The Best United Credit Card for Every Type of Traveler

The lineup of United credit cards features 6 cards, ranging from a no-annual-fee card to premium cards with complimentary United Club access.

That variety can make it difficult to determine which card is right for you.

Here’s a look at who each United credit card is best suited for, based on what type of traveler you are. Better yet, many of these cards are currently offering limited-time welcome offers, making it a great time to add a United card to your wallet.

The Best United Credit Card for Every Type of Traveler

United Gateway℠ Card: Best for United Flyers Who Don’t Want To Pay an Annual Fee

ELEVATED OFFER

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 40,000 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 50,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.99% - 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 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

• Earn up to 50,000 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 first standard checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
• 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, 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you fly with United occasionally, but not enough to justify a card with an annual fee, the United Gateway card is the right choice for you.

It doesn’t offer many benefits compared with other United credit cards, but the United Gateway card still earns 2x miles on United purchases, and 2x at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Plus, cardholders receive 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 card.

Cardholders can also save 10% or more on flights booked with miles, and earn 2 first standard checked bags on flights after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. That said, if you’re planning to spend $10,000 per year on this card, you might want to opt for one of the more premium United card options.

Currently, the United Gateway card has an elevated welcome offer: Earn 40,000 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.

United℠ Explorer Card: Best for Those Who Fly United a Few Times Per Year

ELEVATED OFFER

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 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.99% - 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

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 80,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• 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, Group 2 priority boarding on United^® flights.
• 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
• Over $500 in partner credits each year
• Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

If you live near a United hub or focus city and fly with the carrier at least a few times a year, adding the United Explorer card to your wallet can save you money on every flight you take.

Not only does it earn 3x miles on United flights, but you also get your first checked bag free on eligible United flights, which can save you up to $200 round-trip for 2 people checking a bag each.

You also receive Group 2 priority boarding, 2 United Club one-time passes per year, a 10% discount or more when booking flights with miles, over $500 in partner credits each year, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit.

If you fly United a handful of times a year and often check bags, the free checked bags can offset the annual fee, and the rest of the benefits only make it better.

Currently, the United Explorer card has an elevated welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Quest℠ Card: Best for Frequent United Flyers

ELEVATED OFFER

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 500 Premier qualifying points after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 90,000 miles + 500 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.99% - 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

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
• 4x 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 90,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities and 500 PQP after first purchase
• 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
• Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you’re a frequent United Airlines flyer, the United Quest card can offer significant value.

You earn 4x miles on United purchases, 2 free checked bags for you and up to 1 traveling companion, 10,000-mile anniversary award flight discount, complimentary seat upgrades on award tickets (based on availability), a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, 1,000 bonus Premier Qualifiying Points (PQPs) annually and up to 18,000 PQPs from spending, and over $800 in annual statement credits.

That said, the card has a sizable annual fee, so it only makes sense for those who travel often and almost always fly with United. The card can enhance United flights and help you earn elite status faster.

Currently, the United Quest card has an elevated welcome offer: Earn 500 Premier qualifying points after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Club℠ Card: Best for United Loyalists Who Want Lounge Access

ELEVATED OFFER

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 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Up to 100,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.99% - 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.

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

• 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 100,000 bonus miles
• 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
• Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Club card is the card you should select if you often fly with United Airlines and Star Alliance partners, want a card that will help you achieve elite status faster, and value United Club lounge access.

It includes many of the perks other United cards have, but earns 5x miles on United purchases, offers a second free checked bag, and has up to 20,000 miles in award flight discounts annually.

Plus, you receive United Premier Access, expanded award availability, Premier Upgrades on United-operated award tickets (when available), IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and Avis President’s Club elite status, up to 28,000 Premier Qualifying Points through spending, and over $800 in annual statement credits.

This has the highest annual fee of the United cards, so run the numbers and consider your travel habits before applying. That said, it also offers the most benefits, including the card’s key benefit: complimentary access to all United Club lounges for the primary cardholder and eligible travel companions, including 1 adult guest and dependent children.

Currently, the United Club card has an elevated welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United℠ Business Card: Best for Business Owners Who Frequently Fly United

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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)

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 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.99% - 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 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

• 8x miles per $1 on United flights
• 2x miles per $1 on other United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $150 Annual Fee.
• 8x total miles on eligible United flights.
• 2x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases. 2x miles on 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 $200 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
• Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you’re a business owner, frequently fly with United, and want a card that can help boost value with United, the United Business card is a good choice.

For its reasonable annual fee, you receive 1 free checked bag for you and a traveling companion, 2 United Club one-time passes each year, upgrades on United-operated award tickets (when available), up to 4,000 PQPs through spending annually, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit, and nearly $500 in annual statement credits.

Currently, the United Business card has a welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Club℠ Business Card: Best for Business Owners Who Are United Road Warriors

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 90,000 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, earn 10,000 bonus miles after you add an employee card to your account in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.99% to 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 (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 90,000 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, earn 10,000 bonus miles after 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: 19.99% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

If your business constantly has you on the go, and you always fly United during your travels, then the United Club Business card can be a good fit.

Similar to the personal version of the card, the United Club Business card includes a complimentary United Club membership, along with:

• 2 free checked bags for you and a traveling companion
• 4 United Club one-time passes during each year you unlock All Access membership (usable by the primary cardholder, an authorized user, or guests traveling with them)
• United Premier Access, 25% back on United inflight purchases, and expanded award availability
• Premier Upgrades on United-operated award tickets (when available)
• Over $900 in annual statement credits available
• 5,000-mile bonus each year you hold this card and a personal United credit card
• Avis President’s Club elite status
• Up to $120 in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit

Currently, the United Club Business card has a welcome offer: Earn 90,000 miles plus 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 in the first three months, and earn 10,000 miles after adding an employee card to your account within the first three months.

Final Thoughts

The good news for United flyers is that there’s no shortage of co-branded card choices.

For the occasional flyer who doesn’t want an annual fee, the United Gateway card provides a straightforward way to earn more miles. Move up to the United Explorer card if you fly United a few times a year and want benefits including a free checked bag, priority boarding, and United Club passes.

If you travel with United regularly, then the United Quest card offers a much richer package of annual credits, baggage benefits, award discounts, and opportunities to earn PQP. For travelers who spend enough time in airports where United Club access would justify a premium annual fee, the United Club card adds that access and a deeper collection of United perks.

For business owners, the United Business card offers a relatively low-cost way to combine United benefits with business spending categories, while the United Club Business card is designed for those who spend much more time on the road and can take advantage of premium lounge access and its broad collection of annual credits.

With elevated welcome offers currently available on many of the cards, now is a great time to add a United card to your wallet.