Best United Airlines Credit Cards in May 2025
Winner
Winner
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The The New United℠ Explorer Card is our top pick for United Airlines because it offers valuable travel perks, like one free checked bag for you and a guest, a TSA PreCheck credit and more. The value of these perks can easily outweigh the reasonable $150 annual fee, which is much less than the annual fee for many travel cards.
United Airlines offers a wide range of co-branded credit cards. That includes higher-priced options that come with a full United Club lounge membership, as well as a no-annual-fee co-branded United credit card. If you prefer a more flexible travel credit card, you may want to consider getting a Chase card, as Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to United and keep their value.
Best United credit cards
Winner: Best United Airlines credit card for free checked bags
The New United℠ Explorer Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel perk: First checked bag free for you and one companion
- First checked bag free for the primary cardmember and one companion
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement
- Two United Club one-time passes each cardmember anniversary
- 25% back on eligible United in-flight purchases
- Ongoing annual fee may be hard to justify for infrequent travelers
- Benefits limited to United-operated flights
- High APR range if you carry a balance
United Airlines benefits:
- First checked bag free
- Priority boarding
- 25% off in-flight purchases on United
- Two United Club one-time passes each year
- Fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Earn Premier qualifying points (PQP)
The The New United℠ Explorer Card offers a range of United-specific benefits, like the one free checked bag for the primary cardholder and a companion. The card offers perks like a healthy sign-up bonus, generous earning rates and a waived annual fee for the first year. With benefits like one-time passes to United Club, priority boarding and statement credits, United Explorer provides a taste of luxury benefits for a reasonable $150 annual fee.
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- 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
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
- Over $500 in partner credits each year
- Member FDIC
Best United Airlines credit card for United Club access
The New United Club℠ Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel perk: United Club membership
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Full United Club membership
- Extensive suite of United benefits
- Complimentary DoorDash membership
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement
- 25% back on eligible United in-flight purchases
- $695 annual fee
- High APR range if you carry a balance
- Most benefits are United-specific
United Airlines benefits:
- United Club membership
- Two free checked bags on United
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
- Premier upgrades on award tickets
- Premier Access benefits like priority check-in and priority boarding
- Fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership
- Earn Premier qualifying points (PQP)
The The New United Club℠ Card is our top choice for travelers who want United Club Access. The card, which has an annual fee of $695 each year, comes with a complimentary full United Club membership, which would normally cost $650 each year. With the The New United Club℠ Card, you can access international and domestic United Club locations and participating Star Alliance-affiliated lounges.
- Earn 80,000 bonus miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
- Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
- Member FDIC
Best United Airlines credit card for elite status
The New United Quest℠ Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel perk: Fast-track your way to elite status
- Earn up to 6,000 PQPs each year on purchases
- Huge sign-up bonus
- 3X miles on United airfare
- $125 annual credit on select United purchases
- Up to two free checked bags on United flights
- Two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits annually
- Complimentary Premier upgrades
- $350 annual fee
- Most benefits are United-specific
- High APR range if you carry a balance
United Airlines benefits:
- $125 annual United statement credit
- Two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits
- Up to two free checked bags
- Priority boarding
- Complimentary Premier Upgrades
- Earn 500 PQPs for every $12,000 spent on purchases (6,000 max per calendar year)
- 25% discount on in-flight purchases
We like the The New United Quest℠ Card for its ability to help you swiftly reach MileagePlus elite status. Your card spending earns valuable Premier qualifying points (PQP) so you can reach the next status level and gain more benefits with the airline. While other United Airlines cards also let users earn PQP for spending, the The New United Quest℠ Card has one of the highest caps on annual PQPs of all available options and allows you to earn PQPs as part of the sign-up bonus.
- Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQP
- 3x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
- Earn a 10,000-mile eligible award flight discount after spending $20,000 each calendar year
- Earn 2 global Economy Plus® seat upgrades after spending $40,000 on purchases each calendar year
- Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 6 to 8 weeks after February 1 each year, starting in 2026.
