22 Best Ways To Earn Lots of United MileagePlus Miles

Key Takeaways

• Earn United MileagePlus miles through flights with United and Star Alliance partners and through spending on co-branded credit cards like the United℠ Explorer Card.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards are easy to earn with an applicable Chase credit card and can be transferred to MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio.
• Additional miles can be accumulated via hotel transfer partners such as Hilton Honors, the MileagePlus Dining Program, and shopping through the MileagePlus Shopping portal.

United Airlines has one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the U.S., and there are great ways to earn United miles for award flights. Whether you’re flying with United Airlines, spending on a Chase or United co-branded credit card, or using one of the many MileagePlus partners, you can earn valuable miles to use toward your next flight.

Sign Up for a United Airlines MileagePlus Account

Unlike transferable points programs such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, you do not need a particular credit card to participate in United’s MileagePlus program. To sign up and start earning miles, visit United’s website and create your account.

Your MileagePlus account is your key to earning United miles whether you’re dining out, shopping, flying, or spending with a United co-branded credit card.

Earn MileagePlus Miles With Credit Cards

If you want to earn tons of United miles, credit cards are key. From transferable points to earning United miles directly through co-branded credit cards, you have several options.

1. Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards (Best Option)

Without a doubt, your best option to accumulate United miles is to transfer Chase points to United. Points are transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio, they’re easy to earn, and there’s no limit to how many you can transfer.

To earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, you need a card that’s linked to the program. Whether you’re looking for a personal card or a business card, Chase has you covered with multiple ways to earn Ultimate Rewards points.

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 75,000 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% 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 card application.

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, gas, EV charging, vacation homes, 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 and emergency evacuation. 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 (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation homes (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), 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

Read Full Review

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, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
• 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.
• Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% 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 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 points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 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 card application.

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.

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

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Business owner? See our list of the best Chase business credit cards.

Many Chase cards also come with hefty welcome offers and bonus-earning categories to get you started quickly.

Hot Tip: Find out how you can earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points or more in just 90 days!

2. Chase United Co-Branded Credit Cards

After cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, the next best way to earn United miles is Chase’s co-branded United cards:

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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)

United℠ Explorer Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 60,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.74% - 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 card application.

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 9x total miles per $1 on eligible United flights
• 3x miles per $1 on all other eligible United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays when booked with the hotel

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases.
• 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $200 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United^® flights.
• 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
• Over $500 in partner credits each year
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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)

United Club℠ Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Up to 90,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.74% - 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 card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The 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

• NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining and other travel purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles
• NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Unlimited United Club℠ access for you and a guest - a $750+ value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services.
• Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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)

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 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 70,000 miles + 500 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.74% - 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Enter: the 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 United℠ Explorer Card and the United Club℠ Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total miles per $1 on United flights
• 5x miles on stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
• 3x miles per $1 on other United purchases

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
• NEW! 10x total miles on eligible United flights and 4x miles on all other eligible 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 $440 per roundtrip (terms apply)
• Receive a $200 United^® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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)

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 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.

Up to 40,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.74% - 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x total miles per $1 on United flights
• 2x miles per $1 on other 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

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles
• 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
• 5x total miles on eligible United flights and 2x miles on all other eligible 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
• NEW! Save 10% or more on flights booked with miles after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

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.

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 up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 110,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,320

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.74% to 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 card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The 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

• At least 8x total miles on eligible United flights
• 2x miles per $1 spent on other United purchases
• 1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 10,000 bonus miles when you add an employee card in the first 3 months your account is open.
• Earn 8x total miles on eligible United flights
• Earn 2x miles on other 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: 19.74% to 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

These cards don’t have as many bonus categories as Ultimate Rewards cards, but some provide a complimentary checked bag, priority boarding, and other perks when you fly on United.

There are also various credits available on most of these cards for certain purchases that provide value beyond what you get when flying United, such as for hotel stays, rental car bookings, and ride-share trips. Additionally, if you fly United regularly, some of these cards can help you earn Premier Qualifying Points through your annual credit card spending.

Hot Tip: Check out the valuable benefits of the United Explorer card for a deeper insight into this rewards card.

3. Refer a Friend for Bonus Miles

Chase allows United cardholders to refer a friend to apply for United co-branded cards. Sending a referral link to your friends is simple and just requires you to enter a few personal details.

If the person you refer is approved for any United card, even if it’s not the same card you hold, then you earn 10,000 bonus miles. You can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles per year through referrals.

You can enter your card details on the Chase website to get your referral link.

4. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and transfer those to United at a transfer rate of 3:1. For every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive an extra 10,000 United miles.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® 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 Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

Up to 135,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $945

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.49%-28.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy^® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Terms apply. See www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi for more information.
• Earn up to 18.5X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year, receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy^® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Booking the trip is easy. Avoiding delays is next to impossible. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. A fixed monthly fee is shown upfront so you'll know exactly how much you’ll pay. Plus, you'll still earn rewards for the purchases you plan the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® 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 premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

Up to 150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,050

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.49%-28.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy^® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

5. Bilt Rewards

Bilt Rewards is a rewards program aimed at those who pay rent. You can earn 2 total miles per $1 spent when you pay your rent on time through Bilt with a participating personal United co-branded card from Chase, such as the United Explorer card. The 2x miles can be earned on up to $50,000 of rent payments per calendar year, and there is a 3% fee for using a United credit card via Bilt to pay rent, so make sure paying the fee makes sense based on the earnings before taking this route to boost your miles balance.

You can also earn Bilt Points in various ways and transfer them to United at a ratio of 1:1, with a minimum of 2,000 points transferred for Bilt Blue status and 1,000 points for Bilt Silver or higher.

6. MileagePlus^® Debit Rewards Card

The MileagePlus Debit Rewards card is not a credit card. It’s a debit card connected to a bank account with Sunrise Banks, N.A. The MileagePlus Debit Rewards card earns rewards on purchases: 1 mile per $1 spent on United purchases and 1 mile per $2 spent on all other qualifying purchases. There is also a welcome offer, and you get a bonus of 2,500 miles each year you spend $10,000 or more on purchases with the card.

The MileagePlus Debit Rewards card may be a good option if you have bills to pay that you can’t use a credit card for, don’t want a new credit card, or simply prefer to pay “cash” but still want to earn United miles. There is no credit check required when applying for the MileagePlus Debit Rewards card, and the monthly fee of $4 is waived if you maintain an average account balance of at least $2,000 each month.

Earn Miles Through Shopping and Dining

You can boost your United miles earnings by shopping online and dining out.

7. MileagePlus Shopping

Shopping portals are a great way to earn extra miles on purchases you were going to make anyway. You can earn United miles through the United MileagePlus Shopping portal. All you have to do is log in and start shopping.

There are hundreds of MileagePlus retailers participating in the portal. Below is an example of a few of retailers and the kinds of earnings you can expect to find:

Occasionally, retailers offer a special bonus. For example, the Wall Street Journal once offered 800 miles for any order placed online at the WSJ store. With subscriptions starting as low as $12, that was a good offer.

The portal is very easy to use. Follow these steps before you begin shopping at a participating online store (or before you check out):

1. Go to MileagePlus Shopping.
2. Sign into your United MileagePlus account.
3. Search for a product or store.
4. Click on the store’s bonus miles offer (e.g. “Earn 3 miles/$“).
5. Select Shop Now.
6. After a few seconds, you’ll be able to shop on the store’s website.
7. Ensure you are still logged in to the portal before you purchase through the store to be absolutely certain you will receive the extra miles.

Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions in the Offers section.

8. MileagePlus X App

There is a bonus shopping mall tool with United called MileagePlus X. Smartphone users can stack miles by using the MileagePlus X app on purchases. The app offers exclusive bonus earnings of up to 5 miles per $1 at stores and restaurants.

Miles earned through the app are in addition to bonus miles you earn in other ways. When you make a purchase in the app using your United MileagePlus credit card, you earn miles from your card and from the app.

The MileagePlus X App is downloadable through the iTunes and Google Play stores.

If you have one of the MileagePlus credit cards, you get a 25% boost to the miles you earn through the MileagePlus X app.

9. MileagePlus Dining Program

Dining programs offer bonus miles when you dine at participating restaurants. You can sign up for the MileagePlus Dining program for free.

To start earning MileagePlus miles on dining out:

1. Go to MileagePlus Dining.
2. Register or log in with your MileagePlus account number.
3. Select the Add a card option in your account and enter the details of any credit or debit card you want to use at restaurants.
4. Use the location search at the top to look for restaurants near you.
5. Start using the credit card you registered at participating restaurants to earn miles.

You earn up to 5 miles per $1 you spend at the restaurants through the MileagePlus dining program. You can also earn miles for special bonus offers (usually offered at sign-up).

Hot Tip: Once you’ve signed up through the portal, you can register any credit card (not just a United one). By using the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can earn points you can transfer to United MileagePlus.

10. Rewards for Event Tickets

If you like going to music or theater events, then MileagePlus has a great way to earn miles when you buy tickets for events. With Audience Rewards, you can earn 50 to 2,000 miles per ticket.

Just register with the program using your MileagePlus number, search for tickets, and make your purchase to earn bonus miles right away.

11. Other Retail Purchases

The following are other ways to earn MileagePlus miles through retail partners and online shopping centers:

Earn United Miles Through Travel

If you happen to have paid flights or hotel stays in your future, you can earn United miles on them, too.

12. Airfare and Airline Purchases

Not surprisingly, you can earn miles by flying on United. Maximize the number of miles you’ll earn when you fly with these tips.

