If you’re gearing up for a dream vacation soon, this is an opportune moment to map out your earning strategy and accumulate points and miles. Typically, one of the simplest methods for collecting a substantial amount of rewards is by taking advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses.
United loyalists have a great opportunity as Chase and United have partnered to provide lucrative sign-up bonuses on their cobranded credit cards. Currently, most cards are providing bonuses that are only 10,000 miles short of their best-ever offers, which makes now an ideal time to apply. These promotions are valid until August 7.
These temporary bonuses can significantly contribute to turning that dream vacation into reality.
Let’s examine each card to determine which one is most beneficial for your finances.
United Club Infinite Card
Sign-up incentive: Receive 90,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account activation. This promotion concludes on August 7.
Annual fee: $525
Earning rate: Accumulate 4 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, 2 miles for each dollar spent on dining and all other travel, and 1 mile per dollar for all other expenditures.
Does it provide value?
Based on TPG’s June 2024 assessments, United miles have a value of 1.35 cents each, making these bonus points equivalent to $1,215. This surpasses the typical offers we’ve encountered for this card, so it merits consideration.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is designed for dedicated United passengers who seek access to United Club lounges during their journeys, as well as other perks that enhance their travel experience.
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Cardholders can benefit from United Club membership, which includes entry for two guests or one adult and dependent children under 21. Additionally, the card offers complimentary first and second checked bags for the primary cardholder and one travel companion on United-operated flights (saving up to $360 per round trip). Cardholders are also eligible for a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit of up to $100 every four years, Premier Access travel services, expanded award availability, and generally lower award prices.
United Club Infinite cardholders receive free IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status.
Related: Review of the United Club Infinite Card
Submit your application for the United Club Infinite Card here.
United Quest Card
Sign-up Bonus: Receive 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening. This offer expires on August 7.
Annual fee: $250
Rate of earning: Accumulate 3 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases (following your $125 yearly United statement credit); 2 miles for every dollar spent on dining, other travel-related expenses, and chosen streaming services; and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Is it valuable?
The United Quest℠ Card provides high-end benefits for a manageable annual fee of $250. The initial bonus points, valued at $945 as per TPG’s June 2024 valuations, can cover the annual fee for more than three years of membership, even before taking into account the continuous perks.
We’ve observed larger bonuses on this card previously, but this remains a solid offer to consider if you require those miles in the near future.
Cardholders are eligible for up to $125 in statement credits each year on their account anniversary for purchases made with United, along with two award flight credits of 5,000 miles each after using their miles for a United flight. They also receive complimentary first and second checked bags and can get a credit of up to $100 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.
Related: Review of the United Quest Card
Submit your application here for the United Quest Card.
United Explorer Card
Sign-up incentive: Receive 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening, with the annual fee waived for the first year. Offer valid until August 7.
Annual fee: $95, waived for the first year.
Earning rate: Accumulate 2 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, hotels booked directly, and dining, and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Is it worthwhile?
As per TPG’s valuations from June 2024, the value of this sign-up bonus is estimated to be $810. This is quite impressive for a card that has its annual fee waived during the first year. While it may not be the top offer we’ve observed for this card, it’s still quite competitive.
Apart from the sign-up bonus, holders of the United℠ Explorer Card will enjoy a variety of perks: complimentary first checked bag, priority boarding, two annual United Club passes, a 25% discount on inflight United purchases (including Wi-Fi, food, and beverages), access to extra award space, and more affordable award flights.
You can additionally accumulate a maximum of 1,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) by earning 25 PQPs for every $500 spent using the card. If attaining United elite status is one of your goals this year, this mid-range card could assist you in earning status without incurring a high annual fee.
Lastly, similar to the Infinite and Gateway cards, you will receive a credit of up to $100 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.
Related: Review of the United Explorer Card
Register now: United Explorer Card
United Gateway Card
Sign-up reward: Receive 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases during the first three months of account opening, along with 0% APR on purchases for the initial twelve months (variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99% thereafter). This promotion concludes on August 7.
