Blog >> The Best Credit Cards For United Airlines MileagePlus

The Best Credit Cards For United Airlines MileagePlus

By Kevin Zanes / November 15, 2024
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If you are looking to unlock the full potential of travel with one of the largest airlines in the world, United Airlines co-branded credit cards from Chase offer an incredible suite of benefits for frequent flyers, international adventurers, and casual travelers alike. Known for its extensive global network, MileagePlus program, and traveler-friendly perks (hello, no blackout dates on award flights!), United pairs perfectly with credit cards designed to supercharge your rewards and elevate your travel experience.

Whether you are a loyal United flyer or someone just starting to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, these cards offer something for everyone. From the user-friendly rewards of the United℠ Explorer Card to the top-tier perks of the United Club℠ Infinite Card, each card is packed with advantages. Think complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, and generous sign-up bonuses that can jump-start your next dream trip.

Ready to make every trip more rewarding?

Let’s dive into the lineup of United Airlines credit cards and find the one that fits your travel goals.

Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score

If you are new to travel rewards and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for travel rewards cards which align with both your credit score and your travel goals.

credit score chart

Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.

Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:

Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know

The Best Credit Cards For United MileagePlus – Personal

Here is a quick overview of the best personal travel rewards cards earning United Airlines MileagePlus miles, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.

United℠ Explorer Card [Elevated Offer]

The United℠ Explorer Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking valuable perks without a high annual fee. Perfect for casual and frequent flyers, it offers a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club passes annually. Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, plus 1x on everything else. A generous welcome bonus can quickly boost your MileagePlus balance, putting award flights within reach. With its relatively low annual fee, this card combines affordability and benefits, making it a smart pick for enhancing your United travel experience.

United℠ Explorer Card

Credit. The Points Guy. United℠ Explorer Card.

Credit Card Details

  • Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
  • Annual Fee: $0 Intro for First Year, then $95
  • APR: 21.24% – 28.24% Variable
  • Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

  • 2x on United® purchases
  • 2x on Dining and Restaurants
  • 2x on Hotel stays
  • 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fee credit
  • First checked bag free for you and a companion on United flights
  • Two, one-time United Club passes each year of card membership
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges
  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks
  • Trip cancellation, trip delay and baggage insurance

United Club℠ Infinite Card [Elevated Offer]

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is the ultimate choice for travelers who want a luxury experience with United Airlines. With this card, you will enjoy unlimited United Club access, giving you a comfortable, exclusive space to relax before flights. Other premium perks include free first and second checked bags, Premier Access® priority services, and earnings of 4x miles on United purchases, plus 2x miles on dining, travel, and other purchases. While the relatively high annual fee reflects its top-tier benefits, frequent United flyers can easily offset the cost through travel savings and the unrivaled comfort this card provides.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Credit. The Points Guy. United Club℠ Infinite Card.

Credit Card Details

  • Intro Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual Fee: $525
  • APR: 21.24% – 28.24% Variable
  • Recommended Credit: 740-850 (Excellent)*

Reward Rates

  • 4x on United® purchases
  • 2x on Dining and Restaurants
  • 2x on Other Travel
  • 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

  • United Club℠ membership for you and your eligible travel companions at all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide
  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fee credit
  • Free first and second checked bags for you and one travel companion on the same reservation
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges
  • 25% inflight purchase statement credit
  • Trip cancellation, trip delay and baggage insurance
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

United Quest℠ Card [Elevated Offer]

The United Quest℠ Card is perfect for travelers who frequently fly with United and want a balance of elevated perks and manageable fees. With this card, you will enjoy two 5,000-mile award flight credits each year, free first and second checked bags, and earnings of 3x miles on United purchases, plus 2x on travel, dining, and select streaming services. The generous welcome bonus on the card and annual credits can quickly offset its annual fee, while additional benefits like priority boarding and travel protections make every trip more seamless. It is a fantastic choice for maximizing value on United flights.

United Quest℠ Card

Credit. The Points Guy. United Quest℠ Card.

Credit Card Details

  • Intro Offer: 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
  • Annual Fee: $250
  • APR: 21.24% – 28.24% Variable
  • Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

  • 3x on United® purchases
  • 2x on Dining and Restaurants
  • 2x on Other Travel
  • 2x on select Streaming Services
  • 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

  • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fee credit
  • Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year
  • Free first and second checked bags for you and one travel companion on the same reservation
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges
  • Trip cancellation, trip delay and baggage insurance
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

United Gateway℠ Card [Elevated Offer]

The United Gateway℠ Card is an ideal entry-level choice for casual travelers or those new to the MileagePlus program. With no annual fee, it offers strong earning potential, including 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and transit, and 1x mile on all other spending. While it does not include perks like free checked bags or lounge access, the card frequently offers a generous welcome bonus to kickstart your rewards. Perfect for everyday spending and occasional United flights, the Gateway Card provides a straightforward way to earn miles without any upfront cost.

United Gateway℠ Card

Credit. The Points Guy. United Gateway℠ Card.

Credit Card Details

  • Intro Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • APR: 21.24% – 28.24% Variable
  • Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

  • 2x on United® purchases
  • 2x at Gas Stations
  • 2x on Local Transit and Commuting
  • 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

  • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks

The Best Credit Cards For United MileagePlus – Business

Here is a quick overview of the best business travel rewards cards earning United Airlines MileagePlus miles, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.

United℠ Business Card

The United℠ Business Card is a top choice for small business owners who frequently fly with United. It offers practical perks like a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and two United Club passes annually. Earn rewards quickly with 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores, and transit, plus 1x mile on everything else. The card also provides business-friendly benefits such as employee cards at no extra cost and expense tracking tools. With a relatively low annual fee, it is a valuable tool for maximizing business and travel rewards.

United℠ Business Card

Credit. The Points Guy. United℠ Business Card.

Credit Card Details

  • Intro Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
  • Annual Fee: $0 Intro for First Year, then $99
  • APR: 21.24% – 28.24% Variable
  • Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

  • 2x on United® purchases
  • 2x on Dining and Restaurants
  • 2x at Gas Stations
  • 2x at Office Supply Stores
  • 2x on Local Transit and Commuting
  • 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

  • First checked bag free for you and a companion on United flights
  • Two, one-time United Club passes each year of card membership
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges
  • Receive a 5,000-mile “better together” bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card
  • $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year
  • Travel protections including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Transfers From Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most versatile and valuable points currencies available, making it a powerful tool for anyone looking to maximize their United Airlines MileagePlus miles. Ultimate Rewards points can be earned through various Chase credit cards and transferred directly to the United MileagePlus program at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points equal 1,000 MileagePlus miles. This flexibility allows you to top up your MileagePlus account quickly and efficiently, especially when you are just a few miles short of a redemption.

Some of the best Chase credit cards to earn Ultimate Rewards points include:

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Chase Ultimate Rewards

Final Thoughts

The United Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a range of options designed to suit every traveler, from casual flyers to luxury-seeking jet-setters. Whether you are looking for no annual fee with the United Gateway℠ Card, versatile rewards and perks with the United℠ Explorer Card, premium benefits with the United Club℠ Infinite Card, or business-focused rewards with the United℠ Business Card, there is a card to match your travel goals.

Each card brings unique advantages, from earning bonus miles to enjoying valuable travel perks like free checked bags, lounge access, or annual statement credits. These benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience while helping you earn award flights faster.

If you are ready to turn your travel plans into rewarding adventures, now is the time to pick the United card that fits your needs.

 

 

*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.