Do the miles earned through MileagePlus Dining count toward status?

No, the miles earned do not count toward status, but you can use them to book award flights.

Is there a limit to the number of miles I can earn through United MileagePlus Dining?

There is no limit to the number of miles you can earn.

How many miles will I earn per dollar with MileagePlus Dining?

You can earn up to 5 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent as a VIP Member, which requires opting-in to emails and making at least 12 eligible dining purchases within a year. Lower-level members earn 3x or 1x MileagePlus miles per dollar spent, depending on whether or not they opt-in to emails.

Can I decide to opt-in or opt-out of MileagePlus Dining emails at a later date?

Yes, you can change whether you are opting in or out of emails at any time. Remember, this will affect the number of miles you are able to earn when dining out!

Do I have to do anything to claim my miles earned with MileagePlus Dining?

Your miles will be credited automatically as long as you have properly registered a credit card to your profile and paid for your meal with that credit card.

Do tax, tip, and alcohol purchases count toward my total for MileagePlus Dining?

Yes. You’ll earn bonus miles for tax, tip, and alcoholic beverages purchased!

What is MileagePlus Dining?

United’s MileagePlus Dining program is for MileagePlus members to collect bonus miles by dining at participating restaurants using a linked credit card. Depending on your tier membership, you can earn $1 to $5 per pound spent.

How to Use United MileagePlus Dining to Earn More Miles [2024]

Updated: July 5, 2024, 3:46am CDT

Edited by:

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Table of Contents

How to Join/Log in and Basics of Using the Program
New Member Bonus
Example Restaurants
Using Credit Cards to Earn Extra Miles and Points
Final Thoughts

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If you’re looking for tips on earning more United MileagePlus miles, you’ve come to the right place! Earning enough to redeem for a ticket can be tough, but with MileagePlus Dining, you can get there faster.

Today we’ll walk you through United’s MileagePlus Dining program so that you can get on your way to earning more miles.

How to Join/Log in and Basics of Using the Program

United’s MileagePlus Dining program uses the same login information as your MileagePlus frequent flyer account. If you already have an account, all you need to do is log in to MileagePlus Dining using this info. If you need to set up a new account, you’ll have to enroll for MileagePlus first.

United MileagePlus Dining Login — MileagePlus Dining uses the same login information as your United MileagePlus account. Image Credit: United

Once you are logged in, you will be asked to opt-in to emails. If you decline, you’ll earn fewer miles per transaction and won’t be eligible for the new member bonus or future bonus offers.

MileagePlus Dining Join — Opt-in to emails to fully maximize your earnings. Image Credit: MileagePlus Dining

You will next be prompted to link a credit card that you typically use for your dining purchases. You won’t be charged anything, but you must link a card to earn bonus miles!

MileagePlus Dining Link Card — You need to link a credit card to your dining account so you can start automatically earning more miles. Image Credit: MileagePlus Dining

You’ll earn extra points with MileagePlus Dining by paying for your meal at a participating restaurant using your linked credit card. Bonus points are calculated on the total cost of your meal — including tax and tip!

You don’t even need to keep your receipt or register your meal. All of the tracking is done automatically — you just need to use the linked card.

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Membership Level	Requirements	Mileage Rewards
Basic members	You elect to not receive email communication from MileagePlus Dining	1 mile per $2 spent
Select members	You elect to receive email communication from MileagePlus Dining	3 miles per $1 spent
VIP members	You elect to receive email communication from MileagePlus Dining AND You have completed 11 qualified transactions in the calendar year (you’ll earn VIP status on your 12th qualified transaction)	5 miles per $1 spent

Depending on your membership level, it’s possible to earn up to 5 bonus miles per dollar spent. You will earn 1x United MileagePlus mile as a base-level member, 3x by opting-in to emails, and 5x for opting-in to emails and making at least 12 qualified transactions per year.

New Member Bonus

It is usually possible to earn bonus miles when you sign up for the MileagePlus Dining program and meet specific requirements.

The current bonus available offers up to 3,000 MileagePlus miles.

