Best Chase United Credit Cards: Comparing the Benefits and Perks

Chase offers 6 co-branded cards with United Airlines: 4 personal cards and 2 business cards.

When we talk about Chase cards, we often focus on how to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points. However, there are several benefits that come with the Chase United cards that should not be ignored.

Let’s dig into each of these United cards and see what you get.

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• The New United℠ Explorer Card — Best Moderate Annual Fee Card for Checked Bags, Priority Boarding & United Club Access (rates & fees)
• The New United Quest℠ Card — Best Mid-Tier Card for Checked Bags & Priority Boarding (rates & fees)
• The New United Club℠ Card — Best Top-Tier Card for United Club Membership & Premier Access (rates & fees)
• The New United Gateway℠ Card — Best for Earning United Miles With No Annual Fee (rates & fees)
• The New United℠ Business Card —Best Moderate Annual Fee Business Card for Checked Bags, Priority Boarding & United Club Access (rates & fees)
• The New United Club℠ Business Card — Best Top-Tier Business Card for United Club Membership & Premier Access

Chase United Credit Cards

Whether you’re looking for a card for personal use or for your business, there are several cards in the United portfolio — from premium, high-end cards to options without an annual fee. The following reviews will help you decide which card is right for you.

United Explorer Card (Best Moderate Annual Fee Card for Checked Bags, Priority Boarding, and United Club Access)

DEBUT OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$150

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider The New United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x total miles per $1 on hotel stays through United Hotels
• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
• 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus 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
• Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
• Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS fee credit
• Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
• Over $400 in partner credits each year
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

Probably the most popular United card is the United Explorer card. This card comes with a welcome offer to get you started with a nice stash of MileagePlus miles, and there are several other useful benefits.

When you use this card to purchase a ticket on United, you’ll receive your first checked bag for free. Additionally, 1 traveling companion on your itinerary will also receive a free checked bag. This could save you up to $160 round-trip in checked bag fees charged by United.

Cardholders also receive priority boarding access, which can be very useful when you want to ensure there’s overhead space for your carry-on bag. While it’s free to gate-check a bag, this can be very inconvenient if you have a tight connection.

You’ll also get 25% back on United inflight Wi-Fi, food, and drinks.

Plus, after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, you earn a $100 United travel credit in the form of United TravelBank cash to use on a future United or United Express flight. If you spend $20,000 in a calendar year, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount — worth $120 based on our valuation of United miles (1.2 cents per mile).

When you’re approved for the card, you will receive 2 single-use passes to a United Club. These are great when you want to make a fun trip just a little bit better. You’ll continue to receive these on each cardmember anniversary. You can give a pass to another person, but they must be traveling with you or an authorized user on the account.

When it comes to earning more United MileagePlus miles, you’ll earn 2x miles on all purchases with United, hotels, and dining and 1x miles on all other purchases. When you book hotel stays through United Hotels, you earn 5x total miles per $1 spent. Your miles will not expire as long as your card is open.

Other great annual benefits include up to $100 in United Hotels credits, up to $60 in ride-share credits (opt-in required yearly), up to $50 in travel credits from Avis or Budget purchases, and up to $100 in JSX credits. In addition, every 4 years, you can receive a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit (up to $120).

United Quest Card (Best Mid-Tier Card for Checked Bags and Priority Boarding)

DEBUT OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New United Quest℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 United MileagePlus Miles and 500 PQP after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening an account.

90,000 miles + 500 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$350

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Enter: The New United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United Club℠ Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles on stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
• 3x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Does not offer airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Debut Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
• 3x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Receive a $200 United^® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary (terms apply)
• Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year
• Earn 2 global Economy Plus^® seat upgrades after spending $40,000 each calendar year
• Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 6 to 8 weeks after February 1 each year, starting in 2026.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Quest card has a mid-range annual fee, sitting squarely between the more affordable United Explorer card and the more premium United Club card.

In terms of rewards, United Quest cardholders earn 3x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on travel, dining, and streaming services, plus 1x miles on all other purchases.

The United Quest card is packed with benefits that frequent flyers are sure to love. For starters, cardholders receive a $200 annual United travel credit that can be applied to any United expense — including flights!

