Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (2024)

Best Cards for United Flyers of 2024

Best United Card for Miles Rebate

United Quest℠ Card

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (1)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

4.8

Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (3)

Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (4)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases. 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & allRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 70,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$250

Regular APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent(700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

Frequent United customers will appreciate that the United Quest Card comes with an annual $125 United credit, rewards on travel and dining and travel protections such as primary car rental coverage and trip cancellation insurance.

Pros & Cons

  • $125 annual United purchase credit
  • Earn up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually
  • Two free checked bags for cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points annually
  • Primary auto collision damage waiver on eligible rentals
  • Checked baggage benefit only applies to one companion
  • Earnings for general purchases are only 1 mile per dollar

Card Details

  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel, dining and select streaming services
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and priority boarding
  • Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year – terms apply
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points (500 PQP for every $12K you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC

Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Mid-Tier United Airlines Card

United℠ Explorer Card

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (5)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

4.7

Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (7)

Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (8)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 2X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Credit Score

Good, Excellent(700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

A top choice for casual or moderate United fliers; the perks can easily outweigh the annual fee. If you're prepared to spend on dining and hotels in addition to United purchases, you'll earn 2 miles per dollar.

Pros & Cons

  • Annual fee waived the first year
  • Free first checked bag when you pay with your card & Priority Boarding
  • Earn unlimited miles with no caps
  • No blackout dates
  • Seat limitations on Saver Awards
  • Everyday Awards flight pricing is expensive
  • No 0% intro APR offer
  • High regular APR

Card Details

  • Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
  • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
  • Free first checked bag – a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United ClubSM with 2 one-time passes each year
  • Member FDIC

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for United Club Access

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (9)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

4.6

Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (11)

Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (12)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases; Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$525

Regular APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent(750 - 850)

Why We Picked It

United's top-tier card offering ups its game with 4 miles per dollar earnings on United purchases. A suite of travel perks makes the card an even better value, with the United Club membership alone worth more than the annual fee.

Pros & Cons

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • United Club membership is worth more than the annual fee
  • First and second checked bag free when you pay for your flight with your card
  • Very high annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • High regular APR

Card Details

  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United®purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best No Annual Fee United Card

United Gateway℠ Card

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (13)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

3.2

Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (15)

Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Apply Now Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (16)

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 2x Rewards Rate

2X miles per $1 spent on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. 1 mile perRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 30,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent(700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

With its simple and respectable rewards rates, plus Visa Signature benefits, casual fliers who are loyal to United will find value in United's only card with no annual fee.

Pros & Cons

  • Earn 2 miles on purchases with United, at gas stations and on local transportation
  • Enjoy expanded United award travel availability
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • Earns only 1 mile per dollar spent on non-bonused purchases
  • No free checked bag or enhanced boarding benefits

Card Details

  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles
  • No annual fee
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
  • Member FDIC

Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best United Cards

United Quest℠ Card

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The United Quest℠ Card is a better option for earning miles than the cheaper Explorer card. You can also earn 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $12,000 in net purchases (including purchases made by authorized users) up to a maximum of 6,000 PQP in a calendar year. The card also offers up to $125 annually in United purchase credits and the ability to earn two 5,000 United MileagePlus mile rebates each year after your cardmember anniversary when you take a United award flight booked with your miles.

Rewards: Earn 3 miles per dollar on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services and all other travel and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual fee: $250

Other benefits and drawbacks: Like with other United credit cards, you can access expanded award availability with the United Quest Card. Cardholders can also receive the first and second checked bag fees waived when purchasing the ticket with the credit card (and one companion traveling on the same itinerary is also eligible).

This card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage, travel delay reimbursem*nt, lost baggage coverage, damaged baggage insurance and primary car rental insurance. It also offers purchase protection and extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.

United℠ Explorer Card

[ jump to details ]

The United℠ Explorer Card has a robust set of United-related benefits, including a complimentary first checked bag when you use your card to purchase your ticket, two United Club one-time passes each year on your account anniversary and a 25% rebate on United in-flight purchases.

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United® purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Other benefits and drawbacks: Many low-tier airline cards offer bonuses on airline purchases, but the United Explorer card ups the ante by providing bonus miles for dining and hotel purchases, too.

You’ll also receive up to a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS and access to expanded award availability on United-operated flights. There are no foreign transaction fees with this card and United Premier members will also be eligible for upgrades on United-operated flights on award tickets.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

[ jump to details ]

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a no-brainer if you value United Club membership, even after consideration of its high annual fee. The United Club membership plus the other United perks would easily outweigh the card’s cost. If you only occasionally fly United, though, this card isn’t likely to be your best option.

