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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Best time to apply for United Chase cards based on offer history
Olivia Mittak is a credit cards editor at TPG. She specializes in maximizing earn for points and miles, finding the best welcome bonuses and choosing the right credit cards for your wallet.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
also contributed to this story
May 8, 2026 • 29 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved 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. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
This guide reviews the historical welcome offers for six airline cards tied to a major U.S. carrier, highlighting when to apply for the most valuable bonuses.
Each card has a distinct set of perks and is suited to different types of travelers, from occasional flyers to frequent business travelers.
The article provides detailed timelines of past offers, showing how bonus amounts have fluctuated over recent years.
Recommendations are given on the optimal bonus thresholds to target before submitting an application.
What to consider
Welcome offers can change frequently and may include additional bonuses for adding authorized users.
Some offers provide extra value through status-qualifying points, which may appeal to those seeking elite status.
Eligibility for welcome bonuses is typically limited to new cardholders and may have restrictions on repeat bonuses.
What you'll miss from the article
A comprehensive chart of historical bonus trends and expert advice on timing your application for maximum value.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
These welcome bonuses are the best way to reap a yield of many United miles at once. That's why it's very important to make sure you apply at the right time.
In this guide, we'll walk you through each United card's offer history and when to apply. (Keep in mind that offers can change at any time, and some of the offers on this page may no longer be available.)
Note that we'll only discuss publicly available welcome offers here. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus miles.
Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
When the offer is 90,000 miles or more; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. Earn an extra 75,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $20,000 on purchases within six months from account opening.
When the offer is 100,000 miles or more; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
When the offer is 90,000 miles or more; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
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.
United Gateway card
For anyone looking to dip their toes into airline cards, the no-annual-fee United Gateway may be a good option.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer history
Here are the recent welcome offers on the United Gateway card.
Approximate date
Welcome offer
Value*
October 2026 to now
Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $600 (including the points from adding an authorized user, based on Oct. 2026 valuations)
April to October 2026
Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $540 (including the points from adding an authorized user)
August 2025 to April 2026
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
July to August 2025
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$270
May to July 2025
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
January to May 2025
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$270
November 2024 to January 2025
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
August to November 2024
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$270
June to August 2024
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
March to June 2024
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$270
November 2023 to March 2024
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
August to November 2023
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$270
June to August 2023
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
January to June 2023
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$270
November 2022 to January 2023
Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$405
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s May 2026 valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
This card's highest-ever welcome is the current offer of up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
When to apply
With its highest-ever offer (so long as you add an authorized user), now is the ideal time to apply.
Although the United Explorer has an annual fee of $150 ($0 for the first year), it offers great benefits for semifrequent United flyers, like two United Club passes and a free checked bag when you pay for your flight with your card.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer history
Here are the recent offers we've seen on the United Explorer.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2026 to now
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $960 (including the points from adding an authorized user, based on Oct. 2026 valuations)
May to October 2026
Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $810 (including the points from adding an authorized user)
April 2026 to May 2026
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,080 (including the points from adding an authorized user)
January 2026 to April 2026
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$945
May 2025 to January 2026
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810
March to May 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,080
November 2024 to March 2025
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810
August to November 2024
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$675
June to August 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810
March to June 2024
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$675
November 2023 to March 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810
October to November 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$675
June to October 2023
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810
December 2022 to June 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$675
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
This card's highest-ever offer was 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
When to apply
We recommend waiting to apply until this card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles or more.
If you fly United frequently but don't want to commit to a premium card, the United Quest may be for you. While it has a high annual fee of $350, it offers numerous statement credits and United-specific perks to make up for that.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer history
Here are the recent offers we've seen on the United Quest card.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2026 to now
Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP: Earn 500 PQP after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,080 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs, based on Oct. 2026 valuations)
May 2026 to October 2026
Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $945 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
April 2026 to May 2026
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,350 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 2026 to April 2026
Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,080 (not including the value of 3,000 PSPs)
August 2025 to January 2026
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$945 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
June to August 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,350 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
March to June 2025
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,215 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
November 2024 to March 2025
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
August to November 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$900 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
June to August 2024
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
March to June 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
$810 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
November 2023 to March 2024
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
August to November 2023
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
June to August 2023
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
January to June 2023
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$810 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
This card's highest-ever bonus was when it offered 100,000 miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
When to apply
We recommend waiting until you see an offer of 80,000 miles or more, plus PQPs, to apply.
As the top consumer United card available, it's no surprise that the United Club Card comes with a hefty $695 annual fee. In exchange for that, however, it comes with loads of benefits, making it the best choice for United's biggest fans.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer history
Here are the welcome offers we've seen on the United Club Card.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2026 to now
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,200 (including the points from adding an authorized user, based on Oct. 2026 valuations)
May 2026 October 2026
Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,215 (including the points from adding an authorized user)
April 2026 to May 2026
Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
November 2025 to April 2026
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,215
July to November 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,080
May to July 2025
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,215
March to May 2025
Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,283
November 2024 to March 2025
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,215
August to November 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,080
June to August 2024
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,215
January to June 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,080
November 2023 to January 2024
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,215
August to November 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,080
January to August 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,080 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
November 2022 to January 2023
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,350
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The United Club Card's highest-ever welcome was up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
When to apply
Before pulling the trigger on an application, wait for an offer of 90,000 miles or more. If United status is on the table for you, it may make sense to wait for an offer that includes bonus PQPs.
If you're a business owner who flies with United occasionally, the relatively affordable $150-per-year annual fee United Business Card may be the best pick for you.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer history
Here are the recent welcome offers we've seen on the United Business Card.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2026 to now
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,200 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs, based on Oct. 2026 valuations)
April 2026 to October 2026
Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 2026 to April 2026
Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
November 2025 to January 2026
Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,013 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
July to November 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
May to July 2025
Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
March to May 2025
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within three months from account opening.
$1,688
April 2024 to March 2025
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013
January to April 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,350
November 2023 to January 2024
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$675
October to November 2023
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013
June to October 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$675
March to June 2023
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013
June 2022 to March 2023
Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: Get 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. Earn an extra 75,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $20,000 on purchases within six months from account opening.
Up to $2,025
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
This card's highest-ever offer included up to 150,000 bonus miles: New cardholders could earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, plus an extra 75,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $20,000 on purchases within six months from account opening.
When to apply
Your best bet is to apply when this card's welcome offer is 100,000 miles or more. Those aiming for United status should wait for an offer that includes bonus PQPs.
If you're a United loyalist with a business, you should consider the $695-per-year United Club Business Card.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer history
Here are the recent welcome offers we've seen on the United Club Business.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2026 to now
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,200 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs, based on Oct. 2026 valuations)
April 2026 October 2026
Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 2026 to April 2026
Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
November 2025 to January 2026
Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,080 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
July to November 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
May to July 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,080 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
March 2025 to May 2025
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,688
August 2024 to March 2025
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$675 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
January to August 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
October 2023 to January 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013
June to October 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$675
November 2022 to June 2023
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
$1,013
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
When this card had its highest-ever offer, business owners could earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
When to apply
We recommend prospective cardholders wait for a welcome offer of 90,000 miles or more before sending in an application. Those looking for a status boost should wait for an offer that includes bonus PQPs.
Waiting for the right time to apply for a card is important. You want to make sure you can get the best welcome offer available, especially since many cards block you from earning multiple welcome bonuses on them in a certain time frame.
Chase's portfolio of United-branded cards offers some fantastic benefits. Whether you fly United once a year or every month, it’s worth exploring these cards to see which one fits your wallet.
To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, check out the following:
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
