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Bonus switcheroo: United may have changed your Mile Play offer

July 27, 2021
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3 min read
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Bonus switcheroo: United may have changed your Mile Play offer
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Well, this certainly isn't ideal. Earlier this month, United Airlines rolled out a new Mile Play promotion, giving its MileagePlus members an opportunity to earn bonus miles after completing specific travel-related tasks.

For example, I was offered an opportunity to earn 7,800 bonus United miles after booking four premium trips totaling at least $650 each. TPG values United miles at 1.3 cents, making this offer worth just over $100 — certainly not a reason to spend $2,600 on United flights on its own.

(Screenshot courtesy of United)

When I log in now, however, I see an entirely different offer. After booking four premium trips totaling at least $500 each, I'll walk away with 22,000 miles — a far more compelling figure.

(Screenshot courtesy of United)

My girlfriend's offer changed as well — in her case, not for the better. Originally, United offered a whopping 36,000 miles after taking four trips with a base fare of at least $225 each. That bonus is worth $468, based on TPG's valuations, and I started to plot out some fun travel options that would get her to the finish line.

(Screenshot courtesy of United)

Now, her offer has also been updated, but in this case, the total bonus amount dropped to 28,000 miles. At the same time, the amount she'll need to spend on each trip jumped from $225 to $300 — a less exciting offer, overall.

(Screenshot courtesy of United)

Several readers and TPG staffers have noted that their bonuses have changed as well. TPG's Zach Griff has an entirely new offer — instead of earning 2,500 bonus miles after two trips totaling just $50 each, he can earn 5,000 miles after one $300 trip.

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United confirmed that some of the original offers have been updated since the promotion first began. As a spokesperson explained, "there was an issue that impacted 1% of targeted customers, however, we resolved the issue within a matter of hours and all customers should now see correct offers."

If you haven't logged in since the latest Mile Play promotion first went live, I'd head over to this page and see if your offer has changed — your bonus will be awarded based on what is displayed there now.

Additionally, moving forward, I'd recommend taking a screenshot of any new promotion you tend to pursue regardless of whether it's an airline status challenge, hotel stay offer or a credit card welcome bonus. You might need to reference it later in the rare case that things don't exactly go to plan.

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.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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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.