- Member FDIC
Best United Airlines credit card with no annual fee
The New United Gateway℠ Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel perk: No annual fee
- $0 annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Solid bonus spending categories for a no-annual-fee card
- 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases
- Complimentary DoorDash membership
- Minimal United or other travel benefits outside of earning miles
- High ongoing APR range if you carry a balance
United Airlines benefits:
- 25% back on in-flight purchases made with United
- No foreign transaction fees
- Secondary auto rental collision damage waiver
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
The The New United Gateway℠ Card is the perfect entry-level card for United fans and other travelers who want some airline benefits without the annual fee. Yes, you’ll receive more United benefits and other travel perks with other cards. Still, the Gateway card is a great option if you only fly occasionally or don’t want to pay for access to a credit card.
- Earn 30,000 bonus miles
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
- 2x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 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 Gateway Card
- Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
Best United Airlines business credit card
The New United℠ Business Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel perk: Earn bonus United miles on business expenses.
- Solid United travel benefits for an affordable annual fee
- Excellent sign-up bonus
- Diverse spending bonus categories
- Free employee cards
- Most travel benefits are United-specific
- High APR range if you carry a balance
United Airlines benefits:
- First checked bag free on United-operated flights
- Priority boarding
- Two United Club one-time passes each cardholder anniversary
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after qualifying flight purchases
- Qualify for 5,000 better-together anniversary bonus miles when you have the The New United℠ Business Card and a personal United credit card
- Earn Premier qualifying points (PQP)
The The New United℠ Business Card offers small business owners earning power on business-related purchases and other bonus spending categories. Plus, with complimentary cards for employees, you can take advantage of all company credit card spending to earn miles and elite status. The United Business Card features a nice assortment of travel benefits for a card with a reasonable annual fee.
- Limited-time offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $150 Annual Fee.
- 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. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- Receive a $125 United travel credit after making 5 United® flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year with your United℠ Business Card.
- Member FDIC
Best general travel credit card for United Airlines
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel perk: Annual travel credit.
- $300 annual travel credit
- Complimentary airport lounge access through Priority Pass™ Select
- Solid 3X earning rates on dining and travel
- 50% bonus on Chase TravelSM redemptions
- More than a dozen travel transfer partners
- Wide range of travel protections and coverage
- Lacks United-specific benefits
- Hefty $795 annual fee
- High APR range if you carry a balance
Travel benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit
- 50% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase
- Priority Pass™ Select membership
- Application Fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS
- No foreign transaction fees
- Extensive list of travel protections
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great deal if you’re going to take advantage of the $300 annual travel credit, which offsets much of its $795 annual fee. Its generous sign-up bonus and high earning rates on travel and dining offer incredible value, especially when redeemed for travel through the Chase TravelSM portal. You can also transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to a host of travel transfer partners, including United, giving you more rewards flexibility.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Runner-up for best general travel credit card for United Airlines
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
Apply Now
Travel perk: Generous rewards across multiple categories with a low annual fee.
- Solid travel protections and coverage
- Chase points transfer to United or 14 other airline and hotel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $50 in hotel statement credits
- Lack of premium travel benefits like lounge access
- No United-specific travel benefits
- High APR range if you carry a balance
Travel benefits:
- Wide range of travel protections like trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- $50 annual hotel stay credit for hotels booked through Chase
- 25% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase
- No foreign transaction fees
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a versatile travel rewards card that allows cardholders to earn 2x to 5x points on travel and 3x points on other types of purchases, like online grocery purchases at most stores, dining out, and select streaming services. It also comes with a substantial sign-up bonus and a reasonable $95 annual fee.
The points you earn are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase travel portal. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can transfer your points to partner loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
Best card for international lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Perk: Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges globally
- Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to airline and hotel partners
- Lounge access in over 1,400 airport lounges
- Discounts on airfare through international airline program
- Valuable assortment of statement credits (enrollment required)
- Excellent earning rate on qualifying airfare and hotel purchases
- Fine Hotels & Resorts Program benefits
- Elite status with Marriott and Hilton (enrollment required)
- High $695 annual fee
- Low bonus rates outside of qualifying Amex travel purchases
- Card credits are restrictive and often difficult to use
Travel benefits:
- Access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection
- Up to $200 in hotel credits per year on eligible bookings
- Up to $200 of airline incidental fee credits*
- Up to $200 in Uber Cash (up to $15 monthly, $20 in December) for U.S. Uber rides and U.S. Uber Eats purchases*
- Get a $189 CLEAR® Plus credit*
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership*
- Gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy*
For airport lounge access, few cards compare to The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Cardmembers receive entry into the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass™ Select*, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa, Escape and Plaza Premium lounges. The card has no United-specific benefits, but it offers incredible value to any frequent traveler who wants luxury benefits and perks.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
- A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card®.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best business travel credit card for United Airlines
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Perk: Transferable points on business expenses.
