United Gateway Card review: No-annual-fee card that earns United miles
Editor's Note
United Gateway Card overview
The United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees) is a no-annual-fee airline credit card, ideal for those looking to dip their toes in the United MileagePlus program. If you fly with United Airlines or its Star Alliance partners, the Gateway card can help you boost your stash of miles for future travel. However, there are other cards with more perks available. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The United Gateway Card is best for beginner travelers who want to earn on United purchases and could help beginners rack up miles — even if they aren't constantly in the air.
Like the other United credit cards, the Gateway Card underwent an overhaul earlier this year that altered some of its benefits, making it less attractive for prospective cardholders. However, it's not worth canceling if you already have the card.
TPG recommends you have a credit score of at least 670 to qualify for the United Gateway, but you could still be approved with a lower score.
Let's take a look at the details of this credit card.
United Gateway Card pros and cons
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United Gateway Card welcome offer
With the current welcome bonus for the United Gateway card, you'll earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, you'll receive a 0% APR for the first 12 months (then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.24% applies).
This welcome bonus is worth $390 based on our August 2025 valuations, as we value United miles at 1.3 cents each.
This is 10,000 miles more than the standard welcome offer we typically see on the card.
Depending on how you use these miles, you could potentially outsize the stated value of the welcome bonus.
Remember that Chase's 5/24 rule will apply to this card. The offer is not available to current or previous cardholders who received a new bonus within the past 24 months.
Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?
United Gateway Card benefits
While you're not going to get United's top-notch premium perks with the Gateway Card, there are still some useful benefits for a no-annual-fee travel card.
You'll receive:
- 25% back on inflight purchases
- United Card Events from Chase and United MileagePlus Events
- 24/7 Visa Concierge service
- Secondary car rental insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Extended warranty protection for up to one year
- Purchase protection against damage and theft for up to 120 days
- No foreign transaction fees
After spending $10,000 in a calendar year with the United Gateway Card, you'll earn two free checked bags and access to special member pricing. Spending on this card to reach the checked bag threshold wouldn't earn you much value since there are cards within United's suite that automatically offer free checked bags for a modest annual fee.
Related: Love premium economy? You're not alone. United wants more comfy recliner seats for its planes
Earning miles on the United Gateway Card
The Gateway Card offers several earning categories, from United purchases to everyday expenses:
- 7 miles per dollar spent on United flights
- 5 miles per dollar spent on United Hotels
- 2 miles per dollar spent on other United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
- 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
While the United Gateway Card earns bonus miles on local transit and gas purchases in addition to United spending, you'll find similar or better earnings on these categories on other travel cards. If you're loyal to United, you may want to consider one of their other cobranded cards that will earn more on United purchases, such as the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees).
Related: The best credit cards for booking flights
Redeeming miles on the United Gateway Card
MileagePlus miles don't expire, so you can rest assured that you can use your rewards in the future if you aren't traveling soon.
United is part of Star Alliance. You can use your hard-earned MileagePlus miles to book partner airlines through United's website, such as Air Canada and Lufthansa.
TPG lead writer Katie Genter recently redeemed United miles for last-minute flights within Europe. She used 6,000 miles and $74 for a flight from Amsterdam to Munich, and 8,000 miles and $56 for a flight from Munich to Barcelona.
Beyond using your miles for reward flights, you can also use them for gift cards, merchandise, upgrades, seat selection, checked bags, TSA PreCheck, a United Club membership, airport dining at select restaurants and bars in Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), inflight dining and inflight Wi-Fi.
However, we generally don't recommend these other redemption options, as you likely won't get as much value as you would if you were to redeem your miles for flights.
Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program
Which cards compete with the United Gateway Card?
If you aren't sure the United Gateway Card is for you, you may find a better fit in another United cobranded card or with a no-annual-fee travel card.
- If you want more United benefits: The United Explorer Card comes with a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, a free checked bag for you and one companion traveling on the same reservation and United Club passes. Plus, the card has a $0 intro annual fee and charges $150 each year thereafter. For more details, check out our full review of the United Explorer Card.
- If you want to earn Delta miles: The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a competing airline card with no annual fee (see rates and fees). It also earns bonus miles on Delta and dining purchases at restaurants worldwide. For more details, check out our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex.
- If you want more versatile travel rewards: The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a simple, practical rewards rate. You can transfer your miles to Capital One's airline and hotel partners or redeem your miles for any travel purchases on your statement. For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One VentureOne.
For additional options, check out our full list of best cards for United Airlines flyers and best no-annual-fee airline cards.
Related: Best airline credit cards with annual fees under $100
Is the United Gateway Card worth it?
Since the United Gateway Card doesn't carry an annual fee, you'll receive positive value with the welcome bonus. You'll also get an elevated earnings rate, inflight discounts, purchase protections and travel insurance. However, keep in mind that this card will take up one of your Chase 5/24 slots, so think about how this card fits into your long-term strategy before jumping on it.
Related: The best ways to use your Chase 5/24 slots
Bottom line
If you're considering diversifying your miles portfolio with a United credit card, the United Gateway Card might be a great way to start with the MileagePlus program. As you plan your upcoming trips, this card is certainly worth considering if you are a travel beginner who wants to earn United miles on everyday purchases. However, if you're a United loyalist or want a travel card with more perks, other options may be better for you.
Apply here: United Gateway Card
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card, click here.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.