If you’re a loyal member of United Airlines, then you should consider opening a co-branded United Airlines credit card. This is one of the best ways for you to boost your mile-earning potential. Additionally, it comes with many benefits that will make traveling easier and more convenient.
Check out our list of the best credit card bonuses here.
Read below for more information on the best United Airlines credit cards to sign up for.
Best United Credit Cards
When you use United MileagePlus credit cards, they offer bonus miles on United spending and get perks that benefit you when you fly with them. Additionally, one of the best and overlooked perks is an expanded access to Saver level awards in Economy class.
Here’s our list of the best United Airlines credit cards:
United Explorer Card | Best overall card for non-elite flyers |
United Gateway Card | Great for budget travelers |
United Club Infinite Card | Best for lounge access |
United Business Card | Great for business travelers |
Details on Cards
This is a great card for casual or moderate United travelers. Additionally, all the elite-style benefits you receive are: free checked bag, priority boarding, inflight discounts, etc. It definitely makes up for the $95 annual fee that comes with the card.
![]() The United Explorer Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. • 1x mile on all other purchases Perks of this card include: • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Member FDIC |
The United Gateway Card is the only co-branded MileagePlus card that doesn’t come with an annual fee. Plus, regular United flyers will be able to maximize their earning potential on daily expenses like groceries and gas.
Even though you will not get free checked bags or priority boarding, you’ll still benefit from 25% savings on inflight purchases. Additionally, it comes with waived foreign transaction fees as well.
![]() The United GatewaySM Card offers 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. With this card, you'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting. • 1x mile on all other purchases. This card comes with no annual fee. |
This card is designed for frequent United flyers with complimentary United Club memberships. Plus, this card comes with a hefty price, thankfully the annual fee is waived for the first year.
![]() The United ClubSM Infinite Card offers 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • 4x miles on United® purchases • 2x miles on all other travel and dining • 1x mile on all other purchases. • Earn up to 15,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (1 PQP for every $15 you spend on purchases) This card does carry an annual fee of $525. However, you can get up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit. In addition, you'll get a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) by getting your first and second checked bags for free and Premier Access travel services! Member FDIC |
The United Business card is a great card for business owners that travel with United a lot. This card will enable you to earn double miles on several different spending categories and elite-perks. It will cover the $99 annual fee of the card for sure.
![]() The United℠ Business Card offers 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You can also receive 5,000-mile better-together anniversary bonus when you have the United Business Card and a personal United credit card. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting. • 1x mile on all other purchases. The card does carry a $99 annual fee. You're able to save up to $160 per round-trip with a free checked bag (terms apply). In addition, you can enjoy priority boarding privileges and have the opportunity for two one-time United ClubSM passes each year — Over $100 in value per year. Also, enjoy $100 annual United travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more. Member FDIC |
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Conclusion
Overall, with the United credit card, you’ll be able to take advantage of the many features the different cards come with. If you’re a frequent flyer with United, then consider opening one of these cards to earn more benefits and miles. However, if you don’t find yourself traveling with United too often, opt for a general travel rewards card instead.