If you love booking award flights, the United Quest card helps stretch your miles even further by giving you a 10,000-mile anniversary award flight discount (terms apply). If you want another 10,000-mile award flight discount every year, you can earn it after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year.

You and 1 traveling companion will also receive 2 free checked bags when you use your United Quest card to purchase your tickets. Other great benefits include priority boarding, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit, and 25% back on United inflight purchases.

You can even earn 2 global Economy Plus seat upgrades to use on United- or United Express-operated flights if you spend $40,000 on purchases with your card in a calendar year.

The annual benefits you get with this card continue, such as up to $150 in Renowned Hotels and Resorts credits, up to $100 in ride-share credits (yearly opt-in is required), up to $80 in travel credits for Avis or Budget purchases, and up to $150 in JSX credits.

Hot Tip:

Chase United credit cards are eligible for Chase Offers. Check out our complete guide to Chase Offers for ways to save a lot on special discount offers or earn a lot of extra points!

United Club Card (Best Top-Tier Card for United Club Membership and Premier Access)

DEBUT OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New United Club℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New United Club℠ Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

95,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,140

Annual Fee

$695

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The New United Club℠ Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Debut Offer: Earn 95,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ membership - at least a $750 value
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases - up to two times each calendar year
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Club card is a high-end card with perks and benefits to match. The annual fee is $695, and it’s pretty easy to see why.

As a cardholder, you’ll receive a United Club membership. This gives you, 1 adult guest, and children under 18 access to 45+ United Club locations. In comparison, the United Club Individual membership, which does not include bringing a guest with you, is sold by United for $750 per year.

United has also made changes to its lounge memberships. By spending $50,000 on this card (or earning United Premier Gold status), you’ll gain access to Star Alliance lounges and additional guest privileges at United Clubs. Plus, each year that you have All Access membership and an authorized user on your card, you’ll receive 4 separate single-visit passes to United Clubs, which you can gift to friends or family traveling with you.

This card also earns 100% more on United purchases than the United Explorer card, which means you can earn 4x miles on all United purchases, as opposed to 2x with the United Explorer card. Plus, after spending $20,000 each calendar year on the card, you earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount — up to 2 times a year.

You (and a companion) will also receive 2 free checked bags and Premier Access at the airport where available. Premier Access provides 4 main benefits: dedicated check-in lines, priority security lanes, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling so you can quickly get your checked bags.

You also get a 10% discount on United Economy Saver Awards within the continental U.S. and Canada.

The travel perks don’t stop with United, though. Yearly, you will also receive up to $150 in ride-share credits (opt-in required annually), IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, Avis President’s Club elite status, up to $200 in Renowned Hotels and Resorts credits, up to $100 in travel credits from Avis or Budget car rental purchases, up to $200 back on JSX purchases, and, every 4 years, a $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit.

With access to Renowned Hotels and Resorts, when you book stays with this card, you can receive benefits such as breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit for things like dining or spa services, complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades when available, and early check-in and late checkout when available.

United Gateway Card (Best for Earning United Miles With No Annual Fee)

DEBUT OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New United Gateway℠ Card

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 30,000 United MileagePlus Miles, after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account, with 0% APR for the first 12 months.

30,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without wanting to pay a credit card annual fee. Plus, the card offers other solid benefits like a 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
• 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
• It does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Debut Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Want to earn United miles and benefits but aren’t keen on the idea of paying an annual fee? The United Gateway card might be the perfect option for you. The $0-annual-fee card offers you 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and transit and commuting (including rideshare, trains, and mass transit) and 1x miles on all other purchases.

While the United Gateway card doesn’t offer nearly as many benefits as all of the other co-branded United cards, you’ll still get perks like 25% back on United inflight purchases, 2 free checked bags (after spending $10,000 on your card in a year), trip cancellation insurance, purchase protection, and preferred United award pricing — though you need to spend $10,000 annually on the card to unlock this last perk.

Hot Tip:

United Business, United Club Business, United Club, and United Explorer cardholders are also eligible for a 12-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (enroll by December 31, 2027).

