Best United Cards for Earning MileagePlus Miles

United Airlines is one of the top airlines in the U.S., and with its partners, has an expansive, global reach to destinations all around the world. The United cards have always been solid if you're a true United loyalist—from basic to elite benefits and perks. Plus, the point transferability of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve to United's program makes them strong contenders on this list as well. Plus, any card that you see on this list that isn't a United card will transfer its point to the United program for continued travel benefits!

🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The New United℠ Explorer Card

🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
80,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
80,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Explorer Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for individuals who frequently travel with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, a free checked bag, and other travel benefits, making it a suitable choice for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy perks when flying with United.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for United Loyalists

The New United Club℠ Card

The New United Club℠ Card

The New United Club℠ Card

🏆 Best for United Loyalists

95,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
95,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The United Club℠ Card is a premium co-branded airline credit card for United Airlines fans. It offers exclusive United Club membership, United MileagePlus miles for spending, and other travel perks making it a solid choice for frequent United Airlines flyers who want luxury and premium travel experiences.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

30,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
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. Learn more.
30,000
Bonus Miles
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. Learn more.
The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee co-branded airline credit card for individuals who prefer to fly with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending and provides some basic travel benefits, making it a cost-effective choice for occasional United Airlines travelers looking to earn rewards.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card

500 PQP + 90,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
500 PQP + 90,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Quest Card blends solid travel perks, award flight discounts and elite status acceleration, making it one of the most well-rounded mid-tier cards for United fans.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Intro United Business Card

The New United℠ Business Card

The New United℠ Business Card

The New United℠ Business Card

🏆 Best Intro United Business Card

125,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
125,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The New United℠ Business Card packs valuable travel perks and big mileage bonuses into a low-friction business card designed for regular United flyers. It offers various travel benefits, including United MileagePlus miles for business spending, two United Club passes annually and priority boarding, making it a valuable choice for business owners who frequently fly with United Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Best United Cards for Earning MileagePlus Miles

United Airlines is one of the top airlines in the U.S., and with its partners, has an expansive, global reach to destinations all around the world. The United cards have always been solid if you're a true United loyalist—from basic to elite benefits and perks. Plus, the point transferability of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve to United's program makes them strong contenders on this list as well. Plus, any card that you see on this list that isn't a United card will transfer its point to the United program for continued travel benefits!

🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The New United℠ Explorer Card

The New United℠ Explorer Card

🏆 Best for Frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
80,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
80,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Explorer Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for individuals who frequently travel with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, a free checked bag, and other travel benefits, making it a suitable choice for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy perks when flying with United.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for United Loyalists

The New United Club℠ Card

The New United Club℠ Card

The New United Club℠ Card

🏆 Best for United Loyalists

95,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
95,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The United Club℠ Card is a premium co-branded airline credit card for United Airlines fans. It offers exclusive United Club membership, United MileagePlus miles for spending, and other travel perks making it a solid choice for frequent United Airlines flyers who want luxury and premium travel experiences.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card

The New United Gateway℠ Card

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

30,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
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. Learn more.
30,000
Bonus Miles
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. Learn more.
The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee co-branded airline credit card for individuals who prefer to fly with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending and provides some basic travel benefits, making it a cost-effective choice for occasional United Airlines travelers looking to earn rewards.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

The New United Quest℠ Card

🏆 Best Mid-Tier United Card

500 PQP + 90,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
500 PQP + 90,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Quest Card blends solid travel perks, award flight discounts and elite status acceleration, making it one of the most well-rounded mid-tier cards for United fans.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Intro United Business Card

The New United℠ Business Card

The New United℠ Business Card

The New United℠ Business Card

🏆 Best Intro United Business Card

125,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
125,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The New United℠ Business Card packs valuable travel perks and big mileage bonuses into a low-friction business card designed for regular United flyers. It offers various travel benefits, including United MileagePlus miles for business spending, two United Club passes annually and priority boarding, making it a valuable choice for business owners who frequently fly with United Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Personal Cards

No items found.

Business Cards

No items found.

Transfer to United Miles

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its excellent earning potential—we love it at Daily Drop! Cardholders can redeem their points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs for added flexibility.

🏆 Best for travel credits

60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and rewards. With a focus on travel benefits, this card offers a generous welcome offer, airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and valuable rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, making it an excellent choice for travelers.

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

90,000
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
90,000
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a premier choice for small business owners seeking rewards and travel benefits. This card offers generous points on business expenses, including travel and advertising, and provides other valuable perks such as flexible redemption options, making it a top pick for those looking to maximize their business spending.

🏆 Best for renters

This card does not offer a welcome offer.
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
0
Bonus Points
If you're a renter, do yourself a favor and earn points for paying rent each month (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, just use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points)!
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
The Bilt card truly is a game changer for those who pay rent and want to earn points doing just that. BUT, its decent earning structures and monthly bonuses are also solid perks that any travel hacker should consider.

Which Card is Right for You?

Choosing the right United card depends on your travel habits. If you’re a frequent United flyer, a premium card with perks like United Club access and free checked bags might offer great value. For occasional travelers, a card with a lower annual fee could still provide valuable rewards and travel benefits without the extra cost.

Other Ways to Earn

In addition to using a United credit card, you can earn miles by flying with United and itsStar Alliance partners, shopping through the MileagePlus Shopping portal, dining out with MileagePlus Dining, and booking hotels or car rentals with participating partners. You can also earn miles by transferring points from select hotel loyalty programs into United Miles, giving you more flexibility.

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] Earn miles on every purchase, getting you closer to free flights, upgrades, and more with United Airlines [.pro]

[.pro] Enjoy travel perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on inflight purchases [.pro]

[.pro] Access to exclusive United travel offers and priority access to award flights [.pro]

Cons

[.con] United Miles are most valuable if you frequently fly with United and aren't as flexible if you prefer other airlines [.con]

FAQs

Do United credit cards have annual fees?

Yes, some United cards have annual fees, which vary depending on the level of benefits offered. Options range from no-annual-fee cards to premium cards with higher fees and extra perks.

Can I earn elite status with a United Airlines credit card?

Some United Airlines credit cards offer opportunities to earn Premier qualifying points (PQPs) or credits toward elite status through your spending, helping you achieve Premier Silver, Gold, or higher levels faster.

Can I use United MileagePlus miles for things other than flights?

Yes, United MileagePlus miles can be redeemed for hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and even experiences, in addition to flights.

Do United MileagePlus miles expire? 

Nope! United miles stick with you for life.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor