How to Use United MileagePlus Dining to Earn More Miles [2021]
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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.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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!
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.
| 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 |
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.
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 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 - This is our favorite beginners travel rewards card, which is currently offering Chase's best offer ever of 100,000 point bonus after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. The card earns 2x points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. With offering other travel benefits such as excellent travel insurance coverage, including car rental insurance and no foreign transaction fees, this card is a very rewarding card. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card - This premium card will get you access to 1,300+ airport lounges. as well as a number of other card benefits. The current sign up bonus is 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll also get a $300 travel credit per year which wipes away a big chunk of the $550 annual fee. As an extra bonus, until 12/31/21, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit. Earn big with this card, earn 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, earn 3X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, then 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® card - A solid, no annual fee card that earns you a $200 bonus after you spend $500 in your first 3 months. Earn 5% cash-back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases, but you won't get any travel benefits with this card. |
If you’re a business owner, see our list of recommended Chase business credit cards.
United MileagePlus Cards
| CREDIT CARD | BENEFITS & INFO |
|---|---|
UnitedSM Explorer Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
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UnitedSM Business Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
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United ClubSM Infinite Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
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United GatewaySM Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
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New United QuestSM Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
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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!