- Huge sign-up bonus
- Points transfer to United and other Chase Ultimate Rewards® partners
- Reasonable annual fee for a flexible business credit card
- Great earning rate on business-related purchases
- No United-specific benefits
- High APR range if you carry a balance
Travel benefits:
- Chase points transfer 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel partners, including United
- Get 25% more value for points when you redeem for travel through Chase
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance coverage
- Auto rental coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
We like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card because of its versatility and high bonus rates on all business spending. Cardholders have plenty of options for redeeming rewards for travel. Like other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards, you can transfer points earned with Ink Business Preferred to United and some other airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. You can also get free employee cards, which means earning more points on company purchases.
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
United credit card comparison
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Foreign Exchange Fee | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The New United℠ Explorer Card*
|
Best United Airlines credit card for free checked bags
|
$150 | $0 | Good / Excellent | |
|
The New United Club℠ Card*
|
Best United Airlines credit card for United Club access
|
$695 | $0 | Excellent | |
|
The New United Quest℠ Card*
|
Best United Airlines credit card for elite status
|
$350 | $0 | Good / Excellent | |
|
The New United Gateway℠ Card*
|
Best United Airlines credit card with no annual fee
|
$0 | $0 | Good / Excellent | |
|
The New United℠ Business Card*
|
Best United Airlines credit card for business
|
$150 | $0 | Good / Excellent | |
|
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
|
Best general travel credit card for United Airlines
|
$795 | $0 | Excellent | |
|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Runner-up for best general travel credit card for United Airlines
|
$95 | $0 | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Best card for United Airlines lounge access
|
$695 | None | Good / Excellent | |
|
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card*
|
Best credit card for United business travel
|
$95 | $0 | Excellent |
How to choose a United Airlines credit card
The best United Airlines card for you depends on the perks you value the most. You’ll want to consider the card benefits listed below when choosing a card.
United co-branded cards offer varying perks specific to the airline, like inflight discounts, credits, lounge access and priority boarding. The higher the annual fee, the more travel perks are generally included, with the The New United Club℠ Card offering the most luxury benefits.
Other travel cards on our list come with travel perks not associated with the airline. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with perks like elite hotel status, a large assortment of credits, extensive lounge access, discounts and other benefits.
No credit cards offer United Premier elite status — though some can help you earn elite status on United. You can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) on several United credit cards.
You can earn 25 premier points for every $500 in card spending, up to the PQP limit.
The The New United℠ Explorer Card lets you earn up to 1,000 PQP per calendar year. Meanwhile, cardholders of the The New United Quest℠ Card can earn up to 6,000 PQP per calendar year, and United Club Infinite cardholders can earn up to 10,000 PQP per calendar year.
Here’s how many PQPs and PQFs it takes to earn one of the Premier status levels:
| Status Level | PQP only | PQP + PQF | Lifetime status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 5,000 PQP | 4,000 PQP + 12 PQF | N/A |
| Premier Gold | 10,000 PQP | 8,000 PQP + 24 PQF | When you reach 1 million miles |
| Premier Platinum | 15,000 PQP | 12,000 PQP + 36 PQF | When you reach 2 million miles |
| Premier 1K | 24,000 PQP | 18,000 PQP + 54 PQF | When you reach 3 million miles |
To earn one of the Premier status levels, you’ll need to take at least four United or United Express flights in addition to meeting the PQP and PQF requirements.
United credit cards typically offer a sign-up bonus of some kind, but the bonuses vary in terms of their value and the minimum spending requirements to earn them. You don’t necessarily want to go for the biggest bonus — that might lead you to spend more than you normally would.