United Business Card (Best Moderate Annual Fee Business Card for Checked Bags, Priority Boarding, and United Club Access)

DEBUT OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New United℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New United℠ Business Card

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

125,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$150

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The New United℠ Business Card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will this Chase business card help you earn more United miles, but it also offers great perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, a discount on inflight purchases, and much more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining
• 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting

Cons

• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
• Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Debut Offer: Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $150 Annual Fee.
• 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 United℠ 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 Club℠ 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 United℠ Business Card.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Business card is a great option for small business owners who fly with United — even if it’s only semi-frequently. The card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores, and local transit and commuting charges. There’s no additional charge for employee cards, and miles from their purchases accrue in the primary cardholder’s account, so they can boost their mileage balance faster.

After making 5 United flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year, you receive $125 in United TravelBank cash to use on future United flight purchases. If you spend $25,000 on your card each calendar year, you earn 2 continental U.S. Economy Plus seat upgrades.

Also, if your business sometimes needs time before committing to a flight booking, you’ll appreciate the up-to-$25 back in statement credits on FareLock purchases the United Business card offers each anniversary year.

The card also includes perks like priority boarding, your first checked bag free, 25% back on United inflight purchases, 2 United Club 1-time passes, and 5,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary when you have both the United Business card and a personal United card.

Similar to the personal United credit cards, other benefits include up to $100 in United Hotels credits, up to $100 in ride-share credits (enrollment is required yearly), up to $50 in travel credits from Avis or Budget purchases, and up to $100 back on JSX purchases.

United Club Business Card (Best Top-Tier Business Card for United Club Membership and Premier Access)

DEBUT OFFER

The New United Club℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

The New United Club℠ Business Card

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 United MileagePlus Miles after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account.

125,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$695

APR

20.99%–27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The New United Club℠ Business Card is a premium card option for dedicated United loyalists seeking a card that offers complimentary United Club access, helps them earn and retain status, and doesn’t skip on the benefits.

From free checked bags to upgrades on award tickets and the ability to earn Premier qualifying points, there is plenty to the United Club Business card that United flyers are sure to love.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases
• 1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Earning rate for United purchases is poor compared to other United cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 United MileagePlus Miles after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account
• Earn 2x miles on United purchases
• Earn 1.5x miles on all other purchases
• Earn 5x miles on stays purchased through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United^® Cardmembers
• Employee cards at no additional cost
• United Club℠ membership included – at least a $750 value per year – with the ability to unlock United Club All Access Membership
• Earn 2 global Economy Plus^® seat upgrades each year
• Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, save up to $320 per round-trip
• 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
• 25% back on United inflight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Complimentary Instacart+ Membership (terms apply)
• Up to $240 in Instacart credits annually (terms apply)

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%–27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

The United Club Business card earns 2x miles on all United purchases and 1.5x miles on all other purchases, and it comes with an annual fee of $695.

This card comes with a complimentary United Club membership, Premier Access at the airport where available, free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, 25% back on United inflight purchases, upgrades on award tickets, and more.

Additionally, cardholders can earn an All Access lounge membership by spending $50,000 on purchases with their card or reaching Premier Gold status. For each year cardholders have All Access and an authorized user on the card, there’s an additional perk: 4 United Club single-visit passes. Cardholders also get 5,000 bonus miles each year they hold this card and a personal United Airlines credit card.

Cardmembers also receive benefits at Renowned Hotels and Resorts with up to $200 in credits annually on bookings made with the United Club Business card.

In addition, each year, cardholders will appreciate up to $50 in FareLock credits, complimentary Avis President’s Club elite status, up to $100 in travel credits from Avis or Budget car rentals, up to $150 in ride-share credits, up to $200 in JSX credits, and a complimentary Instacart+ membership with up to $240 in Instacart credits (terms apply and benefits end December 31, 2027).

Hot Tip:

United Club membership does not allow you access to United’s Polaris Lounges. To gain access to a Polaris Lounge, you must be traveling on a United flight in Polaris first class or business— this is different than United first or business — or in first or business class on an international Star Alliance flight.

Extra Award Space on United Flights

One of the best perks provided by these United cards? Guaranteed access to extra award availability on United flights.

With these cards, you’ll receive access to award space in the XN fare class, a saver-level economy fare class available only to cardholders and those who have earned elite status on United.

While we often talk about booking United business class, this extra economy award space can be extremely useful when you need to book a flight, but ticket prices are sky-high.

