Earning United Airlines miles is a fantastic way to unlock free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Choosing the right credit card can significantly accelerate your mileage accumulation, making your dream vacations a reality faster. This article explores the best credit cards for earning United miles in 2024, offering detailed comparisons and insights to help you select the perfect card for your needs.
United Miles Credit Card Comparison Table
| Card Name | Key Features | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| United Club Infinite Card | Premium benefits, high earning potential, United Club access. | Earns 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and all other travel, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Includes United Club membership, free checked bags, and premier access benefits. Comes with a higher annual fee, but the benefits can outweigh the cost for frequent United flyers. |
| United Quest Card | Solid earning rates, travel credits, and bonus award flights. | Earns 3x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and travel, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Offers up to $125 in United purchase credits annually and two 5,000-mile award flight credits. Mid-range annual fee makes it a good option for moderate United flyers. |
| United Explorer Card | Lower annual fee, free checked bag, and priority boarding. | Earns 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Provides a free checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on United flights, as well as priority boarding. A great entry-level card for those new to earning United miles. |
| United Gateway Card | No annual fee, bonus miles for spending. | Earns 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Offers a welcome bonus and no annual fee, making it a low-risk way to start earning United miles. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Transfer Partner) | Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to United miles. | Earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and select streaming services, and 2x points on all other travel purchases. Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio, offering flexibility and valuable redemption options. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Card (Transfer Partner) | Premium travel benefits, high earning rates, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer. | Earns 5x points on flights and 10x on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and travel, and 1x point on all other purchases. Provides access to airport lounges, travel credits, and primary rental car insurance. Ultimate Rewards points transfer to United at a 1:1 ratio. |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card (Transfer Partner) | Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points on business purchases, which can be transferred to United miles. | Earns 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio. |
| United Business Card | Designed for business owners, bonus miles on United purchases. | Earns 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Offers benefits tailored for business travelers, such as priority boarding and free checked bags. |
Detailed Explanations
United Club Infinite Card: This card is the premium offering in the United credit card lineup. The primary benefit is the complimentary United Club membership, providing access to airport lounges worldwide. The high earning rates and travel perks make it ideal for frequent United flyers who value comfort and convenience. The annual fee is substantial, so it's crucial to assess whether the benefits justify the cost based on your travel patterns.
United Quest Card: The United Quest Card strikes a balance between benefits and cost. It offers solid earning rates on United purchases, dining, and travel, along with valuable perks like United purchase credits and bonus award flight credits. The mid-range annual fee makes it a good choice for those who fly United regularly but don't necessarily need all the premium benefits of the United Club Infinite Card. The $125 annual United credit helps offset the annual fee.
United Explorer Card: This is a great entry-level card for those new to earning United miles. It comes with a lower annual fee (waived for the first year) and offers valuable benefits like a free checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on United flights, as well as priority boarding. While the earning rates are lower than the premium cards, the benefits can easily outweigh the annual fee, especially if you frequently check bags on United flights.
United Gateway Card: The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee option that allows you to start earning United miles without any upfront cost. It offers bonus miles for spending and provides a straightforward way to accumulate miles on everyday purchases. While the earning rates are lower compared to cards with annual fees, it's a great choice for casual travelers or those who are just starting to build their credit.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Transfer Partner): This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio. This provides flexibility, as you can use your points for travel through the Chase portal or transfer them to other airline and hotel partners. The card offers solid earning rates on dining, travel, and streaming services, making it a versatile option for everyday spending.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card (Transfer Partner): The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is a premium travel card that offers high earning rates and valuable travel benefits. Like the Sapphire Preferred, Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio. It also provides access to airport lounges, travel credits, and primary rental car insurance. The annual fee is substantial, but the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for frequent travelers who value luxury and convenience.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card (Transfer Partner): This business credit card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points on business purchases, which can be transferred to United at a 1:1 ratio. It offers a high earning rate on travel, shipping, and advertising purchases, making it a valuable tool for business owners who want to earn rewards on their business expenses. The annual fee is reasonable, and the bonus categories cater to common business spending.
United Business Card: Designed specifically for business owners, the United Business Card offers bonus miles on United purchases and other relevant categories. It provides benefits tailored for business travelers, such as priority boarding and free checked bags, making it a convenient option for those who frequently fly United for business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which United card is best for frequent flyers? The United Club Infinite Card is generally considered the best for frequent flyers due to its United Club membership and high earning potential.
Which United card has no annual fee? The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, making it a great option for casual travelers.
Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United miles? Yes, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United miles at a 1:1 ratio with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred.
Which United card offers a free checked bag? The United Explorer Card and United Business Card offer a free checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on United flights.
How do I redeem United miles? You can redeem United miles for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses through the United website or app.
What is Premier Access on United flights? Premier Access provides priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding, and baggage handling for eligible passengers.
What is the value of a United mile? The value of a United mile varies depending on the redemption, but it is generally estimated to be around 1 to 1.5 cents per mile.
Do United miles expire? United miles do not expire as long as you have activity in your MileagePlus account at least once every 18 months.
Can I earn United miles on partner airlines? Yes, you can earn United miles when flying on partner airlines within the Star Alliance network.
Is it worth getting a United credit card? Whether it's worth getting a United credit card depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. If you frequently fly United, the benefits and earning potential can outweigh the annual fee.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for United miles depends on your individual spending habits, travel frequency, and desired benefits. For frequent United flyers seeking premium perks, the United Club Infinite Card is a strong contender. For those seeking a balance between benefits and cost, the United Quest Card is a solid choice. And for those looking for a no-annual-fee option or more flexibility, the United Gateway or Chase Ultimate Rewards cards offer excellent value. Carefully consider your needs and spending patterns to select the card that best helps you maximize your United miles accumulation and enjoy rewarding travel experiences.