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What Does It Take to Earn United Global Services Status in 2017?

Aug. 27, 2017
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3 min read
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What Does It Take to Earn United Global Services Status in 2017?
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American Airlines has Concierge Key and Delta offers Delta 360, but without question the most rewarding "unpublished" loyalty tier is United's Global Services. While Premier 1K is technically United's top-tier status, Global Services is actually a level above. The airline doesn't publish eligibility criteria, though, and the benefits are generally pretty hush-hush, so we depend on the chosen few to uncover the secrets of this ultra-exclusive program.

Just as with all US airline status programs, the perks kick in once you achieve the required flying and spend. So if I hadn't earned Premier 1K from my flying in 2016, I'd have it now, since I've reached the requirements for 2017. One thing that makes Global Services unique is the fact that there's no way to know exactly what you need to do to get the nod from UA. That said, United has begun sending out invitations for GS this year, so if you didn't make the cut by December 2016, you have another shot now.

As the welcome email states above, members are "handpicked," so it's likely that this mysterious process is handled manually, rather than having Global Services elites selected using an algorithm.

We already know that United reserves Global Services for its top customers. And we're not talking about the road warriors who fly constantly in discount economy or on upgraded tickets — invitations for GS go out to United's biggest spenders. Someone who flies 300,000 miles in a year with a total of $30,000 in spend almost certainly won't qualify, but a traveler who's flying 75,000 miles on regular (non-discounted) first class, business and even economy fares with, say, $75,000 in spend, is probably a shoo-in.

Benefits include a separate check-in and security screening area at select hub airports, priority boarding and improved lounge access, but some perks are even more appealing, such as:

  • Expanded award availability (agents can book Saver awards using the "T" and "R" fare buckets)
  • Expanded upgrade availability (member upgrades clear into "PN" class, which is more readily available than "R")
  • Companion upgrade benefits
  • Tarmac transfers for tight connections
  • Access to United's best customer service agents, both at the airport and over the phone
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We also have some clarity as to what type of spend is required to score an invite to this uber-select tier. Based on data points we've received, you'll likely need to book higher fare classes for economy travel, but booking into discounted business and first-class fare class shouldn't count against you — how much you spend on your ticket likely carries greater weight. That said, if you book full-fare tickets for work and discounted economy for occasional leisure travel, you could still get the nod as well. As for pre-tax spend with United, a bit over $60,000 in the first half of the year should do it, but that's just based on data we've received.

That said, it wouldn't hurt to gather some more data points. If you've received an invitation to Global Services in 2017, please tell us about your flying in the comments below!

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  • Intro Offer

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  • 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.