Additionally, cardholders are guaranteed to be able to book a standard-level award in first class, business class, or economy on United if a seat is available. While we don’t recommend booking standard-level awards, they can be useful if you’re in a tough spot.

Bottom Line:

Access to extra award space on United might be the best perk offered by its co-branded airline cards.

What Can You Do With United Miles?

United MileagePlus miles can be used to book awards on United or any of its Star Alliance partners. Thanks to the large Star Alliance network, you can travel just about anywhere.

In fact, some of the best redemption options are on United’s partners. With United miles, you can book Lufthansa first class, which is considered to be one of the best flying experiences in the world.

You could also book an award flight on EVA Air to Taiwan in one of the nicest business-class cabins out there.

Hot Tip:

For some inspiration, check out the best ways to redeem United MileagePlus miles and see all the amazing trips you could take.

Elite Status: Premier Qualifying Points

If you fly with United regularly and are looking to reach a certain Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) or Premier Qualifying Flight (PQF) requirement, one of these co-branded United cards can help.

First, let’s look at the requirements of each elite status level with United.

Spending on a United co-branded credit card provides 1 PQP for every $20 spent on most cards but 1 PQP for every $15 spent on the United Club card and United Club Business card. The maximum number of PQPs you can earn varies by card, and many of them provide bonus PQPs for cardholders:

• United Explorer card: Earn up to 1,000 PQPs annually.
• United Quest card: Earn up to 18,000 PQPs annually, plus receive 1,000 bonus PQPs yearly (starting in 2026).
• United Club card: Earn up to 28,000 PQPs annually, plus receive 1,500 bonus PQPs yearly (starting in 2026).
• United Business card: Earn up to 4,000 PQPs annually.
• United Club Business card: Earn up to 28,000 PQPs annually.

While hitting these spending thresholds certainly won’t fast-track you to any particular elite status level, it can help if you’re already flying with United frequently.

Which United Card Should You Get?

If you’re looking for an easy way to earn United MileagePlus miles and want access to award space, and some of the benefits that come with low-level United elite status, the United Explorer card is a great choice.

However, if you know you will be flying out of airports with United Clubs regularly and would prefer to earn 4x miles on United purchases, the United Club card might be right for you.

If you’re looking for something a little more robust than the benefits offered with the United Explorer card but don’t quite want to pay the large annual fee of the United Club card, then the United Quest card is a happy medium.

On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid paying an annual fee but still want to earn United miles and receive a few benefits, the United Gateway card would be your best bet.

For business cards, the United Business card is great, thanks to 3 bonus categories that earn 2x miles per $1 spent. If your spending lines up with those categories, it can easily outweigh the 4x miles on United purchases with the United Club Business card. In this case, you have to decide if the other perks from a higher-end card are worth it.

Alternatives to the Chase United Credit Cards

We can’t forget to mention that earning United miles with a United-branded card locks you into booking with United miles. If you aren’t concerned about extra award space, United Club access, or other perks, you might want to consider earning Chase Ultimate Rewards that can be transferred to United as well as the other Chase travel partners.

Cards that earn Ultimate Rewards often come with more bonus categories that can help you earn points even faster. Since you won’t be locked in with a single airline program, you’ll have many more options to redeem Ultimate Rewards.

If you want to use United miles but flexibility is important to you, consider earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points with these cards:

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel^SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Recommended Chase Cards (Small Business)

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

90,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 26.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 26.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$750

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

Hot Tip:

United is also a transfer partner with Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. While American Express Membership Rewards cannot be directly transferred to United, you can utilize its Star Alliance airline partners (including Air Canada, ANA, and Singapore Airlines) to book United flights.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a credit card for personal use or business expenses, Chase has plenty of options to consider. If you prefer to earn and redeem United MileagePlus miles, one of the co-branded United cards might be just what you need.

In search of extra perks like United Club access? One of the United Club cards can provide that.

Finally, if you want the ability to earn tons of points but don’t want to be locked into United’s MileagePlus program (just in case there’s a better option for some of your travel), you can look to Amex, Bilt, Chase, and Marriott Bonvoy cards that earn transferrable points.

Whatever you choose, these cards offer great value. Whether you’re looking for free checked bags and priority boarding or flexible points that can be transferred to United, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a better travel experience!