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New United card bonuses: Best-ever offers on 2 of the personal cards
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
October 1, 2026 • 15 min read
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Quick summary
Several airline cards are currently offering elevated, limited-time welcome bonuses, with some reaching their highest-ever values.
These offers can provide significant value, especially for those seeking elite status or planning upcoming travel with the airline and its partners.
Options range from entry-level to premium, catering to both occasional travelers and frequent flyers seeking enhanced perks.
TPG's October 2026 valuations estimate the value of these bonuses up to $1,200, depending on the card and whether you add an authorized user.
What to consider
Some offers require adding an authorized user to access the full bonus amount.
Eligibility may be affected by recent account openings, as application rules limit approvals for those with multiple new accounts in the past 24 months.
Certain perks, such as free checked bags or club access, are tied to specific card tiers and may require additional spending or opt-in actions.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of current airline card bonuses, including which options best fit different travel and elite status goals.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
If you're planning a dream getaway soon, now is a great time to determine your earning strategy and rack up those points and miles. One of the easiest ways to amass a large chunk of rewards is through credit card welcome bonuses, and several United cards are currently offering elevated, limited-time offers.
New bonuses have just dropped on all six of United's cards. While all meet our threshold for when to apply, the final two (for the entry-level and mid-tier personal cards) are at the highest we've seen, making now the perfect time to apply.
Chase issues United's cobranded cards, so make sure to keep its application rules in mind.
Let’s look at each card to see what welcome offers they're currently offering.
Comparison of the United credit card welcome offers
Here's a look at United credit card offers at first glance:
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000s PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs: Earn 500 PQPs after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,080 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $960 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
$0 introductory annual fee in the first year; $150 each year thereafter
Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $600 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
$0
*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG’s October 2026 valuations and is not provided by nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
United Club Card
The United Club Card is the top-tier United card. It's aimed at loyal United flyers who want an elevated experience.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,200 (including miles from adding an authorized user).
While not the highest offer in the card's history, it meets our recommendation for applying (when 90,000 miles or more are offered). If United status is on the table for you, it may make sense to wait for an offer that includes bonus Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).
The United Business Card is the more affordable of the two United business cards. It's a good choice if you're a small-business owner watching your budget but wanting to earn United miles and enjoy some perks when flying.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,200 (including miles from adding an authorized user; excluding the value of the PQPs).
While not the highest bonus we've seen on this card, it meets our threshold for when to apply and is especially valuable if you want to qualify or requalify for status.
Annual fee: $150
THE POINTS GUY
Key benefits:
First checked bag free
FareLock statement credit
Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
Priority boarding
Two one-time United Club passes each year
United travel credit (after five United flight purchases of $100 or more each per calendar year)
Earning rates:
8 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
5 miles per dollar spent on United Hotels
2 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases, local transit and commuting, gas stations, office supply stores, restaurants (including eligible delivery services)
1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
The United Club Business Card is the higher-tier options of the two United business cards. It's suited to high-spending small-business owners who want premium perks with United.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000s PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,200 (including miles from adding an authorized user; excluding the value of the PQPs).
We've seen higher offers on this card, but the current bonus is still valuable, especially if you are chasing status.
Annual fee: $695
THE POINTS GUY
Key benefits:
Elite status boost each year
FareLock statement credit
First and second checked bag free
Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
Premier Access travel services
United Club membership
Earning rates:
8 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
5 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays booked through Renowned Hotels and Resorts when you prepay for your booking
2 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
1.5 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
The United Quest Card is the airline's upper-mid-tier card for frequent flyers. It's best for frequent United flyers who want travel perks without paying a steep annual fee.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs: Earn 500 PQPs after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,080 (including miles from adding an authorized user; excluding the value of the PQPs).
To earn United Premier Silver status for 2026, you need to earn 5,000 PQPs and 15 PQF (Premier Qualifying Flights), or 6,000 PQPs alone. This means the PQPs earned from the Quest bonus can offer a helpful boost to United elite status. It also provides a suite of travel perks, including priority boarding in group 2 and preferred seating at booking (for up to eight travel companions).
Annual fee: $350
For United flyers who check bags regularly and fly multiple times per year, the additional perks may justify the higher annual fee compared to lower-tier United cards.
Key benefits:
Award flight discount
Elite status boost each year
First and second checked bags free
Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus application fee credit
United travel credit
Earning rates:
10 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights
5 miles per dollar spent on hotel stays booked through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
4 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible United purchases
2 miles per dollar spent on other travel purchases, dining and select streaming purchases
The United Explorer Card is a great option for those who want to enjoy United benefits at a reasonable cost.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $960 (including miles from adding an authorized user).
This matches the highest bonus we've seen on this card. Just note that this time you need to add an authorized user to reach the full 80,000-mile bonus.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
THE POINTS GUY
Key benefits:
First checked bag free
Hotel, car rental and ride-hailing credits (yearly opt-in for ride-hailing credits is required)
Inflight discount
Priority boarding
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus application fee credit
The entry-level United Gateway Card has no annual fee. It’s a good option for those who fly occasionally with the airline and want to earn United miles.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $600 (including the miles from adding an authorized user).
While United's dynamic award chart can make it difficult to score high-value redemptions, the airline does offer some solid benefits for loyal flyers. Its award sales provide excellent redemption options, sometimes starting at just a few thousand miles per ticket.
By taking advantage of low-cost domestic award tickets (such as flying from Houston to Orlando for as little as 3,500 miles), you can stretch the miles you earn with your credit cards to help you plan your upcoming trips.
Taking advantage of a United welcome bonus can get you closer to your next trip. Plus, if you're interested in the elevated bonuses available, now is a great time to apply.
Before you put in your application, ensure you’re aware of Chase's 5/24 rule: If you have opened five or more accounts in the past 24 months, you may have difficulty getting approved for these cards.
If you're successful in applying, you'll be well on your way to a more elevated flying experience with United and its partner airlines.
