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The Best United credit cards offers
United and Chase have a bunch of personal and business credit cards to chose from, and we’ve complied a list of the very best offers you can find on each and every one of them. There was a complete overhaul of the cards…from names, to perks and benefits, and annual fees. The biggest, and probably most confusing aspect of the changes is whether or not the benefits would be useful.
One of the best uses of United miles is International business class
- United business class review 77W EWR to TLV
- United business class review 77W GRU to ORD
- United business class review 767 ORD to LHR
Table of Contents
United Personal Cards
United Gateway℠ Card
This is the entry level United Card from Chase that has no annual fee and gets you some basic United benefits like 25% back on food/beverages/Wifi in flight. Personally I would opt for one of the more premium cards where you can offset more of the annual fee with credits, but that’s just me.
United Gateway℠ Card
No annual fee and earn 25% back on United in flight beverages or premium beverages in United Clubs
Welcome Offer
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
Annual Fee
$0
Points Earned
United Miles
- No annual fee
- 2x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile 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
- Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
If you occasionally fly United and you’d like in flight food/beverage discounts, then I guess this is one to consider.
Personally, if you want some real United perks, start with this card’s big brother the United(SM) Explorer Card – it has an annual fee, but there is much more substance to it.
United℠ Explorer Card
This is a United credit card that could be beneficial to United loyalists since it comes with a free first checked bag for you and a companion, 2 United Club passes each year, priority boarding, and the 25% in flight statement credit for food/beverage/Wifi. You’ll also get a Global Entry/TSA Pre $120 credit every four years you keep the card + an absolutely long list of potentially valuable credits. Not bad for $150 a year!
The biggest question I have is whether or not most people will get value from the other benefits/credits. For instance, the Avis/Budget credit is United® TravelBank cash, not a statement credit and is across two rentals. The rideshare credits are $5 a month. It’s a lot of keep track of, and I do this for a living.
United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card offers Free first checked bag, Priority Boarding, 2x United Club passes + more.
Welcome 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 first year; then $150
Points Earned
United Miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- Free first checked bag – a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Priority boarding on United® flights
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year – over a $100 value
- Over $500 in partner credits each year
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- Member FDIC
We have seen 70k after $3k spend in 3 months with a waived annual fee
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
If you occasionally fly on United, but don’t have status or care about earning it, this card could come in handy.
You and a companion get your first checked bag fee waived which could = $140 roundtrip combined, or if you travel alone, $70 roundtrip.
Priority boarding could be helpful in getting overhead space, and you’ll get two United Club passes each year you keep the card.
You’ll get 25% back on food, beverages, WiFi that you purchase on board, and up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
United Quest℠ Card
This is a true premium United credit card that comes with a $350 annual fee. You’ll get a 10k mile discount every anniversary – which is great. You’ll get a $200 annul United® TravelBank cash credit – great. Those two alone come close to offsetting the fee. All of the other stuff, much like the Explorer are tough to use. The United® TravelBank cash credit you receive on the Avis and Budget rentals is higher, but still split across two rentals and not a statement credit, the rideshare credits are monthly, etc. If you’re looking to hit status you get some bonus PQPs…
United Quest℠ Card
The New United Quest℠ Card is a United Airlines premium card offering $200 flight credit, two 5000 mileage credits, 2 free checked bags, and more.
Welcome Offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee
$350
Points Earned
United Miles
- 3x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 8 weeks of February 1, starting in the calendar year following your account open date.
- Free first and second checked bags–a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
- Earn a 10,000-mile eligible award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year
- Member FDIC
We have seen up to 100k after $5k spend in 3 months
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
$350 is a lot for an annual fee so you want to make sure you’re extracting value.
I would take a close look at the litany of statement credits that the card comes with, if you will make use of them, you could end up extracting a ton of value, if not…it’s probably a pass.
Enjoying the United Polaris Pajamas I was given on my flight from Newark to Tel Aviv, Israel
United Club℠ Card
This is the flagship United credit card and really only makes sense if you travel a lot on United and want lounge access. Typically, lounge access is going to cost you $750 a year, but this card comes with it as a perk and costs $695. You’re already ahead. You’ll get 20k The other big perk, and this is really important if you like United but don’t have status, is the 2 free checked bags for you and a companion. Those fees could add up fast, and with status requiring higher and higher spend, could end up saving you quite a bit of money if you’re wanting Club access.
United Club℠ Card
The New United Club℠ Card comes with United Club℠ access, , 2 free checked bags, and the ability to earn PQPs via spend to help earn United status and an extensive list of benefits and credits now.
Welcome Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$695
Points Earned
United Miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United ClubSM card membership – at least a $750 value
- Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Premier Access® travel services
- Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
- Member FDIC
We have seen 120k after $6k in 3 months
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
This is the flagship United credit card and really only makes sense if you travel a lot on United and want lounge access.
Typically, lounge access is going to cost you $750 a year, but this card comes with it as a perk and only has an annual fee of $695.
The other big perk, and this is really important if you like United but don’t have status, is the 2 free checked bags for you and a companion. Those fees could add up fast, and with status requiring higher and higher spend, could end up saving you quite a bit of money.
