Earn Bonus Miles With United MileagePlus Shopping Elevated Offers Through October
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Earlier this month, we told you about how you could earn bonus United miles when shopping through the United MileagePlus Shopping portal with its increased offers. Although those increased offers at select retailers ended last week, there's good news — United's announced that there are additional bonus offers through nearly the end of the month.
As a reminder, with these increased offers, you won't only be getting bonus United miles, but with every purchase, you'll also have the opportunity to win a grand prize of 100,000 award miles and $2,500 cash, or one of three first prizes of 20,000 miles each. You earn 1 entry when you register for the sweepstakes, 5 entries when you opt into marketing emails and 5 additional entries for each qualifying purchase (with a maximum of 25 entries per day). If you haven't already registered for this promotion, now's the time to do so.
Whereas the last round of increased offers was split into three groups of dates, this round seems to be a bit more scattered. Be sure to pay extra attention to the dates to make sure you're eligible for increased bonuses at the select retailers. Overall, the dates range from today through October 31, so there's plenty of time to take advantage. Also keep in mind that if you're a cardholder of one of the United MileagePlus credit cards, such as the United MileagePlus Explorer Card, you're already eligible for increased bonuses, but this promotion of increased offers could earn you even more. The card currently comes with a sign-up bonus of 40,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
Here are the elevated earning levels for retailers between October 13 and 15:
| Usual Bonus (cardholder) | Usual Bonus (non-cardholder) | Elevated Bonus (cardholder; non-cardholder) | Applicable Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohl's | 2 | 1 | 4; 3 | 10/13 |
| JCPenny | 3 | 2 | 10; 10 | 10/13-10/14 |
| Gap | 2 | 1 | 6; 3 | 10/14 |
| Under Armour | 4 | 3 | 12; 12 | 10/14 |
| Apple | 1 | 1 | 3; 3 | 10/14-10/15 |
| Bose | 2 | 2 | 8; 8 | 10/14-10/15 |
| Macys.com | 2 | 2 | 8; 8 | 10/14-10/15 |
| JCPenny | 3 | 2 | 6; 6 | 10/15 |
Be aware that some of these offers only last for one day, such as today's offer with Kohl's. Non-cardholders can get especially generous offers from JCPenny and Under Amour — you'll earn the same bonus as cardholders. Also keep in mind that if you're looking to buy something from JCPenny, you're best off doing it on October 13 or 14 rather than October 15 because the bonus is higher — you'll earn 4 more miles per dollar.
Here are the elevated earning levels for retailers between October 17 and 19:
| Usual Bonus (cardholder) | Usual Bonus (non-cardholder) | Elevated Bonus (cardholder; non-cardholder) | Applicable Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance | 4 | 3 | 15; 15 | 10/17 |
| Neiman Marcus | 3 | 2 | 10; 10 | 10/18-10/19 |
| Saks | 4 | 3 | 10; 10 | 10/18-10/19 |
| Horchow | 3 | 2 | 9; 6 | 10/18-10/19 |
| Gilt City | 10 | 7 | 20; 20 | 10/18-10/19 |
| Hollister | 1 | 1 | 2; 2 | 10/18-10/19 |
| Lord & Taylor | 4 | 3 | 12; 12 | 10/18-10/19 |
| Jones NY | 3 | 2 | 9; 6 | 10/18-10/19 |
As you can see, you can get pretty solid value at some of these retailers, such as the nearly 3x increase for non-cardholders at Gilt City.
Here are the elevated earning levels for retailers between October 21 and 23:
| Usual Bonus (cardholder) | Usual Bonus (non-cardholder) | Elevated Bonus (cardholder; non-cardholder) | Applicable Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neiman Marcus | 3 | 2 | 10; 10 | 10/21 |
| LivingSocial | 2 | 2 | 6; 6 | 10/21-10/22 |
| Microsoft Store | 2 | 2 | 6; 6 | 10/21-10/22 |
| Horchow | 3 | 2 | 9; 6 | 10/22-10/23 |
Keep in mind that some retailers on this month's list may appear more than once. For example, Horchow appears from October 18-19, as well as October 22-23 and October 25-26. Make sure to check the list to be sure you make your purchase when your offer is the highest. In this example, October 18-19 and October 22-23 will give cardholders a better bonus than from October 25-26.
Here are the elevated earning levels for retailers between October 25 and 26:
| Usual Bonus (cardholder) | Usual Bonus (non-cardholder) | Elevated Bonus (cardholder; non-cardholder) | Applicable Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBags | 6 | 4 | 12; 12 | 10/25-10/26 |
| Horchow | 3 | 2 | 6; 6 | 10/25-10/26 |
| Abercrombie | 1 | 1 | 2; 2 | 10/25-10/26 |
| Shoes.com | 4 | 3 | 8; 6 | 10/25-10/26 |
| Gifts.com | 6 | 4 | 12; 12 | 10/25-10/26 |
In this round of bonuses, you can get some great value especially if you're a non-cardholder. Non-cardholder bonuses will be the same as those for cardholders at select retailers, so you're getting exceptionally more value if you're a non-cardholder — but that shouldn't deter cardholders from shopping during this time.
Here are the elevated earning levels for retailers between October 28 and 29:
| Usual Bonus (cardholder) | Usual Bonus (non-cardholder) | Elevated Bonus (cardholder; non-cardholder) | Applicable Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergdorf Goodman | 3 | 2 | 6; 6 | 10/28-10/29 |
| Nike | 5 | 2 | 15; 15 | 10/28-10/29 |
| Lands' End | 3 | 2 | 6; 6 | 10/28-10/30 |
The last round of elevated bonuses offers some great value, especially at Nike. Cardholders will get a 3x miles bonus, while non-cardholders will get a nearly 8x bonus from the usual earnings. The other two offers during this range could also give both cardholders and non-cardholders a great value.
Example
Here's an example of how this promotion can earn you a potentially significant amount of bonus miles. If you're buying a purchase at Nike that'll cost you $240, you could get some pretty valuable miles out of this promotion. Normally, you'd get 1,200 miles if you're a cardholder (480 for a non-cardholder), worth about $18 based on TPG's most recent valuations (about $7 for non-cardholders). However, with this elevated bonus, you'd earn 3,600 miles for the purchase, worth about $54 — a pretty valuable increase.
Bottom Line
In general, all of your online shopping should be done through airline shopping portals. Missing out on an opportunity to earn valuable airline miles when making purchases you would make in any case is a no-no for any frequent traveler. And with this United MileagePlus Shopping bonus, there's even more incentive to do so. Thankfully, with the carrier extending these bonuses through nearly the end of the month, there's now even more time to take advantage.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.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.
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.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.