A Roundup of Current United Credit Card Offers

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If you frequently fly with United Airlines, or even occasionally, a United Airlines credit card can help you earn rewards toward free flights. It can also open the door to airline and other travel benefits you might otherwise not have or have to pay for.

Currently, four United Airlines consumer credit cards and two United Airlines business cards are available. Each card offers a unique mix of rewards-earning power, airline benefits, and other perks. They also offer a wide range of annual fees, from no annual fee to $525. Choosing the best card can help you get the most out of your spending and travel habits. We'll cover the basics of each card and how to find. the right United Airlines credit card for you. 

• Best for no annual fee: United Gateway℠ Card
• Best for casual United flyers: United℠ Explorer Card
• Best for frequent United flyers: United Quest℠ Card
• Best for airport lounge access: United Club℠ Infinite Card
• Best for business travelers: United℠ Business Card
• Best for premium business travel benefits: United Club℠ Business Card

Who Should Get a United Airlines Credit Card?

United Airlines credit cards are among the most popular co-branded airline cards on the market, but they may not be a fit for every traveler. You should consider getting a United Airlines credit card if you frequently fly with United Airlines or its partner airlines or are pursuing elite status with the airline to unlock more perks. Depending on the card, you'll have access to extra benefits with the airline, like free checked bags, flight upgrades and priority boarding. 

If you prefer to fly with other airlines, getting that airline's co-branded card would make more sense. If you generally search for the best deals and cheapest flights, a general travel rewards card offers more flexibility to redeem rewards with multiple airlines and other travel brands. 

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Pros and Cons of United Airlines Credit Cards

For loyal United travelers, a United Airlines credit card unlocks access to valuable airline benefits. It also lets you book flights without blackout dates and enjoy no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally. Despite these benefits, most United Airlines card benefits and redemptions are limited to within the United ecosystem.

Perks of United Airlines Credit Cards

As you can imagine, many of the benefits included with United Airlines cards are tied to booked flights with the airline. The specific benefits and perks vary based on the card. Here's a look at the benefits available with at least one or more United Airlines credit cards. 

• Free checked bag(s)
• Priority boarding
• Premier upgrades on award tickets
• 25% back on United in-flight and Club premium drink purchases
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit
• Access to the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
• Annual United purchase credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• No blackout dates
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Trip delay insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Visa concierge
• DoorDash partner benefits 
• United Club one-time passes 
• United Club membership 

Review each card to determine which benefits are included.

United Airlines Consumer Cards

Chase currently offers four United Airlines consumer cards. Each card earns bonus rewards for spending with the airline and other popular spending categories. All four cards have no foreign transaction fees and no blackout dates on award bookings. Annual fees range from no fee to $525, and the benefits received also vary between cards. 

Before you apply for a credit card for its sign-up bonus, it's important to get an idea of the card's full offering. Here's what to know about United's consumer credit cards.

Best for No Annual Fee: United Gateway℠ Card

The airline's basic no-annual-fee credit card, the United Gateway card doesn't offer many perks. But if you're just looking to dip your toe into airline rewards or want to try out United, this card can be an entryway to do that.

United Gateway℠ Card

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Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
• APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$0
• 20,000 20,000United MileagePlus Miles More Info

  Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $280 (20,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)

United’s only no-annual-fee card is a good fit for infrequent United flyers who want to earn decent miles on travel and gas purchases. You won’t get many of the perks that come with other United cards, such as free checked bags, but this is a good entry-level option if you’re just starting to explore travel cards.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The United Gateway Card doesn’t offer a ton of perks, but it does offer some travel insurance and purchase protections such as rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, extended warranty protection and purchase protection. This card can be a good way to try out the airline or travel rewards in general. 

Pros

• No annual fee to worry about
• Good entry point to earning United miles
• 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations and local transit and commuting.
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• No free checked bags with this card
• May make more sense to upgrade to an annual fee card with United perks

Welcome Bonus

The United Gateway℠ Card offers 20,000 bonus miles to new cardholders who spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months their account is open.