Rewards: Earn 4 miles per dollar on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, on dining including eligible delivery services and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $525

Other benefits and drawbacks: The United Club℠ Infinite Card has outsized benefits, but also charges an outsized annual fee. Beside Club Membership, the Club card offers Premier Access at the airport, an up to $100 application fee credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS, space-available upgrades on award tickets and free first and second checked bags for you and one companion when you pay for your ticket with the card.

The card also offers various consumer purchase protections including primary auto rental collision coverage, extended warranty, purchase protection and return protection.

United Gateway℠ Card

[ jump to details ]

If you want a United Credit Card but don’t want to pay an annual fee, the United Gateway℠ Card may be for you. That said, you may want to consider some of the other best no annual fee cards to make sure that the United Gateway Card is your best choice. Cardholders receive 25% back on United in-flight purchases made on the card.

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: United Gateway cardholders aren’t charged foreign transaction fees. The card also offers an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Like the premium United credit cards, it does offer access to expanded award availability, which could make it a good option if you frequently redeem United miles but don’t want to pay an annual fee for a United card.

Cardholders also receive purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible purchases.

Other Good Credit Cards for United Flyers

Just because you fly United the most or like United the best doesn’t mean a United-branded card is the best option for you. Other great cards for flying offer a lot more flexibility overall. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express

Cards earning Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, especially, can be a good option as Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United Airlines.

Methodology

What is best for the majority of United flyers might not be right for you. The best United cards were chosen based on the following factors:

  • Earnings rates
  • Welcome bonus
  • Fees
  • Travel benefits

Since United no longer publishes an award chart, it’s difficult to give you an exact “It will cost you X miles to get from A to B” calculation. Because of this, there are times when the United miles cost will not be proportional to the cash cost of a ticket or the number of miles you would need if using a Star Alliance partner. This list focuses on the best United credit cards for those valuing United-specific benefits, but many people will be better served by a more flexible travel rewards card like those in the best credit cards for flying.

One more important note: Rewards cards generally have higher than average interest rates. If you need to carry a balance, rewards cards are not the best choice for you.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards

Credit Score Needed for a United Airlines Credit Card

Lucrative rewards credit cards generally require a good or excellent credit score to qualify. FICO defines a good credit score as ranging from 670 to 739. A very good score ranges from 740 to 799, while an excellent score is 800 or higher.

If you have a good credit score, cards like the United Explorer Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be possible for you to receive approval for. Potential cardholders with a very good or excellent credit score may be eligible for more premium cards, like the United Club Infinite Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Keep in mind that other factors besides credit score can affect whether or not you receive approval for a card. Total annual income, other existing debt and payment history can all impact your eligibility. If you’re not confident about your approval chances, it may be a good idea to check for preapproval offers when shopping for a new card.

United Airlines Co-Branded Cards

One benefit of having any United co-branded card is that United releases extra MileagePlus award space to cardholders and elite members. If you’re not a United elite, having a United credit card could distinguish between finding a Saver ticket and paying double the cost for an Anytime Award.

Keep in mind that United MileagePlus miles will allow you to book flights on other Star Alliance airlines, making the miles more versatile than you might think. Star Alliance airlines include Air Canada, the Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines, among others.

Who Should Get a United Airlines Credit Card?

A United Airlines credit card could be for you if you regularly fly United and could use a boost to the miles you’re earning via the welcome bonus for the card or if you regularly check bags with United and don’t have status.

Anyone who regularly redeems United miles for flights on United should also definitely consider a United Airlines credit card due to the increased award availability offered to cardholders. This alone could make a United credit card make sense even if you prefer to earn more flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

How Much Are United Miles Worth?

The value you get from your United miles will depend on how you use them. If you book a flight that would cost $1,000 for 50,000 miles, you’re getting a value of 2 cents per mile. As a general rule, you should strive to achieve a value of at least 1.2 to 1.5 cents per United MileagePlus mile.

