United Airlines flights, the United℠ Explorer Card or United Quest℠ Card would likely be best.

According to TPG's valuations, MileagePlus miles are worth 1.35 cents apiece.

Obtaining a United Airlines card can be advantageous if its benefits outweigh the annual fee. To illustrate, simply avoiding four checked bag fees per year would make keeping the United℠ Explorer Card in your wallet a worthwhile long-term investment. Moreover, the annual fee for the United Club℠ Card is lower than that of a United Club membership, making it an even more cost-effective option.

Annual fees will vary depending on the United Airlines credit card you have. The annual fees for United Airlines credit cards are included below:

United℠ Explorer Card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 per year thereafter

United Quest℠ Card: $350

United Gateway℠ card: $0

United Club℠ card: $695

United Club℠ Business card: $695

United℠ Business card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 per year thereafter

The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

You can apply for United Airlines cards by clicking the hyperlinked card names on our page.

Redeeming your MileagePlus miles can be done over the phone, in the United app or on United's website. If you're logged into your account online or using the app, you should see an option to use your miles for redemptions. You can choose between things like award flights and upgrades — simply choose what you want to use your miles for and click 'submit.'

Only three major credit card currencies transfer to United MileagePlus: Chase Ultimate Rewards points, at a 1:1 ratio; Marriott Bonvoy points, at a 3:1.1 ratio; and Bilt Rewards, at a 1:1 ratio. Many cobranded Chase credit cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Marriott Bonvoy credit cards earn Marriott points, and you can earn Bilt Points with the Bilt Mastercard®.

The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

No, United Airlines credit cards do not have foreign transaction fees.

You can use your cobranded United Airlines credit card at most merchants that accept Visa credit cards.

Some United Airlines credit cards, including the United Club℠ Card, offer worldwide car rental insurance coverage when you pay for your rental with your card. Check out each card’s benefits to determine whether your card offers rental car coverage and, if so, the specific details of the coverage.

You'll typically need good credit — a credit score of at least 670 — to be approved for a United Airlines credit card.

Yes, you can add eligible United credit cards to Apple, Google or Samsung mobile wallets.

MileagePlus miles do not expire. This means you can accrue them over time and save them for a special redemption once you've hit your points goal.

Yes, holding more than one United credit card simultaneously is possible. You may find more value, however, in holding a single United card that earns MileagePlus miles instead of splitting your spending power between two United cards. Also, remember that you'll be under the Chase 5/24 rule since Chase issues United cards.