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.
MileagePlus Dining uses the same login information as your United MileagePlus account. Image Credit: UnitedOnce 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.
Opt-in to emails to fully maximize your earnings. Image Credit: MileagePlus DiningYou 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 need to link a credit card to your dining account so you can start automatically earning more miles. Image Credit: MileagePlus DiningYou’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 |
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
MileagePlus Dining new member bonus. Image Credit: MileagePlus DiningIt 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.
There are many participating restaurants, but most of them are not chains. Image Credit: MileagePlus DiningIn 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)
If you’re a business owner, see our list of recommended Chase business credit cards.
United MileagePlus Cards
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!
Featured Image Credit:
Taryn Elliott via Unsplash