How To Pick the Best Credit Card for United Airlines

Finding the best credit card for United Airlines can be overwhelming with so many choices. Before applying, consider your needs and options. Here are some questions to ask:

  • Will you use the card’s benefits? Some cards come with benefits such as free checked bags, an annual travel credit or discounts on in-flight purchases. Before applying for a new card, think about your actual usage patterns. Does this benefit actually have value to you?
  • Do the card earning rates align with your spending habits? Finding a card that offers bonus spending categories that align with your spending habits means that you’ll earn more rewards.
  • Will the spending and benefits offset the annual fee? Annual fees eat into your rewards. Think about your yearly spending to make sure you will earn enough rewards and get enough value out of the benefits to offset the fee and then some.
  • How easy are the miles to spend? United Airlines cards are designed for those who are loyal to United Airlines and can travel on Star Alliance partner airlines. If you want to use an airline outside the Star Alliance, this becomes an issue. If you don’t want to stay loyal to United, you might prefer a cash-back or flexible rewards card.

How To Apply for United Airlines Credit Cards

Most United credit cards are affiliated with Chase bank. You can apply for a United card by browsing United’s website or visiting Chase.com.

Be prepared with important information like your Social Security number, home address and annual income. Make sure to read the terms of the application and understand the benefits and potential fees of the card you’re applying for. Credit card applications usually result in a hard pull to your credit, temporarily lowering your credit score.

If possible, look for preapproval offers. By submitting a smaller amount of information, you can see which credit cards you qualify for under what terms without a hard inquiry on your credit report. You can always submit a formal application immediately after receiving a preapproval offer.

How To Make the Most of Your United Credit Card

If you have a United credit card, make the most of it by taking advantage of as many benefits as possible. If you have miles rebates, lounge access passes or fee credits, don’t let them expire unused. If you find that you’re not using all of the benefits offered by your card, consider if downgrading to a card with a lower annual fee makes more sense.

How To Upgrade United Credit Cards

If you have a United credit card but a different one would fit your needs, you can call Chase to ask if you’re eligible to upgrade or downgrade your United card to the one you prefer. Keep in mind that if you do this, you won’t be eligible to earn the welcome bonus for the new card.

Pro Tip
If you want a different United card and you’re eligible to apply for another Chase card, you should consider going this route rather than upgrading or downgrading your United card so you can earn another welcome bonus.

Is a United Card Worth It?

United offers some compelling cards. Whether or not a United Card is worth it for you will depend on your personal circ*mstances and the value you can expect to get out of any of these cards. It always makes sense to consider more general travel rewards and cash-back cards before locking yourself in with a specific brand.

Find the Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.

Learn More

Bottom Line

Choosing the best United Airlines credit card for you may take some time, but the right card can help you travel for less and have access to more benefits than you would without the card. It’s worthwhile to take some time upfront to make sure you have the card that best suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best United credit card?

The best United credit card for you varies depending on your needs and willingness to pay an annual fee. The United Club Infinite card offers the most benefits, including United Club membership, but it comes with a hefty annual fee. Consider the United Explorer card or United Quest Card for a balance of a moderate annual fee and benefits, including a free checked bag. The United Gateway Card offers limited benefits but doesn’t charge an annual fee.

Do United miles expire?

No, United miles never expire.

How do I find out if I’m eligible for a United Airlines credit card?

Rewards cards in general, including United Airlines credit cards, typically require good to excellent credit. A FICO Score in the good range of 670 to 739 may be sufficient for a basic rewards card, but for the strongest rewards you can expect to need a score of 740 or higher.

What are United Airlines-branded credit cards?

Most United Airlines co-branded credit cards are issued by Chase. Two of the United co-branded credit cards are the United Explorer Card and the United Club Infinite Card. United co-branded cards earn MileagePlus miles that can be redeemed for flights on United and partner airlines.

How do I activate a United Airlines credit card?

There’s generally a sticker on your card letting you know how to activate the card. Methods include calling a dedicated number, using an activation link on the issuer’s website or activating via your bank’s app.

Which credit card points transfer to United Airlines?

Premium Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards transfer to United Airlines at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer to United at a 3:1 ratio, and you’ll get a 10,000 United mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

How do I get a free checked bag with a United credit card?

Cards offering a free checked bag on United include the United Club Infinite card, the United Quest Card and the United Explorer Card, as well as various United business cards.

How do I cancel a United Airlines credit card?

You can cancel a United Airlines credit card by calling the number on the back of your card. Before canceling your card, you might consider asking for a retention offer if you’re not 100% sure you want to cancel the card.

Can you have more than one United Airlines credit card?

Yes, you can have more than one United Airlines credit card, but keep in mind that Chase’s 5/24 rule applies to applications for new cards. If you’ve gotten more than five new cards, from any bank, in the last 24 months, you are unlikely to be approved for new Chase cards.

How many United miles do you need for a free flight?

