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The United℠ Business Card and the United Club℠ Business Card are also available for businesses.
You maximize rewards when you use these cards to pay for United flights, but you can also get 2x miles when spending on categories such as travel, dining and business expenses, depending on the card.
You won’t pay foreign transaction fees with any of these cards.
Each card in this lineup has its own set of travel perks and benefits, with many offering one or more free checked bags and other travel credits.
United Airlines loyalists can earn miles and enjoy numerous travel rewards with the right credit card.
This article digs into the details of six United Airlines credit cards and answers questions such as:
How can you earn miles with United Airlines credit cards?
What types of travel benefits do you get with United cards?
How easy is it to get a United Airlines travel rewards credit card?
Earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining at restaurants, and hotels you book directly. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer
LTO: 60,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If you travel an average amount and prefer United when you do, the United Explorer Card is a fantastic option. This card has a ton of benefits cardholders can actually benefit from, rather than a whole bunch of weirdly specific perks that sit there unused. This card has a low annual fee, 2 complimentary one-time United Club passes, a free checked bag for you and a traveling companion, a substantial welcome bonus, and more. If you travel with United at least a couple of times per year, this card’s perks can easily outweigh the annual fee.
Earn 3X miles on United purchases and 2X miles on travel, dining, and select streaming purchases. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$250
Welcome Offer
LTO: 70,000 miles + 500 PQP
Regular APR
21.99%-28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The United Quest℠ Card is a step above the United Explorer℠ Card, with an extra free checked bag, $125 annually in United credits, and a more substantial welcome offer. Cardholders can easily earn rewards on this card, with a solid rate on United purchases and purchases in everyday categories.
You can also take advantage of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, priority boarding, free checked bags, a nice in-flight discount, and more. This card does have a sort of high annual fee, at $250, but that’s essentially half-off if you consider the annual United credit. It’s not the most luxe of the United Cards lineup, but it holds up well as a mid-tier option.
Earn 4X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, earn 2X miles per dollar on other travel and dining purchases and earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$525
Welcome Offer
LTO: 90,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
For United super-loyalists, the United Club℠ Infinite Card has the potential to be extremely valuable. Although it does have a hefty annual fee, it comes with complimentary United Club access, a perk worth over $650 per year alone. Beyond that, it continues to shine with 2 free checked bags, discounted in-flight purchases, and more.
If you’re not loyal to United, your money is probably better spent elsewhere, but if this is your primary airline of choice, the lounge access itself can justify the annual fee. Couple that with travel insurance, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, a generous reward earning rate, and more, and this card is a solid option. For United Airlines flyers who prioritize luxury, look no further.
Earn 2X miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
LTO: 30,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99%-28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If you sometimes choose to fly with United, but don’t travel very often so having a card with an annual fee doesn’t make sense, the United Gateway℠ Card may be just what you need. It has no annual fee, so there’s not this huge commitment. It also has a steady reward rate, earning miles on United purchases and in a few everyday categories.
On top of that, it comes with a decent bonus offer, a great in-flight discount, and no foreign transaction fees, among other perks. We think this is a great card for United travelers who want to earn miles when they do fly, but not worry about it when they don’t.
Earn 2X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The United Business card is a low-fee ($99/year after the first year) card with good benefits for business travelers. It offers perks like a free checked bag, the chance to earn a $100 United travel credit, and 2 United Club one-time passes per year. It also earns miles on purchases in everyday categories and has a generous welcome offer, making this an all-around spectacular option for business travelers.
If you aren’t loyal to United, you may be better off with a flexible travel credit card, but if your business typically flies with this airline, it could easily make a valuable asset to your wallet.
Best for Loyal United Business Travelers
United Club℠ Business Card
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X miles on United purchases and 1.5X miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$450
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles
Regular APR
21.99%-28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The United Club℠ Business Card offers the same complimentary United Club access that the United Club℠ Infinite Card does, but with a lower annual fee, for some reason. This card has a $450 annual fee, $200 less than the cost of a standalone United Club membership. It also offers two free checked bags on United flights, a generous welcome offer, and a solid reward rate.
If you have employees, you can get them employee cards at no additional cost, and the miles earned from their purchases stack up in your account, meaning you can earn rewards faster. Although this is a pricey card, if you can make frequent use of the lounge access and free checked bags, the annual fee easily pays for itself.
The United℠ Explorer Card provides more perks and rewards-earning opportunities, but it does come with a $95 annual fee after the first year. The free first checked bag benefit, which offers up to $160 in value for every round trip, easily makes up for that.
There isn’t an introductory APR offer on this card. The APR is 21.99% to 28.99% variable, and there are no foreign transaction fees.
