Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The United Business Card Is Underrated — Here’s Why I Applied

Brett Holzhauer's image
Brett Holzhauer
Brett Holzhauer's image

Brett Holzhauer

Content Contributor

76 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 22U.S. States Visited: 29

Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he's had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards.
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
Michael Y. Park's image

Michael Y. Park

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

28 Published Articles 469 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 60+U.S. States Visited: 50

Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and que...
& Stella Shon
Stella Shon's image

Stella Shon

Senior Features Editor

142 Published Articles 847 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28U.S. States Visited: 30

With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

I’ve been strict about my single-card strategy for some time now. The peace of mind of having 1 credit card bill — rather than several — is worth the small sacrifice for me.

However, there’s nothing wrong with taking new opportunities or adjusting your strategy to fit your travel needs. Here’s why I applied for the United℠ Business Card, the trick I used after being approved, and why I think it’s vastly underrated.

Applying for the United Business Card

I’ve traveled to Chicago frequently this year. Since Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a hub for United Airlines, I’ve searched for a card that could complement my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card by giving me United-related benefits.

A few days ago, I came across the United Business card, which quickly piqued my interest. Here are the perks that led me to apply:

  • Valuable welcome bonus offer: The card offers 75,000 United miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. After the $5,000, I will have at least 80,000 United miles, worth roughly $960.
  • Solid bonus for purchasing United flights: The card earns 7 points per dollar spent on United flights. Since we value United miles at 1.2 cents aipece, that is an effective 8.4 cents per dollar back in value.
  • Free first checked bag: I strongly prefer bringing my backpack as a carry-on. But of course there are times when I may travel with more or want to pack something that isn’t carry-on compliant. It’s nice knowing I can check a bag on United for no additional cost with the card.
  • $100 United credit after 7 flights: This is a benefit I can use in the future. When you book 7 United flights over $100, you earn a $100 United travel credit.
  • 2 United Club one-time passes: This is a “nice to have,” but it didn’t sway my decision to apply. I prefer to arrive at airports as close to boarding time as possible. But if I arrive early, I can visit the United Club to kill time.

This list of benefits and perks for a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 is an excellent value.

United℠ Business Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

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

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
75,000 miles
$900
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
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 Credit Recommended (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The United Business card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will the 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
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
  • 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on dining
Cons
  • Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
  • Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
  • 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.
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent 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.
  • Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club(SM) one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
  • $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The card has several other benefits, including travel insurance, priority boarding, an annual 5,000-mile bonus, 25% back on United in-flight and United Club drink purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. However, none of these perks influenced my decision.

Finally, I’m under the Chase 5/24 rule and in Amex pop-up jail, so I’ve been eager to apply for another Chase card.

My Application Experience

I submitted my application for the United Business Card and was immediately met with a “we’re reviewing your application” notice. Typically, I would call the Chase reconsideration line right away, but I decided to be patient.

The next day, I got an email about my United Club passes that come with the card, so I was sure I was approved. I logged in to my Chase account, and sure enough, it was there. After being approved, I called Chase customer service to confirm and ask for my card to be overnighted. 22 hours later, my card was at my doorstep.

Lastly, I was approved for a smaller credit line. However, I talked with the Chase representative about moving credit from other Chase business cards I don’t regularly use. Within a minute, I had a healthy credit line on my new United Business card.

Hot Tip:

Next time you’re approved for a card, don’t hesitate to call and ask for your card to be overnighted (for free!). I’ve done this with nearly every card I get. This gives you more time to earn the welcome bonus and not wait for your card to arrive via snail mail.

3 Best Benefits of the United Business Card

In general, no-annual-fee cards can deliver value but typically lack the benefits needed to save on travel expenses. Elaborate cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, come with a laundry list of benefits (some require enrollment) but a high $695 annual fee (rates & fees).

The United Business Card is my favorite kind of card: efficient. Here’s why.

1. High Value for a Low Annual Fee

The total value proposition of the United Business card vastly outweighs the annual fee. Even in the second year, when there is no welcome bonus and an ongoing annual fee, this card can easily make back its value by eliminating checked bag fees, travel insurance, and the generous rewards on United flights.

I typically don’t keep cards after the first year, but depending on my travel habits 1 year from now, I may keep this one.

2. Everyday Card With Flexible Airline Redemption Options

This card can easily be someone’s everyday card as it earns multiples in several categories. It earns:

  • 7x total miles on United flights — 5x miles as a United MileagePlus member and 2x miles from the United Business card
  • 3x total miles on hotel stays booked through United Hotels — 2x miles as a United MileagePlus member and 1x miles from the United Business card
  • 2x miles on other United purchases, gas stations, dining, office supply stores, and local transit, including ride-share
  • 1x miles on everything else

These miles automatically go to your United MileagePlus account, which you can redeem with United’s Star Alliance partners, including Air Canada, Lufthansa, ANA, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines.

3. Pair With Another Chase Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Sapphire Reserve Fredom Flex Freedom Unlimited Ocean Background Upgraded Points LLC 2
Chase cards are some of the best on the market. Image Credit: Upgraded Points LLC

Chase offers several United credit cards and cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred directly to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio.

If you want another Chase business credit card, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a great choice. This card earns Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer to United and several other airlines and hotel loyalty programs.

If a personal card is a better fit, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also earn Ultimate Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

The United Business card may be a lesser-known card, but it packs a punch for travelers. Even if you’re someone who isn’t particularly loyal to a specific airline, this card could potentially tilt that playing field for me.

When you’re considering a new credit card for your wallet, evaluate the value the card can bring to you in the short and long term. Additionally, be critical of paying an annual fee for any card. There’s nothing wrong with an annual fee, but be sure you can extract enough value from a card to justify it.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Brett Holzhauer's image

About Brett Holzhauer

Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he’s had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards. He learned the tricks of the trade from his mom, and has taken many steps forward. He wasn’t exposed to much travel as a kid, but now has a goal of reaching 100 countries in his life. In 2019, he sold all of his possessions to become a digital nomad, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. He plans to do it again at some point in his life.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status