Take Advantage of Your Travel Credits: How To Use the United Airlines TravelBank

Over the years, keeping track of travel credits and vouchers has become increasingly more difficult. Additionally, these airline credits and vouchers often come with restrictions, expiration dates, and complicated redemption rules, making the process less user-friendly than paying with cash or credit.

Fortunately, United has simplified the entire process thanks to United TravelBank. With TravelBank, United MileagePlus members can conveniently accrue funds for travel on United Airlines.

Here’s a look at United TravelBank, how it works, and what travelers need to know.

What Is United MileagePlus TravelBank?

United TravelBank is an online platform that allows MileagePlus members to accrue and store funds for future flights with United Airlines or United Express.

Essentially, United TravelBank serves as a virtual wallet where you can add funds and redeem them for future United travel. It’s similar to a gift card or store credit, but it’s tied to your United MileagePlus account.

United allows MileagePlus members to purchase TravelBank cash for themselves or for others (their MileagePlus account number is needed). This can be a convenient way to prepay for travel or save funds for future trips.

MileagePlus members can purchase TravelBank credits in one of 6 amounts: $50, $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000.

However, there are some rules to know about United TravelBank. Although United TravelBank funds are pooled into one convenient location, they do expire. Purchased United TravelBank funds are valid for 5 years from the date the funds are deposited into your TravelBank account.

You can check the expiration dates in the United TravelBank details section in your account.

You can also check your recent United TravelBank activity here.

What Can You Use United TravelBank For?

The biggest advantage of using United TravelBank is its flexibility. Unlike traditional travel vouchers or flight credits that may be tied to a specific traveler, TravelBank funds can be used by the account holder to book tickets for themselves or others.

This is a significant win, as most airlines allow you to use credits or funds in these accounts only for travel in the account holder’s name — not others.

Since TravelBank is directly tied to your United MileagePlus account, using it at checkout is quick and painless. There is no need to enter voucher codes or manually track expiration dates. You just select your TravelBank as the payment method, and the funds will be automatically applied to your United booking.

Of course, you can enter exactly how much of your TravelBank funds you want to apply to a booking. TravelBank cash can be used alone or in combination with other accepted payment methods.

Moreover, United MileagePlus members can also use their TravelBank funds for certain United-related purchases beyond airfare, including a United Club membership.

How To Check Your United MileagePlus TravelBank Balance

United TravelBank is directly connected to the United MileagePlus loyalty program. Thus, checking your TravelBank balance is as easy as logging in to your United MileagePlus account.

Once logged in to your MileagePlus account, a sidebar will appear with pertinent information, including your MileagePlus number, your United Airlines elite status, your status progression for the calendar year, and your United TravelBank balance.

The United TravelBank balance information is also visible in the “My United” section.

Credit Cards That Provide Travelbank Credits

Specific co-branded United travel rewards cards provide United TravelBank credits valid during the cardmember year, including:

• United Quest℠ Card: Receive $200 in United TravelBank cash after account opening and annually on your account anniversary.
• United℠ Business Card: Receive $125 in United TravelBank cash after you make 5 United flight travel-related purchases, each totaling $100 or more, with your card.
• United℠ Explorer Card: Receive $100 in United TravelBank cash after you spend $10,000 on purchases each calendar year with your card.

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

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

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

Additionally, some IHG One Rewards credit cards provide United TravelBank credits. This includes

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Receive up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each calendar year after registering your card with your MileagePlus account.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card: Receive up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each calendar year after registering your card with your MileagePlus account.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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

An excellent card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Gold Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

An excellent card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Gold Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

180,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$150

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.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Gold elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 24x points on IHG stays
• 5x points on flights booked directly and car rental agencies, dining, gas stations, and grocery stores
• 3x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $150 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn up to 24X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5X points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, at gas stations, grocery stores (new!) and restaurants. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• NEW! Enjoy up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• This card offers over $700 in value your first year!
• Automatic Gold Elite Status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier cardmember. Plus, get 15 Elite Night Credits each year (new!).
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Kimpton^®, Hotel Indigo^®, Crowne Plaza^®, EVEN^® Hotels, & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

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

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Brand New IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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

The IHG Premier Select card is a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels, and want a card that will help them earn more points on all of their stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The Brand New IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

The IHG Premier Select card is a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels, and want a card that will help them earn more points on all of their stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 200,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,000

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.49%- 27.99% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The IHG Premier Select card is a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels, and want a card that will help them earn more points on all of their stays, and comes with automatic IHG Platinum Elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 28x total points on IHG stays
• 6x points on dining and all other travel, including rideshare
• 3x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $350 annual fee
• Food and beverage credits don’t roll over quarter to quarter

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 200,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy up to $300 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• This card offers over $1,000 in value your first year!
• Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• Earn up to 28X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 6X points on dining and all other travel, including rideshare. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier Select cardmember. Plus, get 20 Elite Night Credits each year.
• Earn 2 Elite Night Credits for every $5,000 you spend on your card.
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Kimpton^®, Hotel Indigo^®, Crowne Plaza^®, EVEN^® Hotels, & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%- 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Final Thoughts

United TravelBank provides travelers with a centralized, convenient way to manage and use funds for future United travel. Instead of dealing with multiple flight credits, vouchers, or refund methods, TravelBank puts all these funds in 1 place.

United MileagePlus members can use these funds to book tickets on United- and United Express-operated flights for themselves or friends and family. Still, it’s essential to know that United TravelBank funds do expire, so it’s better to use them before losing them.