Our top pick, the The New United℠ Explorer Card, features a generous sign-up bonus with an attainable spending requirement and an affordable annual fee.
When looking at bonuses, make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement with regular spending and bills, and that you don’t have to buy things you don’t need to reach the threshold.
The right card depends on how often you want to visit airport lounges and how much you travel through an airport with a United Club lounge. Both the The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United℠ Business Card offer two one-time United Club passes after you open your account, and after each card anniversary.
Tip
To get access to the United Club anytime you fly with the airline, you’ll want to opt for the The New United Club℠ Card, which grants the primary cardholder a full United Club membership.
For lounge access outside of the United Club network, you’ll want to opt for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express, as both offer access to extensive airport lounge networks.
If you like to check your bags, a United co-branded credit card can save you money. Both the The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United℠ Business Card offer a free checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion when flying on United. If you often check more than one bag, you might want to opt for another card, like the The New United Quest℠ Card or the The New United Club℠ Card, as they each offer up to two free checked bags each time you fly United.
Many Chase United co-branded credit cards offer cardholders priority boarding on United. For example, the The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United℠ Business Card both offer priority boarding privileges for the primary cardholder and any companion on the same reservation. Meanwhile, the The New United Club℠ Card offers full Premier Access benefits — which include priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling.
Travel credits can help offset a high annual fee. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers an easy-to-use $300 travel credit each year. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a $200 Airline Fee Credit, but it only applies to airline incidental fees (like baggage fees) with the airline you choose at the beginning of the year.
The only United co-branded credit card that offers a travel credit is the The New United℠ Business Card. You can earn an annual $100 United travel credit if you make seven or more United flight purchases of at least $100 that year.
Chase credit cards offer some of the best travel protections of any card issuer, but you need to use the right card to pay for your travel.
You’ll get some or all of the following travel protections on most cards featured in this roundup:
- Baggage delay insurance
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
Check the terms of each card before you apply — for example, the The New United Gateway℠ Card doesn’t offer any of these protections.
If you almost always fly United, or on one of their partner airlines, you might prefer to earn United miles directly. In that case, the co-branded United credit cards offer some solid earning rates and sign-up bonuses. However, if you want more flexibility, you’ll want to consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Both Chase Sapphire cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred to United MileagePlus or 14 other airline and hotel partners. You can also use the points to purchase travel through Chase travel portal, where they can be redeemed at a rate of 1.25 cents per point for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or 1.5 cents per point for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Many of the best credit cards for United Airlines reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. So, you may want to choose one of these cards if you don’t already have one of these time-saving memberships:
- The New United℠ Explorer Card
- The New United Club℠ Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
Most United co-branded cards also offer 25% back on in-flight purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi. If you make a lot of onboard purchases with United, these savings can really add up.
United Airlines Partners
Remember, United benefits and rewards are useful if you fly with Star Alliance or other United partners. That means you can use United miles with over 42 airlines. This is worth considering if you frequently fly internationally and want to be able to redeem your miles with as many carriers as possible. United Star Alliance partners include the following:
| Star Alliance Partners | |
|---|---|
| Aegean | Ethiopian |
| Air Canada | EVA AIR |
| Air China | LOT Polish Airlines |
| Air India | Lufthansa |
| Air New Zealand | SAS |
| ANA | Shenzhen Airlines |
| Asiana Airlines | Singapore Airlines |
| Austrian | South African Airlines |
| Avianca | SWISS |
| Brussels Airlines | TAP Air Portugal |
| Copa Airlines | THAI |
| Croatia Airlines | Turkish Airlines |
| Egyptair | |
United also partners with 17 airlines outside of the Star Alliance:
| Other Airline Partners | |
|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | Eurowings |
| Air Dolomiti | Flydubai |
| Airlink | Hawaiian Airlines |
| Azul | JSX |
| Boutique Air | Olympic Air |
| Cape Air | Silver Airways |
| Discover Airlines | Virgin Australia |
| Edelweiss | Vistara |
| Emirates | |
Should I get a United Airlines credit card?
United cards can benefit almost any kind of traveler who flies United. With a wide range of airline-specific benefits, other travel perks and annual fees, there are cards to fit most travel styles, including infrequent flyers.