Intro APR

New cardholders receive an introductory APR of 0% for first 12 months on purchases from account opening. At the conclusion of this promotional period, a 21.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR applies based on creditworthiness.  

Rewards Rate

Cardholders will earn 2X United miles per dollar on United purchases, local transit and commuting, and at gas stations. They’ll earn 1X mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual Fee

There is no annual fee for the United Gateway Card. It also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

Benefits

The United Gateway Card offers a few benefits:

• 25% back on United inflight purchases
• Secondary rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Complimentary DashPass for one year

Drawbacks

• Only basic airline benefits
• No free checked bags
• No priority boarding privileges
• Smaller welcome bonus offer than other United cards

Who Is It Good for

The United Gateway card is ideal for:

• Individuals who occasionally fly United
• People looking for a no-fee airline card
• Beginners who are new to rewards travel

Who Is It Not Good for

The United Gateway card is not a good fit for:

• Travelers who want premium United benefits
• Those who prefer to fly with other airlines

Best for Casual United Flyers: United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card is the airline's mid-tier personal credit card. For people who aren't flying on United multiple times per month, this can be a solid choice.

Compared with the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card, which has a similar annual fee, the Explorer card doesn't give you the same flexibility as Ultimate Rewards points. But, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to United Airlines.

United℠ Explorer Card

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Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
• APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$95
• 60,000 60,000United MileagePlus Miles More Info

  Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $840 (60,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)

United’s mid-tier card offers some nice perks you don’t always get with comparable cards, like two lounge passes annually, along with a free year before the annual fee kicks in. If you’re an occasional flyer not ready to commit to a bigger annual fee, this card is a good middle ground.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The card’s benefits really help it stand out from the crowd. Here’s what you’ll get: One free checked bag for each flight, priority boarding, 25% back on inflight purchases, two United Club airport lounge passes every year and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years. The card also offers trip protections, including primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement. The card’s annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95 after that, which will give you some time to confirm that it’s a good fit before the fee hits.

Pros

• Free first checked bag on United flights
• Up to $100 back for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, every four years
• Two annual United Club passes
• Annual fee is waived the first year (then $95)

Cons

• Not the best card for those that fly United more than a few times per year
• $95 annual fee after the first year

Welcome Bonus

The United℠ Explorer Card offers up to 60,000 bonus miles to new card members who spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months their account is open.

Rewards Rate

The Explorer Card offers 2X miles per dollar on United purchases, hotel accommodations when purchased directly from the hotel, and dining at restaurants, including select delivery services. All other purchases will net you 1X mile per dollar.

Annual Fee

The card has a $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95 afterward. There are no foreign transaction fees.

Benefits

The United Explorer Card offers a bunch of solid benefits that can more than make up for its annual fee. Here's what you'll get:

• Up to a $100 statement credit for your application to TSA Precheck or Global Entry every four years
• 25% back as a statement credit on United inflight purchases
• The first checked bag free
• Priority boarding
• Two United Club one-time passes every year
• Complimentary DashPass for one year
• Premier upgrades on award tickets

Insurance protections include:

• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection

Drawbacks

• Annual fee after the first year 
• No 0% intro APR offer

Who Is It Good for

The United Explorer card is ideal for: 

• Moderate United travelers who want more airline benefits
• Individuals who want some access to airport lounges 

Who Is It Not Good for

The United Explorer card is not a good fit for: 

• Individuals who want to avoid an annual fee
• Casual travelers who only fly United occasionally
• Travelers who want full airport lounge benefits

Best for Frequent United Flyers: United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest Card features a drastic jump in its annual fee, at $250, from lower-tier cards. With the higher fee, though, comes access to better and more airline benefits, like a $125 United purchase credit annually, two award flight credits of 5,000 miles every card anniversary and higher rewards rates. If you're a frequent United traveler, this card offers a sweet spot between basic and luxury United perks. 

