United Credit Cards are co-branded cards offered in partnership with major financial institutions like Chase. These cards are designed to help cardholders earn rewards on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. The rewards program for United credit cards revolves around earning United MileagePlus miles, which can be used for a variety of travel-related benefits.
What Are United Credit Cards?
United Airlines is one of the top carriers in the United States, known for its extensive flight network and loyal customer base. One of the best ways to enhance your travel experience with United is by signing up for one of their credit cards. These cards offer a range of rewards that can make every trip more enjoyable, with benefits like free miles, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. If you’re a frequent flyer, United credit cards might be the key to getting the most out of your travels.
Types of United Credit Cards
United offers several different credit cards, each with its own set of benefits. The three most popular options are:
United Explorer Card
- This card is ideal for casual travelers who want to earn miles without paying a premium fee.
- It offers 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
- Cardholders get two one-time passes to United Club lounges annually.
- There’s a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles if you meet the minimum spending requirement.
United Club Infinite Card
- It offers 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, making it perfect for those who travel often.
- The card includes United Club membership, granting access to exclusive lounges.
- It also offers 1.5 miles per dollar on other purchases.
United Business Card
- Designed for business owners, this card offers 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and other business-related expenses.
- There’s a generous sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
- Cardholders enjoy additional business perks, including expense tracking and employee card options.
Earning United Miles
The key benefit of United credit cards is earning MileagePlus miles on your purchases.
United Purchases: Most cards offer bonus miles for purchases made directly with United Airlines. For example, they gives you 2 miles per dollar on United flights and other United purchases.
- Dining and Hotels: Cards like the United Explorer Card offer bonus miles on dining and hotel stays, allowing you to accumulate miles faster.
- Everyday Purchases: Even on non-United purchases, you can still earn miles. The United Club Infinite Card, for example, earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
Redeeming Your Miles
Once you’ve earned enough MileagePlus miles, you can redeem them for:
- Flights: One of the most common ways to use your miles is for flights. You can book both domestic and international flights using your miles. The number of miles required will depend on the flight route and class.
- Upgrades: Use your miles to upgrade from economy to business class or from business class to first class on United flights.
- Hotel Stays: Miles can also be used to book hotel rooms, often at discounted rates.
- Car Rentals and More: Miles can be used for car rentals, experience, and even shopping through United’s online store.
Additional Benefits of United Credit Cards
In addition to earning miles, United credit cards offer several other travel perks:
- Free Checked Bag: Many United credit cards, including the United Explorer Card, provide a free checked bag for you and a travel companion on United flights. This can save you up to $140 on round-trip flights.
- Priority Boarding: With certain cards, like the United Explorer Card, you can board earlier, ensuring you get overhead in space.
- Special Access: United credit cardholders enjoy access to exclusive offers, promotions, and events, especially for members of the MileagePlus program.
Is a United Credit Card Worth It?
A United credit card is worth considering if you frequently fly with United Airlines or want to enjoy added travel perks. The rewards program allows you to earn miles quickly, and the extra benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding make your trips smoother and more comfortable. Whether you choose a basic card like the United Explorer Card or a premium option like the United Club Infinite Card, you can start earning rewards that will enhance your travel experience.
Conclusion
United credit cards offer an excellent way to maximize your travel rewards and get the most out of your flights. With a variety of card options available, there’s a United credit card that can meet your needs, whether you’re a casual traveler or a frequent flyer. The ability to earn MileagePlus miles on everyday purchases and redeem them for flights, upgrades, and other perks is a major advantage for anyone who flies with United. So, if you’re looking to unlock travel rewards, a United credit card could be a smart choice for you.
