6 Best United Airlines Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Choosing the right United Airlines credit card can make travel more rewarding and convenient. The best options offer ways to earn miles on everyday spending, unlock valuable travel perks, and enjoy benefits that enhance each trip. From cards with no annual fee to premium choices with lounge access, there is a United card to fit different travel styles and budgets.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers flexible points and a wide range of redemption options. It appeals to travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending while keeping travel benefits simple.

    It works well for people who fly United Airlines but also want the flexibility to use points with other travel partners. The card pairs well with Chase Ultimate Rewards® for greater redemption value.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
    • 3x points on dining
    • 3x points on select streaming services
    • 3x points on select online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
    • 2x points on other travel purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
    • Complimentary DashPass for at least one year (activation by 12/31/27)
    • Comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, and lost luggage insurance

    Key Benefits:

    • Flexible transfer to airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines
    • Travel protection benefits such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance
    • Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
    • Access to the Chase Travel portal for booking flights, hotels, and activities

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, transferred to partners like United Airlines, or used for cash back, gift cards, and other rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 690 or higher).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Bonus categories exclude some retailers, and the annual fee may not suit infrequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemption, making it easy for new travelers to maximize rewards.

  • The New United Quest℠ Card

    The New United Quest℠ Card is designed for travelers who want to earn United MileagePlus® miles on everyday purchases and travel spending. It offers a mix of airline-specific perks and flexible earning categories.

    It fits well for those who fly United Airlines often and want to maximize rewards for both travel and non-travel purchases. The card also provides benefits that can help reduce travel costs.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on United Airlines purchases
    • 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and other travel purchases
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after meeting the required spending threshold.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $350
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • 10,000-mile award flight discount each account anniversary
    • 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year starting in 2026
    • Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first and second checked bags for the cardholder and one companion
    • Two 5,000-mile award flight credits each year
    • Priority boarding on United-operated flights
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for flights on United and partner airlines, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals through MileagePlus®.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 690 or higher) is typically needed.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $350 annual fee is high for a card without lounge access, and it lacks a companion fare benefit.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a clear earning structure and valuable perks without requiring deep knowledge of complex rewards programs.

  • The New United℠ Explorer Card

    The New United℠ Explorer Card is designed for travelers who often fly with United Airlines. It offers ways to earn miles on flights and everyday purchases.

    It also provides travel perks that can make trips more comfortable and convenient. The card is part of the MileagePlus® program, allowing members to redeem miles for flights and other rewards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on United® purchases
    • 2x miles on dining
    • 2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 introductory for the first year, then $150
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • Two United Club℠ one-time passes each account anniversary
    • Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion
    • Priority boarding privileges on United flights

    Key Benefits:

    • First checked bag free for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation
    • Priority boarding on United flights
    • Two one-time United Club℠ passes each year
    • Trip delay and baggage delay insurance
    • Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for flights on United and partner airlines, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel rewards through MileagePlus®.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 690 or higher) is generally required.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Some benefits apply only when booking directly with United, and rewards are most valuable for United flights.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a simple way to earn travel rewards while providing useful airline perks without requiring complex strategies.

  • The New United Club℠ Card

    The New United Club℠ Card is designed for travelers who fly United Airlines often and value added travel perks. It provides access to United Club airport lounges and offers higher earning potential on certain purchases.

    It also includes travel-related protections and benefits that can make trips smoother. Frequent flyers may find it useful for both earning miles and enjoying premium services.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x miles on United® purchases
    • 2x miles on dining and all other travel
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • Free first and second checked bags for the cardholder and one companion
    • Premier Access® travel services for priority check-in, security, and boarding
    • Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary United Club airport lounge access
    • Priority check-in, security screening, and boarding (where available)
    • Two free checked bags on United flights
    • Expanded award seat availability for United-operated flights

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically requires excellent credit (FICO score of 720 or higher).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card’s strongest rewards are limited to United purchases and travel categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward earning categories and valuable travel perks that are easy to use without complex rules.

  • The New United Gateway℠ Card

    The New United Gateway℠ Card is designed for travelers who want to earn United MileagePlus® miles without paying an annual fee. It offers a simple way to earn rewards on everyday purchases and United flights.

    It works well for those who fly United occasionally but still want travel perks. The card also includes some travel protections and purchase benefits that add extra value.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
    • 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations
    • 2 miles per $1 spent on local transit and commuting
    • 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Purchase intro APR: 0% for the first 12 months on purchases
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases on United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn bonus miles on common spending categories
    • No annual fee makes it easier to keep long term
    • No foreign transaction fees for international purchases
    • Access to United’s MileagePlus® program for flight redemptions

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for United flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through MileagePlus®.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 690 or higher) is generally needed.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    It does not include free checked bags or priority boarding, which are found on higher-tier United cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a low-cost way to start earning airline miles without committing to an annual fee.

  • The New United℠ Business Card

    The New United℠ Business Card is designed for small business owners who travel with United Airlines. It offers rewards on both travel and everyday business purchases.

    Cardholders can earn miles on United flights as well as select non-travel categories. This makes it a flexible choice for those who want to maximize rewards across different spending types.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on United® purchases
    • 2x miles on dining
    • 2x miles at gas stations
    • 2x miles at office supply stores
    • 2x miles on local transit and commuting
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $150
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 20.49%–28.99% variable
    • Employee cards available at no additional cost
    • Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion
    • Two United Club℠ one-time passes per year
    • Priority boarding privileges on United flights

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag on United flights
    • Two United Club one-time passes each year
    • Priority boarding on United-operated flights
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for flights on United and Star Alliance partners, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and other rewards through MileagePlus®.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 690 or higher) is typically needed.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Free checked bag applies only to the cardholder and one companion, which may not suit group business travel. No credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward earning categories and simple redemption options, making it easy for new business travelers to use effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the United Explorer Card compare to other airline credit cards?

The United Explorer Card balances valuable perks with a moderate annual fee. Benefits include a free checked bag for you and a companion, priority boarding, and two United Club passes each year. It’s a strong choice for travelers who want airline perks without paying for a premium card.

What are the differences between the United Quest Card and the United Club Card?

The United Quest℠ Card emphasizes earning rewards, providing travel credits, and offering mileage discounts each year. The United Club℠ Card focuses on premium perks, including unlimited lounge access and enhanced baggage benefits. Choosing between them depends on whether you value rewards flexibility or premium travel experiences more.

How do the benefits of the United Business Credit Card stand out for frequent travelers?

The United℠ Business Card earns extra miles in categories like dining, gas stations, and office supply stores, along with United purchases. It includes a free checked bag, two United Club passes per year, and priority boarding. Business owners can also receive an annual travel credit and a “better together” mileage bonus.

How does the United Gateway Card work for travelers who don’t fly often?

The United Gateway℠ Card has no annual fee and offers bonus miles on United purchases, gas stations, and commuting expenses. While it doesn’t include perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, it’s a low-commitment way to earn airline miles. It’s best suited for casual travelers who want to save on fees.

When is the United Quest Card worth the annual fee?

The United Quest℠ Card can be worth it if you regularly book United flights and use the annual travel credit, mileage discounts, and checked-bag perks. These benefits can offset much of the $350 annual fee. Frequent United travelers who redeem miles for flights will see the most value.