United Quest℠ Card

Apply Now

Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
• APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$250
• 60,000 60,000United MileagePlus Miles More Info

  Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $840 (60,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)

If you’re a frequent United flyer who can offset the relatively high annual fee with the wide range of travel perks, this card could be a good fit. Those looking for lounge access, though, should consider the cheaper Explorer card or go for the Infinite if they can justify its big annual fee.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The United Quest Card comes with a lot of flair, and it can be an excellent choice for United enthusiasts who don’t travel quite enough to justify paying for the airline’s premium credit card.

Between the annual United purchase credit and award flight bonuses alone, you should be able to recoup the cost of the card’s annual fee. And if you regularly check bags, this card can be a lifesaver — most airline cards only offer the first checked bag free, so this would be a solid card to use for international flights.

Pros

• Ways to easily offset the annual fee including an $125 United Airlines statement credit and anniversary flight credits
• Your first and second checked bag fees are waived, saving you up to $320 per roundtrip flight
• Up to $100 back for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, every four years

Cons

• Does not come with United Club passes
• Only makes sense for those that fly United with some frequency

Welcome Bonus

As a new cardholder of the United Quest℠ Card, you'll earn 60,000 bonus miles plus 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards Rate

The United Quest Card awards 3X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, 2X miles spent on dining, select streaming services and all other travel. Additionally, you'll earn 1X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. Plus, each year, you receive a $125 credit on United purchases and two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits.

Annual Fee

The United Quest Card charges a $250 annual fee, which may be a good compromise for United airline loyalists who want perks, but aren't ready to commit to the premium price tag of the United Club Infinite card.

Benefits

The United Quest Card offers more than enough benefits to balance out its annual fee. Here's what you'll get:

• $125 annual United purchase credit
• Two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits
• Free first and second checked bags
• Priority boarding
• Up to a $100 statement credit for your application to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years
• 25% back as a statement credit on United inflight purchases
• Premier upgrades on award tickets
• Access to United card events

Insurance protections include:

• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• No airport lounge access

Who Is It Good for

The United Quest card is ideal for: 

• Frequent United flyers who spend money annually with the airline
• Frequent travelers who want access to airline benefits

Who Is It Not Good for

The United Quest card is not a good fit for: 

• Casual travelers who don't fly often with United
• Individuals who don't want to pay an annual fee

Best for Airport Lounge Access: United Club℠ Infinite Card

The United Club Infinite card is the airline's premium rewards card, which makes it more comparable to the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

This premium airline card won't give you the same level of redemption flexibility as you'll get from a general travel rewards credit card. But if you fly United regularly for business or pleasure, it may be worth it for the luxury perks.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Apply Now

Secure application on issuer’s website

• Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
• APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$525
• 80,000 80,000United MileagePlus Miles More Info

  Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,120 (80,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)

United’s premier card comes with a sizable annual fee, but if you’re a serious United flyer, want lounge access and can use other perks like free checked bags or the TSA PreCheck credit, you could eke a lot of value out of this card. Those who can’t use enough of the perks to offset the high annual fee may be better off with a different card.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

If you love United Airlines, can fly with the airline often and enjoy benefits like airport lounge access free checked bags and quick trips through airport security on busy travel days, then the United Club Infinite Card is made for you. It’s loaded with travel perks such as statement credits and valuable insurance benefits.

Pros

• You and your eligible travel companions can enjoy complimentary access to United Club locations
• Up to $100 statement credit for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application
• Check up to two bags for free

Cons

• $525 annual fee will only be worth it for United loyalists

Welcome Bonus

As a new cardholder of the United Club℠ Infinite Card, you'll earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in the first three months — that's a low spending requirement for such a large sign-up bonus.

Rewards Rate

The United Club Infinite card is the most generous of the consumer credit cards in terms of ongoing rewards.

You'll earn 4X miles per dollar on United purchases, 2X miles per dollar on all other non-United travel purchases and on dining and eligible delivery services, and 1X mile per dollar on everything else.

You also earn 500 Premier qualifying points for every $12,000 you spend on purchases, up to 8,000 PQP in a calendar year.

