United Airlines has revamped its MileagePlus rewards program, creating more incentive for frequent travelers to get a United credit card.
This year, cardholders will effectively rake in more miles while flying United, whereas those without a United credit or debit card will earn significantly less. MileagePlus members can still accumulate Boost Miles, but to maximize earning potential, having a United Card is essential.
Before making your travel plans, it’s worth knowing the updates regarding mileage earning and other alterations to United’s loyalty offerings.
Beginning April 2nd, the miles you earn from purchasing eligible tickets on United will shift. The earning rate will depend on your MileagePlus Premier status and whether or not you hold a United MileagePlus card.
For MileagePlus members without a United credit card, the miles earned per flight will decrease. Currently, general members without premier status gather 5 miles for every dollar spent, but that will drop to 3x miles starting in April.
It’s important to break down how the mileage earning system currently works and how it’s evolving.
| No Card Holder | United Cardholders (not used for ticket purchase) | United Gateway Card and United Debit Card (after spending $10,000 in a year) | United Explorer Card | |
| Current standard earning rate | 5x miles | 7x miles | 7x miles | |
| General (no status) | 3x miles | 6x miles | 8x miles | 9x miles |
| Premier Silver | 5x miles | 8x miles | 10x miles | 11x miles |
| Premier Gold | 6x miles | 9x miles | 11x miles | 12x miles |
| Premier Platinum | 7x miles | 10x miles | 12x miles | 13x miles |
| Premier 1K | 9x miles | 12x miles | 14x miles | 15x miles |
For instance, if you’re a Premier Platinum member flying with a United Explorer Card and purchase a $600 ticket, you could snag 13 miles per dollar, totaling 7,800 miles. If you happen to use a different card, you’ll still earn 10 miles per dollar spent, landing you 6,000 miles.
When booking a basic economy ticket, earning miles is limited to using your United MileagePlus card or holding Premier status. Without a United Card, regular MileagePlus members can’t get miles on Basic Economy flights.
This mirrors practices among other major carriers; Delta and American Airlines also restrict mileage earnings on basic economy fares.
For United MileagePlus Premier members without a United Card, the mile accumulation on basic economy tickets can range from 2x to 6x per dollar, based on your status. If you possess a United card, it’s between 3x and 9x depending on your Premier standing.
There are also significant changes regarding award tickets booked with United miles. United cardholders can use their miles for eligible tickets and enjoy a discount on the redemption amount. Premier status holders get even bigger discounts.
For example, if an award ticket typically costs 50,000 miles, you could secure it for just 42,500 miles if you’re both a Premier member and United cardholder.
Additionally, enhanced access to premium seating on Saver Reward fares is now available for United cardholders. Previously, only Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members had access to discounted Saver Award fares. With these, premium seats can be secured on select flights starting at just 80,000 miles.
Now, both United cardholders and other Premier members can tap into Saver Award fares. There’s potential to combine award ticket discounts of 10% to 15% with Saver awards to score Polaris seats at a better rate.
It’s crucial to note the specifics of available United MileagePlus credit cards:
- Annual fee: $0
Welcomes offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in first three months. - Annual fee: $0 first year, $150 after
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in three months. - Annual fee: $350
Welcome offer: 80,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier Qualifying Points after spending $4,000 in three months. - Annual fee: $695
Welcome offer: 90,000 bonus miles on purchases of $5,000 or more in three months.
While the updated United MileagePlus program indeed has perks for cardholders, it’s wise to evaluate your spending habits and travel frequency before committing to a United credit card.
If you frequently fly United, you might find substantial value in a co-branded credit card, along with various perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags. Some cards even help expedite your Premier status or provide Premier Qualifying Points based on your spending.
However, if you’re not considering flying United anytime soon or you don’t travel regularly, rushing into a new credit card may not be necessary. You won’t need a card or Premier status to earn miles on flights unless you choose Basic Economy. And honestly, without frequent travel, many benefits of the United Cards might not even be useful.
Also, think about how you generally use your credit cards. The United Card provides bonuses for non-United purchases but shines when used for United transactions. If you’re looking for flexibility or wish to accrue rewards on other airlines, it might be worth exploring different travel cards that cater to broader spending categories.
