Why you might want to buy miles with a bonus if you're chasing United elite status next year
When United announced that it would be reverting to its pre-pandemic status requirements for the 2023 calendar year, the news came with mixed reactions. With higher Premier qualifying point requirements for status (i.e., status becoming more expensive), fewer members could qualify for Premier status, especially for top-tier Premier 1K.
That's good news for travelers who far surpass their respective status requirements, as PlusPoints and complimentary upgrades may clear more often. But for MileagePlus members who generally qualify by the skin of their teeth (like me), your current status might feel out of reach next year — but don't give up hope yet.
Buried in the 2023 updates was a silver lining. Following Delta's suit, starting Jan. 1, you'll earn PQPs from MileagePlus award flights operated by United and United Express. You'll earn 1 PQP for every 100 miles redeemed and 1 Premier qualifying flight for every flight taken.
While I was initially underwhelmed with the PQP earning rate from award flights, as I make my 2023 status plan, I'm considering something that I would haven't have considered in the past: buying United miles.
Here's why it might make sense to buy United miles to earn status.
Comparing cash and award PQP earning rates
Cash PQP accruals
When you travel on a United-issued ticket (indicated by a ticket number that starts with 016), you earn 1 PQP per dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed fee(s). During the booking process, you can see how many PQPs a given flight earns by clicking "Details" on the flight selection page.
United awards PQPs based on the cost of the ticket minus taxes and fees. In this case, the fare is $510 with just under $30 in taxes and fees. So, you'd earn 510 PQPs from this example ticket for a flight from Newark to Dublin.
This means you actually earn less than 1 PQP per dollar spent with United, given nearly all tickets have associated taxes and fees.
On cash tickets that aren't booked with United for travel on a Star Alliance partner, you can sometimes earn north of 3 PQPs per dollar spent. That's what helped me qualify for Premier 1K this year at a fraction of the usual price.
Award PQP accruals
As mentioned, starting Jan. 1, you'll earn 1 PQP for every 100 miles you redeem on United and United Express metal. That means that a 60,000-mile redemption across the Atlantic would earn 600 PQPs.
Related: You can currently buy points and miles with up to a 155% bonus — but should you?
Buying miles to save money and earn PQPs
The value of buying miles to earn PQPs primarily depends on one variable: the purchase price of your miles.
You're bound to be overpaying if you purchase United miles at the standard price of 3.5 cents apiece, especially since TPG values United miles at just 1.21 cents apiece.
However, United has routinely offered promotions where you can earn up to a 100% bonus when purchasing miles. If you're targeted for a 100% bonus, the purchase rate falls to roughly 1.88 cents apiece after taxes, which, while still above TPG's valuation, could be an effective strategy for earning PQPs. You can check if you're targeted for a deal on buying United miles here.
At a purchase rate of 1.88 cents apiece, 175,000 miles would set you back roughly $3,292.19.
These miles would earn 1,750 PQPs, so a $3,292.19 cash fare is almost certain to earn more PQPs. But since most MileagePlus miles are worth more than just 1 cent each, buying miles could be a great way to save on airfare and earn PQPs — that's an appealing combination that previously wasn't possible.
For example, this round-trip business-class flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tahiti's Faaa International Airport (PPT) costs $5,817.48.
Alternatively, you could redeem 140,000 miles and $55.58 for the same seat.
Buying 140,000 miles at 1.88 cents apiece would cost roughly $2,632, and you'd earn 1,400 PQPs. That means you're paying not even 50% of the cash price and still earning PQPs.
Related: Everything you need to know about United Polaris business class
Bottom line
Starting in 2023, you can buy United miles at a discounted price for the first time, book lucrative redemptions and earn toward Premier status. MileagePlus members can also consider transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio.
Premier 1K members earn roughly 11 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent on tickets booked on united.com. So if you're spending $20,000-plus on cash tickets for Premier 1K in 2023, you're on track to have an annual influx of around a quarter-million miles in your MileagePlus account each year. Redeeming 250,000 miles on United metal will earn 2,500 PQPs.
United is also giving Premier members a head start for 2023 and 2024. You'll receive the following number of PQPs in 2023 based on the status you earned in 2022:
- Premier Silver: 500 PQPs.
- Premier Gold: 1,000 PQPs.
- Premier Platinum: 1,500 PQPs.
- Premier 1K: 2,500 PQPs.
Between PQPs now being awarded on United tickets, the head start and more PQP earnings from cobranded credit cards, your status might not be out of reach even with the increased requirements.
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. (Partner offer)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. (Partner offer)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.