Annual Fee

The card charges a steep $525 annual fee, which means you'll only want to apply if you know you'll get more value than that back every year. The card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

Benefits

The card's sign-up bonus and rewards rates are among the best with airline credit cards. But where it really shines is in its suite of perks:

• United Club membership
• Up to a $100 statement credit for your application to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years.
• First and second checked bags free
• Priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling
• 25% back as a statement credit on United inflight purchases
• IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
• Premier upgrades on award tickets
• Access to United card events

Additionally, you'll get the following travel and shopping protections:

• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Return protection
• Extended warranty protection

Drawbacks

• Expensive annual fee 
• No intro APR offer
• Requires excellent credit

Who Is It Good for

The United Club Infinite card is ideal for: 

• Loyal United flyers who want luxury airline and travel benefits

Who Is It Not Good for

The United Club Infinite card is not a good fit for: 

• Casual travelers
• Individuals who fly with multiple airlines

United Business Cards

There are two United Airlines business credit cards available — the United Business card and the United Club Business card. Both offer airline benefits, travel protections and business perks, like free employee cards.

Best for Business Travelers: United℠ Business Card

If you're a business owner, you may consider the United Business card over the United Explorer card. For the most part, the two cards' features are identical, but you'll get a bigger bonus from the business version.

United℠ Business Card

This product is currently not available via Slickdeals. All information about this product was collected by Slickdeals and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

• Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
• APR21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$99
• 50,000 50,000United MileagePlus Miles More Info

  Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)

United’s lower-tier business credit card is made for occasional United flyers looking for a solid travel card with a modest annual fee (waived the first year). If you’re looking to try a travel card for your business without a big commitment, this is a good option. And you can also earn more in categories like dining and gas with this card, which isn’t available with the higher-end business card.

• Overview
• Pros & Cons

Overview

The United℠ Business Card features an impressive 75,000-mile bonus, which is among the best travel bonuses currently on offer.

This card’s perks include a $100 annual United travel credit after seven United flight purchases over $100, two United Club passes, a free first checked bag each flight, 25% back on inflight purchases and priority boarding.

Pros

• Free first checked bag on United flights
• Two United Club passes per year
• Low $99 annual fee with the ability to add free employee cards

Cons

• Other cards can provide better rewards on business-related purchases

Welcome Bonus

The United Business Card offers the opportunity to earn a sign-up bonus of up to 50,000 MileagePlus miles after you spend $5,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards Rate

Cardholders of the United Business Card can earn 2X miles per dollar on United purchases, dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, local transit and commuting, and at gas stations and office supply stores.

You'll earn 1X mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual Fee

The card charges a $99 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. There are no foreign transaction fees.

Benefits

Like the United Explorer card, the United Business card offers enough value to make up for the annual fee, as long as you use it. Here's what to expect:

• $100 United annual travel credit when you make seven United flight travel-related purchases during the year, each equaling $100 or more
• 5,000 bonus miles every year when you have both the United Business card and any United personal card
• 25% back as a statement credit on United inflight purchases
• First checked bag free
• Priority boarding
• Two United Club one-time passes every year
• Premier upgrades on award tickets
• Access to United card events

Insurance protections include:

• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection

Drawbacks

• Has an annual fee after the first year
• Limited lounge access

Who Is It Good for

The United Business card is ideal for: 

• Business owners who want to earn travel rewards for business spending
• Business travelers who fly often with United

Who Is It Not Good for

The United Business card is not a good fit for: 

• Business owners who want to avoid annual fees
• Occasional travelers who fly with different airlines

Best for Premium Travel Benefits: United Club℠ Business Card

The airline's business premium card, the United Club Business card, offers excellent value but also at a steep price.

Welcome Bonus

You'll earn 50,000 MileagePlus miles after you spend $5,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards Rate

This card has the simplest rewards-earning rate of all the United cards. As the primary cardmember, you'll earn 2X miles per dollar on United purchases and 1.5X miles per dollar on everything else.

Annual Fee

The card charges a $450 annual fee, which isn't as high as the personal Club card, but still not worth paying unless you regularly fly United for your business. The card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.