United no longer publishes an award chart, so it’s not as easy as it once was to know how many miles are needed for a particular flight. You may be able to book short flights for as few as 5,000 MileagePlus miles. Flights from the U.S. to Europe in economy can often be booked for 30,000 MileagePlus miles.

How hard is it to get a United Airlines credit card?

The United credit cards will generally require a good or excellent credit score to qualify. FICO defines a good credit score as ranging from 670 to 739. A very good score ranges from 740 to 799, while an excellent score is 800 or above. You may be able to get a United card with a lower credit score and you may not be approved even if your credit score is excellent. The bank will consider your credit history and additional financial information when you apply.

How many United credit cards can I have?

There’s no restriction on the number of United credit cards you can have, but Chase does restrict approvals on new applications based on their 5/24 Rule. If you’ve gotten more than five new cards, from any bank, in the last 24 months, you are unlikely to be approved for new Chase cards.

Other Credit Cards To Be Considered

  • Best Airline Credit Cards
  • Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
  • United TravelBank Credit Card Review
  • Best Credit Cards For Southwest Flyers
  • Best Delta Credit Cards For Flying
  • How To Pick An Airline Credit Card
  • Miles Or Cash: What’s The Best Way To Pay For An Airline Ticket

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

I am an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of credit cards and airline rewards programs. I have closely followed the trends and offerings in the credit card industry, particularly those related to travel rewards and airline-specific benefits. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of various credit card features, reward structures, and the intricacies of maximizing benefits for frequent travelers.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about the "Best Cards for United Flyers of 2024."

  1. United Quest℠ Card:

    • Welcome Bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual Fee: $250
    • Reward Rates: 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel.
    • Key Features: $125 annual United purchase credit, up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually, two free checked bags, and primary auto collision damage waiver on eligible rentals.
  2. United℠ Explorer Card:

    • Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Reward Rates: 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases.
    • Key Features: Free first checked bag, priority boarding, up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit, and 25% back on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights.
  3. United Club℠ Infinite Card:

    • Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual Fee: $525
    • Reward Rates: 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining.
    • Key Features: United Club membership, free first and second checked bags, Premier Access® travel services, and various travel perks. Annual fee includes United Club membership.
  4. United Gateway℠ Card:

    • Welcome Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Reward Rates: 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations, on local transit and commuting, and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
    • Key Features: No annual fee, 25% back on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights.
  5. Other Credit Cards Mentioned:

    • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
    • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
    • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
    • The Platinum Card® from American Express
  6. Methodology:

    • The best United cards were chosen based on earnings rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and travel benefits. The focus is on United-specific benefits, considering the absence of a published United award chart.
  7. Credit Score Needed:

    • Lucrative rewards credit cards generally require a good or excellent credit score. FICO defines a good credit score as ranging from 670 to 739.
  8. United Airlines Co-Branded Cards:

    • Having a United co-branded card provides extra MileagePlus award space to cardholders and elite members, enhancing the chances of finding Saver tickets.
  9. Who Should Get a United Airlines Credit Card:

    • United Airlines credit cards are suitable for those who regularly fly United, value United-specific benefits, and frequently redeem United miles for flights on Star Alliance airlines.
  10. How Much Are United Miles Worth:

    • The value of United miles depends on how they are used. Aim for a value of at least 1.2 to 1.5 cents per United MileagePlus mile.
  11. How To Pick the Best Credit Card for United Airlines:

    • Consider usage patterns, earning rates, benefits, and whether the spending and benefits offset the annual fee. Evaluate the ease of redeeming miles for preferred flights.
  12. How To Apply for United Airlines Credit Cards:

    • Most United credit cards are affiliated with Chase. Apply through United's website or Chase.com, providing necessary information like Social Security number and annual income.
  13. How To Make the Most of Your United Credit Card:

    • Take full advantage of benefits such as miles rebates, lounge access passes, and fee credits. Don't let benefits expire unused.
  14. How To Upgrade United Credit Cards:

    • Call Chase to inquire about eligibility for upgrading or downgrading United cards. Consider applying for a new card to earn another welcome bonus.
  15. Is a United Card Worth It:

    • The worth of a United card depends on individual circ*mstances. Consider personal travel habits, benefits usage, and whether a more flexible travel rewards card might be a better fit.
  16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

    • The article provides answers to various FAQs, including the best United credit card, eligibility, cancellation, and the number of United cards one can have.

This comprehensive overview covers key details and considerations for individuals interested in United Airlines credit cards.

Best Credit Cards For United Flyers Of January 2024 (2024)
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