United is Giving Away a Billion Miles
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available – United MileagePlus Explorer Card
Finding that your United mileage balance is well short of what you need for a dream vacation? If you're lucky, you'll be one of the 100 MileagePlus members who end up with a seven-digit balance thanks to United's Billion Mile Giveaway.
Starting Monday, each eligible purchase made on a Chase-issued MileagePlus credit card will earn one entry into United's contest to give away a total of 1,000,000,000 miles. The contest runs through September 30, so you might want to make your United MileagePlus Explorer credit card your primary card for the next two months.
In total, there will be 140,100 prizes given away — with a combined total of 1,000,000,000 miles:
- 100 grand prizes of 1,000,000 United miles + $7,500 cash to cover taxes on the prize
- 10,000 first prizes of 25,000 United miles
- 130,000 second prizes of 5,000 United miles
Alternative Method
It's interesting to note that there's also an alternative method of entry, and it doesn't require mailing letters. Starting August 1, log onto the Billion Mile Giveaway website and manually fill-in your information to get a free entry into the contest. There's no limit to the number of free entries you can get, but you must be a United MileagePlus member to enter. Also, the terms & conditions require that "each entry must be manually key stroked."
Not a cardholder? The current United MileagePlus Explorer sign-up bonus is currently 40,000 United miles after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. In the past, the sign-up bonus has jumped to 50,000 miles or even a targeted offer of 70,000 miles. However, if you've got an upcoming trip, the other cardholder benefits — such as free first checked bag, priority boarding and two free United Club passes — might make it worth applying now.
What would you do with 1,000,000 United miles?
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app