Best United Airlines Credit Cards

United TravelBank Credit Card Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Bottom Line:
United Reward Flights For No Annual Fee

Card Details

Regular APR:	17.74% – 24.74% (Variable)
Intro APR (Purchases):	None
Intro APR (Balance transfers):	None
Rewards Rate:	2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United 1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases
Credit Needed:	(670 – 850) Good/Excellent
Annual Fee:	None
Card Brand:	Visa

*See online credit card application for details on the terms and conditions.

Offer Highlights

Click APPLY NOW to apply online
$150 in United TravelBank cash after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United
1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases
$1 in TravelBank cash = $1 when used toward the purchase of a ticket on flights operated by United and United Express
Enjoy 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi onboard United?-operated flights when you pay with your United TravelBank Card

Is United TravelBank Credit Card worth it?

United TravelBank is a solid no annual fee card for people who fly United. The TravelBank cash is different from the miles that other United cards earn, and earning TravelBank cash does not count toward qualification for MileagePlus Premier status, which if earned gets you priority check-in and the opportunity for complimentary upgrades.

For no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, United TravelBank earns you 2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United and 1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases. With $150 in signup bonus value, it still takes some spending to earn a United ticket.

If you spent $20,000 in one year with United TravelBank on everyday purchases, you would have $300 + $150 = $450 in United airfare, enough for a one-way domestic flight to any destination. A simple cash back card like Citi Double Cash would earn you 2% cash back on any purchase with no annual fee, but if you really need a United card with no annual fee, United TravelBank is the right card for you.

Pros

$150 in United TravelBank cash after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United
1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

No travel perks like lounge access or free checked bags

Why 4 Stars?

Regular APR

4 Stars

Intro APR

4 Stars

Fees

4 Stars

Perks

5 Stars

Overall

4 Stars

Fees

Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Balance Transfer Fee	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee	Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Penalty APR	None

Benefits

$0 Fraud Liability

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Baggage Delay Reimbursement

Concierge Service

Emergency Card Replacement

Emergency Cash Disbursement

Extended Warranty Protection

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Travel Accident Insurance

Price Protection

Purchase Protection

Return Protection

Roadside Dispatch

Travel and Emergency Assistance

Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Trip Delay Reimbursement

Get Started with United TravelBank Credit Card

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by the issuer. Any opinion, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author?s alone, and may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.

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United MileagePlus Explorer Card Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Bottom Line:
Bonus for Travelers Who Fly United From Time to Time

Apply Now

Card Details

Regular APR:	18.24 – 25.24% (Variable)
Intro APR (Purchases):	None
Intro APR (Balance transfers):	None
Rewards Rate:	2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel, and purchases from United
Credit Needed:	(740 – 850) Excellent
Annual Fee:	None, then $95
Card Brand:	Visa

*See online credit card application for details on the terms and conditions.

Offer Highlights

Click APPLY NOW to apply online
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants
2 miles per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel
2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee for either program when charged to your card
The primary cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free

Is United MileagePlus Explorer Card worth it?

United MileagePlus Explorer is a great card for travelers who fly United from time to time. The annual fee is waived the first year, then it?s $95.

Cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel, and purchases from United. United Miles are worth about one to one and a half cents depending on if you redeem for the cheaper Saver fare or for the Everyday fare, which has more availability, so the 40,000 mile signup bonus is worth $400 ? $600 in United airfare.

Cardholders also receive $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck? every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee for either program when charged to your card.

Although the perks are not close to United MileagePlus Club, a premium $450 annual fee card, Cardholders receive 2 one-time United Club passes, a free first checked bag, and get priority boarding, which means they will board in Group 2, after members who have Premier status. Note that you will need to provide a same-day boarding pass to use your United Club pass.

There are very similar co-branded cards: Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express earns 2 miles on every purchase you make with Delta, American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp earns 2 AAdvantage miles on every purchases at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and 2 AAdvantage miles with American Airlines, and Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard earns 2X miles for every one dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.

If you anticipate flying United from time to time, United MileagePlus Explorer is a great card for you.

Pros

Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel, and purchases from United
Annual fee waived in first year
Priority boarding
Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years

Cons

$95 annual fee starting in second year

Why 4 Stars?

Regular APR

4 Stars

Intro APR

4 Stars

Fees

4 Stars

Perks

5 Stars

Overall

4 Stars

Fees

Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Balance Transfer Fee	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee	Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Penalty APR	None

Benefits

$0 Fraud Liability

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Baggage Delay Reimbursement

Concierge Service

Emergency Card Replacement

Emergency Cash Disbursement

Extended Warranty Protection

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Travel Accident Insurance

Price Protection

Purchase Protection

Return Protection

Roadside Dispatch

Travel and Emergency Assistance

Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Trip Delay Reimbursement

Get Started with United MileagePlus Explorer Card

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United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Bottom Line:
For United Business Travelers

Apply Now

Card Details

Regular APR:	17.74 ? 24.74 (Variable)
Intro APR (Purchases):	None
Intro APR (Balance transfers):	None
Rewards Rate:	2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, gas stations, office supply stores and restaurants 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Credit Needed:	(740 – 850) Excellent
Annual Fee:	$95
Card Brand:	Visa

*See online credit card application for details on the terms and conditions.

