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United Gateway Card — Full Review [2024]

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Jarrod West
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Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

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Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
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Juan Ruiz

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Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been ...
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Kellie Jez

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Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

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United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.
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Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
  • 20,000 miles

  • $0

  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

  • Good to Excellent (670-850)

United Gateway℠ Card

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

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.
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Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
Summary

The 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.

Card Details

Card Snapshot

Welcome Bonus & Info

  • Earn 20,000 bonus miles
  • No annual fee
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent 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
  • Member FDIC
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
  • $0 annual fee
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
  • Rental car insurance
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty coverage

Cons

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

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.

  • Content by Leading Industry Experts
  • Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
  • First-Hand Credit Card Experience
  • Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
  • Methodical “U.P. Rating” System
  • 1087+ Expert Credit Card Guides

Great Card If

  • You’re looking for a way to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Don’t Get If

  • You don’t fly with United.
  • You want a card that offers more United benefits.

United Gateway Card — Is It Worth It?

The United Gateway card is an interesting option for those who fly with United often and are looking for a card to help them earn more United miles on their day-to-day purchases without needing to pay an annual fee.

You earn 2x miles on United purchases, at gas stations, along with local transit and commuting purchases. Plus, the card offers a discount on inflight United purchases, travel and purchase protections, and more.

United Gateway Card Top Benefits

Here is a look at some of the top benefits you enjoy with the United Gateway card:

  • 25% back on United inflight purchases: Get 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights, and on Club premium drinks.
  • Complimentary DoorDash DashPass: Get 1-year complimentary DashPass, which provides unlimited deliveries with zero delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. Activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: If your trip is cut short or canceled for a covered situation, you receive coverage of up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip toward nonrefundable expenses.
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Receive secondary rental car insurance covering theft and collision damage to your rental car.
  • Purchase Protection: Purchases made with the card are covered for up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per year in case of theft or accidental damage up to 120 days from the purchase date.
  • Extended Warranty Coverage: Products purchased with your card that have extended warranties of 3 years or less have their warranties extended by 1 additional year.
  • No foreign transaction fees: Use your card to earn miles while traveling overseas without paying a foreign transaction fee.

How To Earn and Redeem Your United Miles

The United Gateway card helps you earn more United miles on your everyday purchases without needing to pay an annual fee.

To earn as many miles as possible, use your card for as many purchases as you can, especially on those that fall within its 2x bonus categories of United purchases, gas stations, local transit and commuting purchases. Plus, you still earn 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

Once you’ve built up enough United miles, you’ll be well on your way toward your next vacation! If you need inspiration for where your United miles can take you, read through our guide on the best ways to redeem your United miles.

Alternative Cards to the United Gateway Card

United℠ Explorer Card

If you fly with United often enough to justify having a card with an annual fee, then the United Explorer card is one you should consider.

United℠ Explorer Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000 miles
$600
$95
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
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

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 United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
  • 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
  • First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion
Cons
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
  • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
  • 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 Explorer Card
  • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
  • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

It earns 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays. Plus, it offers perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, 2 United Club 1-time passes annually, complimentary upgrades on award tickets, and the ability to earn Premier Qualifying Points for your card spending.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

If you want a card that earns rewards transferable to a variety of airline and hotel partners with no annual fee, then the Wells Fargo Autograph card might be better suited for you.

The card offers 6 different 3x points bonus categories, including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. It also offers perks like cell phone protection, no foreign transaction fees (rates and fees), and access to Wells Fargo transfer partners, with a $0 annual fee (rates and fees).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the United Gateway card a no annual fee card?

The United Gateway card has a $0 annual fee.

Is the United Gateway card hard to get?

Generally speaking, the United Gateway card is not as hard to be approved for as the other co-branded United credit cards. That said, there is a variety of reasons why you might not be approved for the card, including your credit score, income, history with Chase, 5/24 status, and more.

Do you get priority boarding with the United Gateway card?

No, the United Gateway card does not offer priority boarding.

Do you get a free checked bag with the United Gateway card?

No, the United Gateway card does not offer a free checked bag.

What is the difference between the United Gateway card and the United Explorer card?

The United Gateway is limited in the benefits that it offers, but it is a great way to earn extra United miles without needing to pay an annual fee.

The United Explorer card does charge an annual fee on the other hand but also offers benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, 2 United Club 1-time passes annually, complimentary upgrades on award tickets, and the ability to earn Premier Qualifying Points for your card spending.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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