United revamps and enhances cobranded credit card PQPs for 2024
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United Airlines has announced its plans to implement a few changes to its United MileagePlus program in 2024. Though Delta SkyMiles made waves after significantly increasing elite status requirements, United will not be raising the requirements for elite status in the new year.
According to a United spokesperson, the changes for 2024 are focused on enhancing how members can earn Premier qualifying points through qualifying purchases on United MileagePlus credit cards issued by Chase. This change aims to make it even more convenient for members to achieve Premier status by increasing their card spending.
During an earnings call on Oct. 18th, United confirmed that it would not be raising the Premier elite status requirements for the 2025 membership cycle.
So, what are the specific changes that United is implementing, and how will they impact your qualification for status in the coming year?
No increase in United status requirements for next year
In a statement to TPG, United said:
We’re staying loyal to MileagePlus members the same way they’ve remained loyal to us by keeping 2023 Premier status qualification requirements in place for 2024. That includes continuing to give members a head start with PQP deposits, which they’ll receive once again in early 2024 to use toward their status goals.
United elite members will likely find it encouraging that the airline has decided not to raise the requirements for elite status, especially considering it had already reinstated pre-coronavirus pandemic criteria earlier this year.
To assist elite members in maintaining their status, United made one-time deposits of Premier qualifying flights into their accounts when reverting to the pre-pandemic requirements. When it brought pre-pandemic status requirements back, the airline committed to providing the same PQP deposits on Feb. 1, 2023, and Feb. 1, 2024. So, expect another PQP deposit early next year based on the status you earn this year.
Unfortunately, the airline has decided to cut PQP deposits in half for 2024:
- Premier Silver: 250 PQPs
- Premier Gold: 500 PQPs
- Premier Platinum: 750 PQPs
- Premier 1K: 1,250 PQPs
Nevertheless, numerous United elite members are disgruntled with the lack of complimentary upgrades, crowded United Club lounges and the inability to utilize PlusPoints (the airline’s upgrade currency) for desirable upgrades before they expire. With higher elite status requirements, the airline would likely see a decrease in elite members, which could theoretically help solve these service shortcomings.
Related: United’s best kept elite status secret: How to earn PQPs faster with partner flights
United status changes in 2024: 25 PQPs per $500
Here's the big change: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, you'll earn 25 PQPs per $500 spent on an eligible cobranded United credit card instead of 500 PQPs for every $12,000.
This will effectively allow cardholders to earn PQPs 20% faster than before. Additionally, by reducing PQP bonus deposits from every $12,000 to every $500, it will become easier to earn PQPs from United credit cards.
Let's assume you spend $24,000 on the United Quest Card. Here's how your earnings will change:
| 2023 earnings (500 PQPs per $12,000) | 2024 earnings (25 PQPs per $500) |
|---|---|
1,000 PQPs | 1,200 PQPs |
To be clear, each United credit card can earn a maximum number of PQPs from card spending in a calendar year.
Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status
Increasing the maximum PQPs from the United Club Infinite Card
In 2024, cardmembers will earn up to 10,000 PQPs from qualifying purchases on the United Club Infinite Card, up from 8,000 PQPs in 2023. At a rate of 25 PQPs per $500 spent, you'd need to spend $200,000 on the United Club Infinite Card to earn the full 10,000 PQPs in 2024.
There haven't been any changes to the maximum PQPs from United's other credit cards, including the United Explorer Card (up to 1,000 PQPs), the United Business Card (up to 1,000 PQPs) and the United Quest Card (up to 9,000 PQPs).
No more cap of 15,000 PQPs
Currently, if you have multiple MileagePlus credit cards, you can earn up to 15,000 PQPs on eligible card spending in a calendar year per MileagePlus account.
In 2024, this restriction will be eliminated. If you have multiple United credit cards, you can distribute your spending across various MileagePlus credit cards without being limited by a universal cap. Just remember, each card has its own specific cap for earning PQPs.
Related: The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
Simplifying card PQPs for Premier 1K
As it stands now, unless you're earning PQPs with the United Presidential Plus Card or the United Presidential Plus Business Card, you still need to earn the 54 PQFs to qualify for Premier 1K status. Card-earned PQPs don't count toward Premier 1K status unless you meet the PQF requirement, too.
The information for the United Presidential Plus and United Presidential Plus Business cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Starting next year, that stipulation is also being eliminated — all card-earned PQPs will now count toward each status level, including the PQP-only requirement for Premier 1K status.
Related: What is United Airlines elite status worth?
Bottom line
United customers who barely meet the status requirements for their tier can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that United will not be raising the status requirements for the 2025 membership cycle.
We're pleased to see the airline is making some customer-friendly changes to how its suite of cobranded credit cards can help you qualify for elite status.
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.