Offer Highlights

Click APPLY NOW to apply online
Up to 100,000 bonus miles: 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $25,000 total in purchases in the first 6 months your account is open
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, office supply stores and restaurants
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Employee Cards at no additional cost Miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster
2 United Club one-time passes after account opening and on each anniversary ? over a $100 value per year
Free first checked bag: Save up to $120 per roundtrip
Priority boarding: Board United-operated flights prior to general boarding

Is United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card worth it?

United MileagePlus Explorer Business is a great card for people who fly United a few times a year for business, especially if you spend $5,000 per month in your business.

At a $95 annual fee, United MileagePlus Explorer Business is significantly less expensive than $450 annual fee United MileagePlus Club Business, which comes with United Club lounge access, free first and second checked bags, and Premier status offering priority check-in and the opportunity for and complimentary upgrades.

United MileagePlus Explorer Business cardholders receive only 2 one-time United Club passes, a free first checked bag, and no automatic Premier status, but you do get not only 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases but 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, office supply stores and restaurants.

Businesses with over $25,000 in spending in the first 6 months, a little less than $5000 per month, receive 50,000 bonus miles, on top of the bonus 50,000 miles you receive for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months after signup. United Miles are worth about one to one and a half cents depending on if you redeem for the cheaper Saver fare or for the Everyday fare, which has more availability, so these miles are worth $1000 – $1500 in United airfare.

If you don?t fly United for business that often, and especially if you spend more than $5000 per month in your business, United MileagePlus Explorer Business is a great card for you.

Pros

Up to 100,000 bonus miles: 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $25,000 total in purchases in the first 6 months
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, office supply stores and restaurants
Redeem points on Star Alliance Partner airlines including Asiana Airlines, Avianca, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Thai Airways, and more than 10 more.

Cons

$95 annual fee

Why 4 Stars?

Regular APR

4 Stars

Intro APR

4 Stars

Fees

4 Stars

Perks

5 Stars

Overall

4 Stars

Fees

Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Balance Transfer Fee	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee	Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Penalty APR	29.99%

Benefits

$0 Fraud Liability

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Baggage Delay Reimbursement

Concierge Service

Emergency Card Replacement

Emergency Cash Disbursement

Extended Warranty Protection

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Travel Accident Insurance

Price Protection

Purchase Protection

Return Protection

Roadside Dispatch

Travel and Emergency Assistance

Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Trip Delay Reimbursement

Get Started with United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card

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United MileagePlus Club Card Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Bottom Line:
United Club and Star Alliance Partner Lounge Access

Apply Now

Card Details

Regular APR:	18.24 – 25.24% (Variable)
Intro APR (Purchases):	None
Intro APR (Balance transfers):	None
Rewards Rate:	Earn rewards faster with 1.5 miles per $1 spent on purchases
Credit Needed:	(740 – 850) Excellent
Annual Fee:	$450
Card Brand:	Visa

*See online credit card application for details on the terms and conditions.

Offer Highlights

Click APPLY NOW to apply online
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
United Club membership: Enjoy access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide – up to a $650 value per year
Free first and second checked bags: Save up to $280 per roundtrip
Premier Access travel services: Receive priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling
The primary Cardmember is invited to enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program’s exclusive President’s Circle tier and enjoy a 50% bonus on Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Points, upgrades, exclusive offers and more
The primary Cardmember who is also a MileagePlus Premier member and traveling on an award ticket can take advantage of Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United flights (when available)

Is United MileagePlus Club Card worth it?

United MileagePlus Club is a great card for people who are looking for United Club or Star Alliance affiliated lounge membership. Star Alliance members include Asiana Airlines, Avianca, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Thai Airways, and more than 10 more. Consumers have reported that some of these lounges are better than United lounges, so this is a major perk.

Note that if you already have a United Club membership, you will be reimbursed for the unused portion of your membership once you’re approved for the card. However, if you are not interested in United Club membership at all, other cards will earn you a higher rewards rate.

United MileagePlus Club cardholders earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases and United Miles are worth about one to one and a half cents depending on if you redeem for the cheaper Saver fare or for the Everyday fare, which has more availability, so while 1.5 miles on every purchase is a great rewards rate on everyday spending it’s only about 1.5 – 2.25% back. Premium flyers would be able to get 3X points on travel and dining using the $450 annual fee Chase Sapphire Reserve at 4.5% back and 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with an airline or with American Express Travel using the $550 annual fee Amex Platinum at 5% back.