You’ll likely need excellent credit to get approved for the United Quest℠ Card, which is a good pick for United frequent flyers who want to avoid the hefty annual fee that comes with the Infinite card. The Quest card does have a $250 annual fee, but it’s offset by the $125 in United purchase credits, up to two free checked bags and 25% back on in-flight and select Club drink purchases benefits.
This card doesn’t come with foreign transaction fees. The APR is 21.99% to 28.99% variable.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a good option for United frequent flyers who enjoy traveling with posh perks. The annual fee for this card is $525, but the included United Club membership gives you around $650 in value automatically. You can also check two bags free and access several other travel perks and credits, making it easy to earn back more than you pay for the annual fee.
This card doesn’t have an introductory APR offer, and regular purchase APR is 21.99% to 28.99% variable, and there are no foreign transaction fees.
The United Gateway℠ Card is a good option for those looking for a travel rewards credit card with a United Airlines focus. In addition to miles rewards and travel benefits, this card offers a 0% introductory APR offer for the first 12 months, making it even easier to earn bonus miles.
You won’t pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees with this card. After the introductory period, regular purchase APR is 21.99% to 28.99% variable.
With the United℠ Business Card, you’ll pay an annual fee of $99 after the first year, but that’s easily balanced by perks like a $100 United travel credit (after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year). Earn 2x miles on purchases with United, gas stations, restaurants, local transit and office supply stores. Earn 1 mile per dollar on other purchases, and increase rewards by getting free employee cards as the miles they earn accumulate in your account. You can also earn a 75,000 bonus mile welcome offer when you spend $5,000 in the first three months.
This card comes with other benefits, including a complimentary DashPass membership and travel and purchase coverage. It’s a good choice for businesses that involve travel and want to earn rewards on other purchases.
This card may be a good option for business owners who want to enjoy luxury travel amenities and maximize miles rewards with United. The annual fee is $450, but you get a United Club membership, which is a $650 value. You also get two free checked bags, a complimentary DashPass membership and numerous other benefits. You can also earn a 50,000 bonus mile welcome offer when you spend $5,000 in the first three months.
United Airlines credit card benefits
Every card on this list comes with a decent list of benefits, though the exact perks you get as an account holder depend on which card you select.
Free checked baggage
When you pay for United flights with some of these credit cards, you can check one or more bags for free, and a traveling companion can check the same amount of bags for free. That’s a value of $140 to $320 per round trip flight, so the savings can add up. The Explorer and United business cards offer one free bag, while the United Quest, United Club Infinite and United Club business cards offer two.
Priority boarding
Paying for United flights with some of these credit cards can help streamline your passage onto airplanes. You’ll get priority boarding with the United Club business card as well as the Quest, Explorer and United Club Infinite cards.
Airport lounge access
The United Club Infinite and United Club Chase business cards come with a complimentary United Club membership for cardholders in good standing. If you already have a United Club membership, this perk doesn’t go to waste. You can get reimbursed for any unused portion of your paid membership fee once you’re approved for a United credit card that offers a complimentary membership.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Some United Airlines credit cards include a benefit that credits you up to $100 every four years to help cover the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. You’ll get this benefit with the Explorer, United Club Infinite and Quest cards.
25% back on United in-flight purchases
Every card on this list offers a 25% discount in the form of a statement credit when you use your card to pay for in-flight purchases, including beverages, food and Wi-Fi access. The discount also applies to premium drinks purchased in the United Club.
CLEAR program discount
As a United MileagePlus member, you can access a discount on CLEAR Plus memberships. This program helps speed up your progress through airport security by allowing you to skip the manual ID check. Instead, when available, you can go through a dedicated lane that lets you verify your identity via biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition. This is handled by an automated kiosk. MileagePlus members automatically get $10 off their membership, but as a United credit card holder, you can get a $40 discount.
These are the CLEAR Plus discounts offered to United members:
MileagePlus® member: $179 ($10 discount)
Premier Silver®, Premier Gold®, Premier Platinum® or United U.S. Credit Cardmember*: $149 ($40 discount)
Premier 1K® or Global Services®: Free ($189 discount)
*United may change or terminate this offer at any time and without notice. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the benefit as stated in this offer.
Travel insurance
The cards on this list provide several Chase travel insurance benefits. The perks differ for each card, so make sure to review your offer carefully.
Benefits to look for with United Airlines credit cards include:
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This kicks in to help cover losses if illness, weather or other specific conditions cause your trip to be canceled or cut short.
Trip delay coverage: This helps pay for accommodations if your travel is stalled for certain reasons.
Baggage insurance: This coverage includes coverage for delays or lost luggage.
Auto rental insurance: This lets you skip paying for extra coverage when you rent a car and pay with your card.
Note that you must pay for flights, car rentals and other accommodations with your United credit card for these types of benefits to apply.
Earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining at restaurants, and hotels you book directly. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases. $0 annual fee the first year, then $95.