Annual fee: $0
Earning rate: Receive 2 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, gas, local transit, and commuting, and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Is it worthwhile?
The United Gateway℠ Card is the basic offering in the United MileagePlus program and does not have an annual fee. Nevertheless, it can offer benefits to newcomers.
Although the sign-up bonus is relatively modest compared to other United cards (valued at $405 based on TPG’s June 2024 assessments), it still stands out when compared to many other no-annual-fee cards.
Alongside the generous rewards rate, you will benefit from a 25% discount on United inflight purchases and be eligible for up to $6,000 in trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $1,500 per person) in case your trip is canceled or shortened due to covered reasons such as illness or injury.
For those who frequently fly with United Airlines throughout the year, other United card options may offer greater value. However, for newcomers seeking their initial cobranded airline card, the United Gateway is a reliable choice.
Associated Review: United Gateway Card
Apply here: United Gateway Card
United Business Card
Registration incentive: Acquire 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the initial three months of opening your account.
Annual fee: No introductory fee for the first year, followed by a $99 annual fee thereafter.
Miles accrual: Accumulate 2 miles for every dollar spent on United-related purchases, dining, fuel, local transit, and office supply stores, and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other expenses.
Is it worthwhile?
The United℠ Business Card provides valuable benefits to small-business owners, freelancers, and individuals with side jobs.
Cardholders are entitled to a complimentary first checked bag, priority boarding, two one-time United Club passes annually, a 25% discount on in-flight United purchases, and a $100 United travel statement credit after making seven qualifying United purchases of $100 or more within an account anniversary year with the United Business Card.
Additionally, the numerous advantages of the card are sufficient to justify the $99 annual fee.
Related: Review of the United Business Card
Submit your application here: United Business Card
United Club Business Card
Join now and receive a bonus of 50,000 miles and 1,000 PQPs when you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.
Annual fee: $450
Miles accumulation rate: Get 2 miles for every dollar spent on United transactions and 1.5 miles for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
Is it valuable?
The United Club Business Card provides valuable benefits to small business owners, freelancers, and individuals with side ventures.
United Club members gain access for themselves, plus two guests or one adult and dependent children under 21. Cardholders also benefit from the first and second checked bags being free for both the primary cardholder and one travel companion on United-operated flights (potentially saving up to $320 per round trip). Additional perks include Premier Access travel services, the possibility of premier upgrades on award tickets, a 25% discount on inflight United and Club purchases, Avis Presidents Club status, and a variety of travel and purchase protections.
Cardholders may gain up to 1,000 PQPs annually by earning 500 PQPs for each $12,000 spent on purchases, and they also benefit from free employee cards.
The Points Guy has independently gathered the information for the United Club Business. The card details presented on this page have not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.
Comparison: United Business versus Business Club analysis.
Ways to Optimize Your United MileagePlus Miles
United’s flexible award chart may complicate finding good redemption deals for certain awards, but the airline provides valuable perks for frequent travelers. In recent years, United has enhanced its award promotions, offering great redemption opportunities, occasionally beginning at just a few thousand miles per ticket.
United also provides additional advantages, like the Excursionist Perk, and the absence of fuel surcharges on award tickets (potentially saving you hundreds of dollars).
Chase is among the airline’s transfer partners, enabling you to accumulate United miles using various credit cards. Being part of the Star Alliance further expands your options for redeeming miles with other airlines, such as Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, and Turkish Airlines.
By utilizing affordable domestic award tickets (like flying from Houston to Orlando for just 3,500 miles) and complimentary stopovers with the Excursionist Perk, you can maximize the miles accumulated from your credit cards to organize your future travels. Alternatively, you can aim high and begin saving miles for a luxurious United Polaris business-class ticket.
Bottom line
With these sign-up bonuses from United available, you can move closer to your upcoming trip. However, keep in mind that since Chase issues these cards, they are subject to the bank’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more accounts within the last 24 months, you might find it challenging to get approved for these cards.
For more information on utilizing your United miles, take a look at our guide on getting the most out of the United MileagePlus program.