Within your first 30 days, you’ll earn 1,500 bonus miles for your first meal of $25 or more at any participating restaurant — 1,000 miles for your first purchase and 500 miles as part of a limited-time VIP status offer. You can also earn an additional 500 bonus miles for each of your next 3 visits at participating restaurants with a minimum spend of $25 per visit.

Example Restaurants

The number of points earned doesn’t vary by restaurant, only by your membership level. You do need to make sure that the restaurant you plan to dine at is participating in MileagePlus Dining, however.

A search for participating restaurants near Salt Lake City returned 31 options within 30 miles. Most of the restaurants listed are smaller local establishments rather than chains.

MileagePlus Dining Restaurant Search — There are many participating restaurants, but most of them are not chains. Image Credit: MileagePlus Dining

In addition to local restaurants, there are a few chain options. Note that not all locations of a specific chain may be participating in the dining program, so check the Explore section of the MileagePlus Dining website first. Some chains you might see include Buca di Beppo, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, Hooter’s, and Edible Arrangements.

Using Credit Cards to Earn Extra Miles and Points

Points earned through MileagePlus Dining are in addition to any regular credit card points you earn by paying for your meal.

If you are mainly interested in earning MileagePlus miles, you should consider using a card that earns MileagePlus miles directly or a Chase credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards. Ultimate Rewards can be transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio.

Below you’ll see a list of credit cards that earn both Ultimate Rewards and MileagePlus miles.

Additionally, you should keep your eye out for credit cards that offer dining as a bonus category so that you can cash in on even more points!

Chase Ultimate Rewards Cards

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

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

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

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, 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. 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, 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 75,000 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^SM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel^SM
10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
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.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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 OfferEarn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Get more than $2,700 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 Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you’re a business owner, see our list of recommended Chase business credit cards.

United MileagePlus Cards

LIMITED TIME OFFER

The New United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating

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

The New United℠ Explorer Card

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

Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$720

Annual Fee

$150

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x total miles per $1 on hotel stays through United Hotels
2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
1x mile per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
2x miles on United^® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS fee credit
Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
Over $400 in partner credits each year
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER

The New United Club℠ Card

U.P. Rating

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

The New United Club℠ Card

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

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

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,080

Annual Fee

$695

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The New 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

4x miles per $1 on United purchases
2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

$695 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
4x miles on United^® purchases
2x miles on dining and all other travel
1x mile on all other purchases
United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

BEST OFFER EVER

The New United Quest℠ Card

U.P. Rating

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

The New United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Welcome OfferBest Offer Ever: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
100,000 miles + 3,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,200

Annual Fee

$350

APR

20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x miles on stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
3x miles per $1 on United purchases
2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services

Cons

Does not earn transferable rewards
Does not offer airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Best Offer Ever: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP
3x miles on United^® purchases
2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
1x mile on all other purchases
Receive a $200 United^® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
Earn a 10,000-mile eligible award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year
Earn 2 global Economy Plus^® seat upgrades after spending $40,000 on purchases each calendar year
Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 6 to 8 weeks after February 1 each year, starting in 2026.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

The New United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating

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

The New 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 OfferEarn 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.
30,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 20.49% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The New 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

Limited-Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles
0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
2x miles on 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
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The New United Club℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

The New United Club℠ Business Card

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

Welcome OfferEarn 80,000 bonus miles plus 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account.
80,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$960

Annual Fee

$695

APR

20.49%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The New 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

2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases
1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 80,000 bonus miles plus 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account
Earn 2x miles on 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: 20.49%-28.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Hot Tip: Check out our comparison of the benefits and perks of each United MileagePlus credit card for more details.

Final Thoughts

Joining MileagePlus Dining and linking your credit cards is a fast, easy, and convenient way to earn more MileagePlus miles when you are dining out.

Pair this program with a credit card that earns a category bonus for spending at restaurants, and check out United’s MileagePlus Shopping portal as well to maximize rewards!

Soon enough, you’ll be ready to redeem your next United award flight!