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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
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.
Reviews
United Gateway Card review: No-annual-fee card that earns United miles
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
August 26, 2025 • 8 min read
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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.
Quick summary
A no-annual-fee airline card is highlighted as a good entry point for those new to a major airline loyalty program.
The card offers bonus miles on airline purchases, gas stations and local transit, but lacks premium travel perks found on higher-tier options.
Recent changes to the card's benefits have made it less attractive, though it remains a reasonable choice for beginners.
Miles earned do not expire and can be redeemed for flights with the airline or its partners, though other redemption options may offer less value.
What to consider
A high spending threshold is required to unlock free checked bags and special award pricing.
The card is subject to application restrictions, such as the 5/24 rule and bonus eligibility limits for previous cardholders.
While it offers inflight discounts and travel protections, other cards in the same family may provide more robust benefits for a modest fee.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of competing entry-level airline and travel cards, including which features best suit different traveler profiles.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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.
The (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 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
Pros
Cons
Earn bonus United miles
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
High spending requirement to earn free checked bags and access special award pricing
United Gateway Card welcome offer
With the current welcome bonus for the , you can 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, you'll receive a 0% APR for the first 12 months (then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.24% applies). Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
This welcome bonus is worth up to $540 based on our April 2026 valuations, as we value United miles at 1.35 cents each.
THE POINTS GUY
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.
After spending $10,000 in a calendar year with the United Gateway Card, you'll earn two free checked bags, access to special member pricing and elevated earnings on United flight purchases. 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.
The offers several earning categories, from United purchases to everyday expenses:
5 total miles total per dollar spent on eligible United flights
2 miles per dollar spent on other eligible 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 (see rates and fees).
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.
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 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 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.
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.
If you’re considering diversifying your miles portfolio with a United credit card, the 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.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card, click here.