United MileagePlus Club has a $450 annual fee, so on rewards alone it doesn’t compare favorably with these cards for people who will be flying a lot and therefore earning a lot of travel rewards at a high rate. However, if you fly United often and will use the United Club or Star Alliance affiliated lounges, United MileagePlus Club is a solid premium travel card for you.

Pros

50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
Access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide
No foreign transaction fee
Redeem points on Star Alliance Partner airlines including Asiana Airlines, Avianca, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Thai Airways, and more than 10 more.

Cons

$450 annual fee
You have to be flying United or a Star Alliance carrier to be able to use United Club
No Global Entry/TSA Precheck application credits

Why 4 Stars?

Regular APR

4 Stars

Intro APR

4 Stars

Fees

4 Stars

Perks

5 Stars

Overall

4 Stars

Fees

Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Balance Transfer Fee	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee	Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Penalty APR	None

Benefits

$0 Fraud Liability

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Baggage Delay Reimbursement

Concierge Service

Emergency Card Replacement

Emergency Cash Disbursement

Extended Warranty Protection

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Travel Accident Insurance

Price Protection

Purchase Protection

Return Protection

Roadside Dispatch

Travel and Emergency Assistance

Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Trip Delay Reimbursement

Get Started with United MileagePlus Club Card

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United MileagePlus Club Business Card Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Bottom Line:
United Club and Star Alliance Partner Lounge Access for Business Travelers

Apply Now

Card Details

Regular APR:	18.24 – 25.24% (Variable)
Intro APR (Purchases):	None
Intro APR (Balance transfers):	None
Rewards Rate:	2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
Credit Needed:	(740 – 850) Excellent
Annual Fee:	$450
Card Brand:	Visa

*See online credit card application for details on the terms and conditions.

Offer Highlights

Click APPLY NOW to apply online
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
Employee Cards at no additional cost. Miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster
United Club membership: Enjoy access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide – up to a $650 value per year
Free first and second checked bags: Save up to $280 per roundtrip
Premier Access travel services: Receive priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling
The primary Cardmember is invited to enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program?s exclusive President’s Circle tier and enjoy a 50% bonus on Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Points, upgrades, exclusive offers and more
The primary Cardmember who is also a MileagePlus Premier member and traveling on an award ticket can take advantage of Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United flights (when available)

Is United MileagePlus Club Business Card worth it?

United MileagePlus Club Business is a solid card for business travelers who would like United Club or Star Alliance affiliated lounge access. Cardholders get access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide. If you were to purchase United Club membership, it would cost $650 and one-time passes are $59.

Cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases. The signup bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 is worth at least $300. Note the $450 annual fee does not count toward the signup bonus. This is the case for almost all credit cards. The value of United Miles now depend on the exact flight you book. However, the former award chart, on which points had a fixed value, gives a good indicator of what to expect.

Let’s say you are flying between New York/Newark and San Francisco. Because this is a premium route, 10,000 extra miles are required. On an Everyday Fare, you would pay 60,000 miles and on a Savor Fare you would pay 35,000 miles. The cost of this flight is about $550 roundtrip, so the value of a point would be between about one cent and one and a half cents.

United’s MileagePlus rewards program is relatively simple. United offers Saver and Everyday Awards. Saver Awards cost fewer miles, but they have limited availability and are less likely to be available closer to flight time. On the other hand, MileagePlus Premier members and eligible United MileagePlus Chase cardmembers, including cardholders of United MileagePlus Club Business, get to book an Everyday Award even if it’s the last seat on the plane. The program has reasonable terms: all award tickets can be cancelled and the points will be deposited back into your account, and you can even issue a MileagePlus ticket in someone else?s name.

If you’re looking for United Club or Star Alliance affiliated lounge access, United MileagePlus Club Business is a great card for you.

Pros

50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases
Access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide
No foreign transaction fee
Redeem points on Star Alliance Partner airlines

Cons

$450 annual fee
You have to be flying United or a Star Alliance carrier to be able to use United Club
No Global Entry/TSA Precheck application credits

Why 4 Stars?

Regular APR

4 Stars. ????

Intro APR

4 Stars

Fees

4 Stars

Perks

5 Stars

Overall

4 Stars

Fees

Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Balance Transfer Fee	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee	Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Penalty APR	Up to 29.99%

Benefits

$0 Fraud Liability

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Baggage Delay Reimbursement

Concierge Service

Emergency Card Replacement

Emergency Cash Disbursement

Extended Warranty Protection

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Travel Accident Insurance

Price Protection

Purchase Protection

Return Protection

Roadside Dispatch

Travel and Emergency Assistance

Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Trip Delay Reimbursement

Get Started with United MileagePlus Club Business Card

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