Consider your travel habits and needs compared to the benefits offered with United credit cards to determine if there’s a good fit for you.
Card value comparison
Comparing credit cards side-by-side can help you see which card aligns with your needs and holds the most value for you. Use the table below to see the first and second-year value of the cards listed and our rating for each. The card value listed is based on each card’s earning potential, credits, welcome offer and other benefits. You can read our methodology to see how we choose cards and assign value.
| Card Name | Earning Rate | Welcome Offer | First Year Value | Second Year Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The New United℠ Explorer Card | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | $1,214 | $339 |
| The New United Club℠ Card | 4x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining and all other travel and 1x mile on all other purchases. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $1,657 | $487 |
| The New United Quest℠ Card | 3x miles on United® purchases. 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel. 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary, as well as earn up to 18,000 Premier qualifying points. | Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | $1,143 | $363 |
| The New United Gateway℠ Card | 2x miles on United® purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting. 1x mile on all other purchases. | Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. | $688 | $298 |
| The New United℠ Business Card | 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. 1x mile on all other purchases. | Limited-time offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. | $1,513 | $504 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases | Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $2,646 | $1,146 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases | Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $2,332 | $832 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®. Terms apply. | You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | $3,140 | $1,540 |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. | Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $2,393 | $393 |
How to use a United Airlines credit card
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List your MileagePlus number when applying
Make sure to add your United MileagePlus number (if you already have one) when applying for a new United credit card — that way, the miles you earn from the card will be credited to your account and you’ll start getting perks the next time you fly United. If you don’t list your MileagePlus number, another account may be generated for you. If that happens, don’t worry: You can ask to have the two accounts merged, as long as you use the same name on both accounts.
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Pay for travel with your United Card
In order to get many card benefits, you must pay for your flight (or other travel expenses) with your United card. That way, you can qualify for perks like free checked bag benefits and travel protections for that flight.
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Add your United Credit Card to a mobile wallet
Most Chase credit cards can be added to mobile wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. That way, you can still use your card even if you don’t have the physical card on you.
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Book travel with friends and family
Some United credit card perks can apply to others on your flight itinerary, so make sure you book together if you can. For example, the The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United Quest℠ Card both offer free checked bag benefits for the cardholder and one traveling companion on the same booking.
Frequently asked questions
You can earn United miles by making purchases with your co-branded credit card or by providing your MileagePlus number when you make a reservation for a United flight or partner airline flight. Once you’ve earned miles, you can use them for award flights, upgrades, other travel expenses, shopping, gift cards or experiences.
The best United credit card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. However, we’d suggest the The New United℠ Explorer Card for most travelers who often fly United, but aren’t avid travelers. Cardholder perks include getting your first checked bag for free, priority boarding and two United Club passes each year. 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, the The New United℠ Explorer Card offers a competitive sign-up bonus.
A United credit card may be worth having if you are an occasional or frequent traveler with the airline. With several cards available, there are options to fit almost anyone who flies United or wants to earn miles redeemable for flights. If you don’t fly United or your preferred airport doesn’t offer United flights, you may be better off getting a flexible travel rewards card or a co-branded card with your preferred airline.
The The New United Club℠ Card comes with a full United Club membership, while the The New United℠ Explorer Card and The New United℠ Business Card feature two one-time United Club passes after each cardholder anniversary.
Many United credit cards offer travel protections like baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
United miles don’t count toward elite status, only Premier Qualifying Points and Premier Qualifying Flights help you earn Premier status. However, many United credit cards offer the opportunity to earn up to 1,000 to 10,000 PQPs, depending on the card. Requirements and limits vary by credit card.
There are United co-branded credit cards that reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Some of our favorite United cards include this perk, such as the The New United℠ Explorer Card and the The New United Club℠ Card.
Methodology
To make choosing the right card easier, we’ve looked at credit cards reviewed on LendingTree as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of the best rewards credit cards available right now. Our recommendations are based on the additional value you can earn with the cards — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections, lounge membership, and airline and hotel perks. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more about how we calculate rewards.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
The information related to the The New United℠ Explorer Card, The New United Club℠ Card, The New United Quest℠ Card, The New United Gateway℠ Card, The New United℠ Business Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
