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!

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🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
50,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 50,000 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
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for United loyalists

United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

🏆 Best for United loyalists

Annual Fee: $525

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
80,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
80,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The United Club Infinite Card is a premium co-branded airline credit card for United Airlines loyalists. It offers exclusive United Club membership, United MileagePlus miles for spending, and other travel perks, making it an excellent choice for frequent United Airlines travelers who desire luxury and premium travel experiences.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
20,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 20,000 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.
20,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 20,000 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.
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
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
United Quest℠ Card

United Quest℠ Card

United Quest℠ Card

Annual Fee: $250

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 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 is a co-branded airline credit card designed for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, various travel perks like free checked bags, and premium benefits such as priority boarding and travel credits, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their United Airlines experience.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Business Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for businesses and United Airlines enthusiasts. 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 businesses that frequently fly with United Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$300 Travel Credit + 60,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
$300 Travel Credit + 60,000
Bonus Points
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for travel credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for travel credits

Annual Fee: $550

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
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.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

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!

‍

Read our ultimate guide to
Best United Cards for Earning MileagePlus Miles
here
Find current Transfer Partners for
Best United Cards for Earning MileagePlus Miles
here
What's on this page
Best United Cards for Earning MileagePlus Miles
Best credit cards for business
Best credit cards for personal
Cards That Transfer to
United MileagePlus Miles
Which Card is Right For You?
Other Ways to Earn
Pros & Cons
Related Videos
Browse Other Categories of Cards
FAQs

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

🏆 Best for frequent United flyers

$0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
50,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 50,000 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
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for United loyalists

United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

🏆 Best for United loyalists

Annual Fee: $525

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
80,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
80,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The United Club Infinite Card is a premium co-branded airline credit card for United Airlines loyalists. It offers exclusive United Club membership, United MileagePlus miles for spending, and other travel perks, making it an excellent choice for frequent United Airlines travelers who desire luxury and premium travel experiences.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
20,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 20,000 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.
20,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 20,000 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.
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
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
United Quest℠ Card

United Quest℠ Card

United Quest℠ Card

Annual Fee: $250

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 60,000 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 is a co-branded airline credit card designed for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending, various travel perks like free checked bags, and premium benefits such as priority boarding and travel credits, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their United Airlines experience.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
75,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The United Business Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for businesses and United Airlines enthusiasts. 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 businesses that frequently fly with United Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$300 Travel Credit + 60,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
$300 Travel Credit + 60,000
Bonus Points
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for travel credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for travel credits

Annual Fee: $550

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
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.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

Personal Cards

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Business Cards

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Transfer to United Miles

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$300 Travel Credit + 60,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
$300 Travel Credit + 60,000
Bonus Points
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for travel credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for travel credits

Annual Fee: $550

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
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.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
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℠.
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for renters

Bilt Mastercard®

Bilt Mastercard®

Bilt Mastercard®

🏆 Best for renters

Annual Fee: $0

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
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)!
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.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

Which Card is Right for You?

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.

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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.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

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

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

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

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Cons

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

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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.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

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Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor 

‍

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Learn more
What's on this page
Best United Cards for Earning MileagePlus Miles
Best credit cards for business
Best credit cards for personal
Cards That Transfer to
United MileagePlus Miles
Which Card is Right For You?
Other Ways to Earn
Pros & Cons
Related Videos
Browse Other Categories of Cards
FAQs