Even without these cards, you earn miles for flying as MileagePlus member. If your flights are operated by United or United Express or your tickets are issued by United (ticket number starts with 016), then you earn miles based on the fare.

Award miles earned increase based on your Premier status and if you are a United co-branded cardmember:

Standard fares:

Basic Economy fares and base options of United Premium Plus and Polaris tickets:

All flights operated by partner airlines or Star Alliance members with tickets issued by an airline other than United will earn award miles based on the flight distance.

The following airlines are all partners with United:

The award miles earned on these tickets also depends on the fare class. Go to United’s website to view United MileagePlus miles earned on each partnering airline.

There are only a few restrictions to earning miles on flights. Miles cannot be earned on MileagePlus award travel, charter flights, or reduced-rate tickets (see United for more restrictions).

Hot Tip: For more information on earning miles for paid flights, check out this in-depth guide to help you know where to credit your airline miles.

13. Car Rentals and Other Ground Transportation

Flying is not the only way to earn United MileagePlus miles when you travel.

14. Book With United Hotel Partners

United MileagePlus has a tremendous number of hotel partners. All of these offer varying amounts of bonus miles per $1 or per night.

You can find all hotel partners listed on United’s site, but here’s a consolidated list and how many miles you earn:

Hotel Transfer Partners

If the list above does not suit you, perhaps one of the partnering rewards programs will. MileagePlus has partnered with numerous hotel rewards programs covering hundreds of other hotels and resorts around the world.

As a member of any of the following hotel rewards programs, you can opt to earn United miles instead of the hotel’s own loyalty currency, though we would not recommend this, as it’s generally poor value:

15. Book Vacation Rentals Through Vrbo

United MileagePlus members can earn 3x United miles per $1 spent booking a Vrbo vacation rental through the United Vrbo portal. United miles are awarded after the stay is complete and based only on the rental amount. Taxes, cleaning fees, and any other service fees or extra charges don’t earn you miles.

The last name of the primary traveler on the Vrbo booking must match the last name on the United MileagePlus account in order for you to receive miles.

The bonus miles are not associated with having a United co-branded credit card, so you can stack these bonus miles with any credit card to earn even more miles on your Vrbo purchase.

16. Book With United Vacations or United Packages

Search for great vacations combining flights, hotels, transportation, and activities at United Vacations. Use your United credit card when you purchase your vacation and earn a total of 2 miles per $1 spent.

Miles earned from these packages vary depending on the combination, location, and dates you desire. There’s a great list of vacation ideas with promotional codes aimed to earn you a set number of miles on the offers page.

With United Packages, you can earn 1,000 bonus miles when you book your flight, hotel, and car together.

17. Book United Cruises With Partners

Cruises all over Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and off the coasts of the U.S. can earn huge miles bonuses. You can earn up to 45,000 miles by booking a single cruise if you’re a United co-branded cardholder or 25,000 miles if not.

Scroll down on the main page of the United Cruises website to find a list of special deals that add even more miles to the normal amount offered. Some cruise lines tack on up to 10,000 miles extra when you book through them!

Hot Tip: If you’ve opted to earn miles through an adventure on the open seas, don’t miss this ultimate cruise packing list to help you prep for your trip.

18. Special Travel Partners

The following company offers unique services and products related to your travel experience. It has bonus miles offered in partnership with MileagePlus and is worth taking a look at (especially if you’re a frequent traveler).

19. Fly Semiprivate

While flying private or even semiprivate isn’t something that the majority of us can do, it’s good to know that it’s another way to earn United miles.

Passengers flying on JSX flights can earn 50% to 100% of the miles flown, depending on the fare class booked, in the form of United MileagePlus miles.

If you have the United Explorer card, United Quest card, United Club card, United Business card, or United Club Business card, you can receive statement credits (maximum amount varies by card, and terms apply) each year for JSX flight bookings.

Specialty Earnings for United MileagePlus Miles

United MileagePlus has partnered with lots of other companies and nonprofits to give you different ways to earn extra miles.

20. Home and Energy Services

The following are great ways to earn additional miles through services for your home.

The cost of these services may not outweigh the benefits. Figure out what better offers you can get for similar services in your area, and then decide which one makes the most sense for you.

21. Fill Out Surveys for Miles

United MileagePlus has teamed up with Opinion Miles Club to offer you this simple way to earn a few extra miles. You can earn 300 miles for joining and completing your first survey (600 miles for MileagePlus cardholders), then 50 to 70 miles per survey.

22. Buy United Miles

Buying United miles should be left for times when you need to top off your MileagePlus account to book an award ticket. United occasionally offers bonuses for purchased miles, and if you can get them for a lower cost than their redemption value, you should come out ahead.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is the best way to earn United miles, thanks to its higher-earning rate and 1:1 transfer ratio. Paired with a MileagePlus credit card, the program lets you earn serious miles and fun perks. To top it all off, you can earn tons of extra miles shopping and dining out via United’s partnerships.