Other notable benefits: You’ll also get IHG Platinum status with a $75 statement credit towards IHG hotel purchases and 10% back on Economy Saver flights
Swiss business class is a great use of United miles as well..starting at 70k from the US to Europe
Swiss Business Class LAX-ZRH in a Throne Seat
United Business Cards
United℠ Business Card
This card is kind of the business version of the United Explorer card. It comes with a $125 United® TravelBank cash credit if you buy more than 5 United flights of more than $100 a year, 2 United ClubSM one-time passes, first checked bag for you and a companion, and if you carry it alongside a United personal card, you’ll get 5000 bonus miles, the rideshare credits, and the car rental credits. For $150 a year, I’d say this is a better card than the Explorer and doesn’t count against your Chase 5/24 number.
United℠ Business Card
The United℠ Business Card comes with several United perks including first free checked bag for you and a companion, 2 United Club passes per year, 2 continental U.S. Economy Plus® upgrades a year, and a ton of credits
Welcome Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
Annual Fee
$0 Intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 Annual Fee
Points Earned
United Miles
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
- 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost – miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Receive a 5,000-mile “better together” bonus each anniversary when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag – a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United ClubSM one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- Receive a $125 United travel credit after making 5 United® flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year with your UnitedSM Business Card.
- Member FDIC
We’ve seen 150k after $20k spend in 6 months
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
This card is kind of the business version of the The New United Explorer card.
It also comes with 2 United Club passes, first checked bag for you and a companion, and if you carry it alongside a United personal card, you’ll get 5000 bonus miles.
For $99 a year, I’d say this is a better card than the Explorer and doesn’t count against your Chase 5/24 number.
United Club℠ Business Card
This is the business version of the Club Infinite card that comes with complimentary United Club access for just $695 a year vs $750 if you bought United ClubSM access without the card. It also comes with Avis President’s Club status ( top tier ), Premier Access on United which includes expedited check-in, early boarding, more award space, and you even get primary rental car coverage. You’ll also get some seat upgrades, 4 United Club℠ passes and credits for car rentals and rideshare. The main reason you’re getting this card is because you value lounge access, so if you value that for your business, this is the way to go.
- United Club Access
Non-affiliate
Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.
The United Club℠ Business Card
The United Club℠ Business Card comes with United Club access, Avis President’s Club, Premier access and primary rental car coverage.
Welcome Offer
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$695
Points Earned
United Miles
- Club Business Cardmembers earn up to Premier 1K® status (28,000 PQP) at a rate of 1 PQP for every $15 spent. Previously they earned up to 15,000 PQP.
- The United Club℠ Business Card provides United Club℠ membership – at least a $750 value per year – plus one adult guest and kids under 18, as well as: Earn Premium United Club membership after spending $50,000 in a calendar year or with Gold Status. Premium United Club members receive access for two adult guests (instead of one), four United Club one-time passes annually when you have an authorized user on your account and Star Alliance Lounge access.
- 5x miles on stays purchased through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
- United Club℠ membership included- At least a $750 value per year.
- Unlock United ClubSM All Access Membership as a cardmember after reaching Premier Gold status or by spending $50,000 each calendar year with your United ClubSM Business Card.
- Starting with your first anniversary and every anniversary thereafter, earn 4 United Club℠ one-time passes when you have United Club All Access Membership and an employee card.
- Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades each year
- Up to $50 in credits on United FareLock purchases annually
- Up to $200 in credits on Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers annually
- Up to $150 in credits on rideshare purchases annually
- Up to $100 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget purchases annually
- Up to $200 in credits on JSX purchases annually
- Earn up to 28,000 Premier® qualifying points (PQP) per year
- Complimentary Instacart+ Membership. Terms apply.
- Up to $240 in Instacart credits annually. Terms apply.
- Member FDIC
We have seen 100k after $10k in 3 months
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
This is the business version of the Club Infinite card that comes with complimentary United Club access for just $450 a year vs $650 if you bought United Club access without the card. It also comes with Avis President’s Club status ( top tier ), Premier Access on United which includes expedited check-in, early boarding, more award space, and you even get primary rental car coverage.
This is hands down the best United card when it comes to perks.
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$95
Points Earned
Transferrable Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 5x on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining, including eligible delivery services for takeout & dining out
- 3x on select streaming services
- 3x on online grocery purchases
- (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
- $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit via Chase Travel℠
- The begins immediately for new cardmembers and after your account anniversary for existing cardmembers
- 2x on all other travel
- 10% Anniversary Points Boost
- each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year
- Points are transferrable to 14 Ultimate Rewards partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Suite of Travel and Purchase Coverage
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver is my favorite
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders
- $95 Annual Fee
We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists the best ever offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.
Historically 80k is a very, very good offer and hit in both 2022 and 2023. In 2021, we saw the offer hit an all time high of 100k. Who knows if that will ever come back.
Main Cast:
Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.
Supporting Cast:
Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is exceptional starter card and offers transferrable Ultimate Rewards, and pairs well with other Chase cards.
If you carry this card alongside Chase’s cashback cards like the Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the business versions: Ink Business Cash® , Ink Business Unlimited® you can combine the points into Preferred account and transfer into hotel and airline partners
Annual fee is quite low at $95 a year + you get a 10% anniversary bonus on points + $50 hotel credit in Chase travel.
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