Benefits

Like the United Club Infinite card, the United Club Business card offers a long list of perks you can enjoy, including:

• United Club membership
• First and second checked bags free
• Priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling
• 25% back as a statement credit on United inflight purchases
• Complimentary Avis President’s Club membership
• Premier upgrades on award tickets
• Access to United card events

Additionally, you'll get the following travel and shopping protections:

• Rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Purchase protection
• Price protection
• Return protection
• Extended warranty protection

Drawbacks

• High annual fee

Who Is It Good for

The United Club Business card is ideal for: 

• Business owners who want luxury travel benefits

Who Is It Not Good for

The United Club Business card is not a good fit for: 

• Small business owners who want to avoid annual fees
• Those who don't travel enough to offset the high annual fee

Are United MileagePlus Points Worth It?

If you're wondering whether it's worth putting all your eggs into one airline basket by getting a United credit card — or any other airline credit card for that matter — think about which airline you travel with normally.

If you're loyal to a specific airline, it may be a good idea to get one of their credit cards. But if you're a free agent and simply choose the airline that offers the best deal on a flight, you may not get as much value out of a specific airline card.

Also, check to see whether your local airport is a hub for a major airline. Flights are typically cheaper for an airline's hub airports. Major United hubs include Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Bottom Line: Which United Card Should You Get?

The best United Airlines credit card is the one that aligns best with your needs. If you fly occasionally, the Gateway or Explorer cards probably offer the best value while carrying lower annual fees. If you're a frequent traveler, the United Quest card offers valuable airline benefits with a mid-range fee. For luxury travel benefits, the Infinite card is the best option, provided you use enough of the card's benefits and perks to justify its lofty price tag. 

For business travelers, the best card depends on how much you want to pay each year and whether you want full lounge benefits. The United Business card offers plenty of value but for premier airline benefits, including lounge membership, the United Club Business card is the way to go. 

• United Gateway℠ Card: Best for no annual fee, and basic airline benefits
• United℠ Explorer Card: Best for casual United flyers, and one-time lounge passes
• United Quest℠ Card: Best for frequent United flyers, and a United travel credit 
• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for airport lounge access, and premium airline perks
• United℠ Business Card: Best for business travelers, and mid-range airline benefits
• United Club℠ Business Card: Best for premium business travel benefits, and United Club membership

If you don't fly United or aren't attached to a particular airline, consider a general travel rewards credit card or take a look at the best credit card sign-up offers right now to earn an extra bonus that you can use the way you want.

Related Article

7 Best Ways to Spend Your United MileagePlus Points

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the recommended credit score to qualify for a United credit card?

  Most credit card issuers don’t publish credit score requirements to qualify for a credit card. However, United credit cards are geared toward individuals with good to excellent FICO credit scores (670-850).

  If you don’t know your credit score, it’s a good idea to check before applying for a new credit card. It’s easy to monitor your credit scores for free. You can also use a free service like Experian Boost™ if you want to increase your credit score.

• Can you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to United miles?

  Chase points are transferable to United MileagePlus through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Points transfer to United at a 1:1 ratio. The minimum transfer amount is 1,000 miles.

• How much are United miles worth?

  United miles are worth approximately 1.4 cents currently. You can refer to our points and miles guide for current valuations of popular loyalty program rewards.

• Who is eligible to get a United Airlines credit card?

  Anyone who meets Chase's credit and other requirements is eligible for a United Airlines credit card. Chase doesn't publicly disclose its credit requirements for card approval, but generally you need a good to excellent FICO credit score (670-850) to qualify for a travel rewards credit card.

• Can you have more than one United Airlines credit card?

  There's no limit to the number of United Airlines cards you can hold at one time as long as you meet approval requirements. United cards feature overlapping benefits and spending categories, so it's better to apply for cards with varied benefits to maximize their value. Keep in mind that all United Airlines cards are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.

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

  All of the United Airlines cards come with checked bag benefits except the United Airlines Gateway card. To use this benefit, use your United Airlines card to book your flight and include your United MileagePlus account number on the reservation. Free checked bag benefits only apply to United and United Express-operated flights.