Best United Airlines Credit Cards 2024: Which Should I Get?

United Airlines credit card benefits

Every card on this list comes with a decent list of benefits, though the exact perks you get as an account holder depend on which card you select.

Free checked baggage

When you pay for United flights with some of these credit cards, you can check one or more bags for free, and a traveling companion can check the same amount of bags for free. That’s a value of $140 to $320 per round trip flight, so the savings can add up. The Explorer and United business cards offer one free bag, while the United Quest, United Club Infinite and United Club business cards offer two.

Priority boarding 

Paying for United flights with some of these credit cards can help streamline your passage onto airplanes. You’ll get priority boarding with the United Club business card as well as the Quest, Explorer and United Club Infinite cards.

Airport lounge access

The United Club Infinite and United Club Chase business cards come with a complimentary United Club membership for cardholders in good standing. If you already have a United Club membership, this perk doesn’t go to waste. You can get reimbursed for any unused portion of your paid membership fee once you’re approved for a United credit card that offers a complimentary membership.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Some United Airlines credit cards include a benefit that credits you up to $100 every four years to help cover the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. You’ll get this benefit with the Explorer, United Club Infinite and Quest cards.

25% back on United in-flight purchases

Every card on this list offers a 25% discount in the form of a statement credit when you use your card to pay for in-flight purchases, including beverages, food and Wi-Fi access. The discount also applies to premium drinks purchased in the United Club.  

CLEAR program discount

As a United MileagePlus member, you can access a discount on CLEAR Plus memberships. This program helps speed up your progress through airport security by allowing you to skip the manual ID check. Instead, when available, you can go through a dedicated lane that lets you verify your identity via biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition. This is handled by an automated kiosk. MileagePlus members automatically get $10 off their membership, but as a United credit card holder, you can get a $40 discount. 

These are the CLEAR Plus discounts offered to United members:

• MileagePlus® member: $179 ($10 discount)
• Premier Silver®, Premier Gold®, Premier Platinum® or United U.S. Credit Cardmember*: $149 ($40 discount)
• Premier 1K® or Global Services®: Free ($189 discount)

*United may change or terminate this offer at any time and without notice. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the benefit as stated in this offer.

Travel insurance

The cards on this list provide several Chase travel insurance benefits. The perks differ for each card, so make sure to review your offer carefully. 

Benefits to look for with United Airlines credit cards include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This kicks in to help cover losses if illness, weather or other specific conditions cause your trip to be canceled or cut short.
• Trip delay coverage: This helps pay for accommodations if your travel is stalled for certain reasons.
• Baggage insurance: This coverage includes coverage for delays or lost luggage.
• Auto rental insurance: This lets you skip paying for extra coverage when you rent a car and pay with your card.

Note that you must pay for flights, car rentals and other accommodations with your United credit card for these types of benefits to apply.

United Airlines credit card rewards

As travel rewards credit cards, all the United Airlines cards offer a way to earn miles.

Welcome offer

New account holders who haven’t earned a welcome offer in the recent past with United and don’t already have a United Airlines credit card can earn a welcome offer. The welcome offers differ for each card, but you do need to spend $1,000 to $5,000 in the first three months, depending on which card you have.

Earn United miles

You can continue earning miles with each of these rewards cards. You can earn 2 to 4 miles per dollar spent with United, depending on which card you have. Dining, select business expenses, transit, gas and other travel purchases can also earn you 2 or more miles per dollar spent, and each card has its own categories for optimal earning. You earn 1 mile per dollar on any purchases not included in specific categories.  

Redeem United miles

MileagePlus miles don’t expire, and there are no blackout dates. You can redeem miles for award flights or to reduce the cost of flights, which is typically the best value for redemption. United cards are also part of the Chase Pay Yourself Back program, which provides even more redemption options.

However, you can also use miles to:

• Help cover the cost of hotel stays
• Purchase gift cards and merchandise
• Get subscriptions to magazines
• Help cover the cost of car rentals
• Make donations to charity

How much are United miles worth?

The exact value of your United miles depends on how and when you redeem them. The best value comes when you redeem your miles for United flights, which gives you around 1.2 to 1.5 cents per mile on average.

Who should get a United Airlines credit card?

United Airlines travel rewards credit cards are best for individuals with good credit who travel frequently with United. 

If you prefer another airline or don’t live or work near an airport that United flies out of, you’ll generally be better off with either a different airline credit card, such as one of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards or Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, or a different type of travel rewards credit card entirely.

How to choose the best United Airlines credit card

Look at the details of the card offer and perks and consider your financial situation and travel habits when selecting a United Airlines credit card. 

Some things to consider include:

• Annual fee: Some of these cards have high annual fees, and they aren’t the right choice if you’re not going to maximize rewards and benefits to make up for that expense.
• Credit score: You may need a higher credit score to get approved for the luxury United Club credit cards.
• Rewards structure: Look at how you can earn miles and choose the right card that makes sense with your spending habits.

Apply for a United Airlines credit card

These cards generally require good credit, so you’re more likely to get approved if you have a 670 credit score or better. The luxury credit cards on this list may require an even higher credit score.

You can learn more about each of the United Airlines cards and apply online through the links below:

• United Gateway℠ Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United℠ Business Card

You’ll need to provide:

• Your physical address
• Your Social Security or Tax ID number
• Some basic information about your financial situation, such as income

In most cases, you’ll receive an approval or denial within minutes.

Upgrade my United credit card

If you already have a United Airlines credit card and want to upgrade to one with a better rewards tier, you can call Chase customer service to see if you’re eligible. When you upgrade from one card to another, you’re not eligible for any welcome offers.

Other credit card options for United flyers

For those who don’t fly with United or want a travel rewards credit card that provides a bit more flexibility, there are numerous options on the market. 

A few you might consider include:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This luxury travel card has an annual fee of $550 but offers more than a $1,000 in partner value to make up for it. You can also earn up to 10x points when spending in certain categories.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The annual fee for this card is $395, but it comes with a $300 travel credit that almost covers it. Anniversary miles, a lucrative rewards structure and other travel perks help balance out the annual fee and make this card a good option for frequent travelers.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: If you want a Chase Sapphire rewards card with a lower annual fee, this might be the right option. You can earn up to 5x points in select categories, and the card comes with a welcome bonus and other perks.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: The quintessential travel reward card, this option from Amex lets you earn up to 5x points per dollar spent and comes with a huge list of credits and partner values. The annual fee is $695 (see rates and fees), but savvy card members can make that back plus more when utilizing the credits and redeeming rewards.