Earn 3X miles on United purchases and 2X miles on travel, dining, and select streaming purchases. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases. $250 annual fee.
Earn 4X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, earn 2X miles per dollar on other travel and dining purchases and earn 1X miles on all other purchases. $525 annual fee.
New account holders who haven’t earned a welcome offer in the recent past with United and don’t already have a United Airlines credit card can earn a welcome offer. The welcome offers differ for each card, but you do need to spend $1,000 to $5,000 in the first three months, depending on which card you have.
Earn United miles
You can continue earning miles with each of these rewards cards. You can earn 2 to 4 miles per dollar spent with United, depending on which card you have. Dining, select business expenses, transit, gas and other travel purchases can also earn you 2 or more miles per dollar spent, and each card has its own categories for optimal earning. You earn 1 mile per dollar on any purchases not included in specific categories.
Redeem United miles
MileagePlus miles don’t expire, and there are no blackout dates. You can redeem miles for award flights or to reduce the cost of flights, which is typically the best value for redemption. United cards are also part of the Chase Pay Yourself Back program, which provides even more redemption options.
However, you can also use miles to:
Help cover the cost of hotel stays
Purchase gift cards and merchandise
Get subscriptions to magazines
Help cover the cost of car rentals
Make donations to charity
How much are United miles worth?
The exact value of your United miles depends on how and when you redeem them. The best value comes when you redeem your miles for United flights, which gives you around 1.2 to 1.5 cents per mile on average.
Who should get a United Airlines credit card?
United Airlines travel rewards credit cards are best for individuals with good credit who travel frequently with United.
If you prefer another airline or don’t live or work near an airport that United flies out of, you’ll generally be better off with either a different airline credit card, such as one of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards or Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, or a different type of travel rewards credit card entirely.
How to choose the best United Airlines credit card
Look at the details of the card offer and perks and consider your financial situation and travel habits when selecting a United Airlines credit card.
Some things to consider include:
Annual fee: Some of these cards have high annual fees, and they aren’t the right choice if you’re not going to maximize rewards and benefits to make up for that expense.
Credit score: You may need a higher credit score to get approved for the luxury United Club credit cards.
Rewards structure: Look at how you can earn miles and choose the right card that makes sense with your spending habits.
Apply for a United Airlines credit card
These cards generally require good credit, so you’re more likely to get approved if you have a 670 credit score or better. The luxury credit cards on this list may require an even higher credit score.
You can learn more about each of the United Airlines cards and apply online through the links below:
Some basic information about your financial situation, such as income
In most cases, you’ll receive an approval or denial within minutes.
Upgrade my United credit card
If you already have a United Airlines credit card and want to upgrade to one with a better rewards tier, you can call Chase customer service to see if you’re eligible. When you upgrade from one card to another, you’re not eligible for any welcome offers.
Other credit card options for United flyers
For those who don’t fly with United or want a travel rewards credit card that provides a bit more flexibility, there are numerous options on the market.
A few you might consider include:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This luxury travel card has an annual fee of $550 but offers more than a $1,000 in partner value to make up for it. You can also earn up to 10x points when spending in certain categories.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The annual fee for this card is $395, but it comes with a $300 travel credit that almost covers it. Anniversary miles, a lucrative rewards structure and other travel perks help balance out the annual fee and make this card a good option for frequent travelers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: If you want a Chase Sapphire rewards card with a lower annual fee, this might be the right option. You can earn up to 5x points in select categories, and the card comes with a welcome bonus and other perks.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: The quintessential travel reward card, this option from Amex lets you earn up to 5x points per dollar spent and comes with a huge list of credits and partner values. The annual fee is $695 (see rates and fees), but savvy card members can make that back plus more when utilizing the credits and redeeming rewards.
Advertiser Disclosure
FAQ: United credit cards
Is a United credit card worth it?
A United Airlines travel rewards credit card is worth it if you travel frequently with United and can maximize points earning and value.
Which is the best United Airlines credit card?
The best credit card for you depends on your personal preferences and travel and spending habits. However, if you want the card with the highest rewards tier and most travel perks, it would be the United Club Infinite card.
How much are United miles worth?
When you redeem miles on United flights, you can get a value of 1.2 to 1.5 cents per mile on average.
What credit score is needed for a United Airlines credit card?
These cards require at least good credit, which means you have the best chance at approval if you have a 670 credit score or better. The luxury cards may require a higher credit score, so you may need a score in the 700s to qualify for those.
Do United Airlines credit cards have foreign transaction fees?
None of these cards have foreign transaction fees.
Do you get priority boarding with United Airlines credit cards?
Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.
With more than a dozen years of writing experience, Sarah has tackled niches that range from technical advances in fintech to personal budgeting challenges. She has covered topics such as insurance and the economics of private healthcare, small business management and accounting, and credit and savings. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful and relevant resources for readers.
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