An Overview of Major Changes to United MileagePlus

United Airlines has recently made significant updates to its MileagePlus program. To fully take advantage of the benefits offered, you'll need to get your hands on one of their credit cards. The great news is that you don’t have to spend a lot to reap the rewards—just having the card is enough. Plus, they've sweetened the initial offers for new customers.

United Quest SM Card Offers

With the United Quest SM card, new customers can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles along with 3,000 PQP. Specifically, you'll receive 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Additionally, there's a bonus of 10,000 miles when you add an authorized user during this period.

On top of that, you'll receive a $200 travel credit and a reduction of 10,000 miles for an award flight on your account anniversary. If you spend $20,000 each calendar year, you'll also get a 10,000-mile discount on award flights. Every year, you can enjoy an extra 1,000 PQP awarded within eight weeks from February 1 of the following year.

United SM Explorer Card Offers

Chase also offers the United SM Explorer card with an enticing offer of up to 80,000 bonus miles. You’ll earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Like the other cards, adding an authorized user nets you an additional 10,000 bonus miles.

This card has a $0 annual fee for the first year, which then transitions to $150. You can also benefit from over $500 in credits from partners each year.

This card has no annual fee, making it a great way to rack up miles for United flights while requiring fewer miles for awards. However, to enjoy these benefits, you need to spend $10,000 on the card each year.

United Club SM Card Offers

With an annual fee of $695, the United Club SM card provides access to United Club lounges and an opportunity to earn 110,000 bonus miles along with 3,000 PQP. You’ll earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Other cards, like the United SM Business Card, also carry a $150 fee and can earn you 110,000 bonus miles, offering 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after the same $5,000 spend in the initial three months.

Benefits of United Credit Cards

United has reduced the number of miles earned for customers without a credit card, dropping from 5 miles to 3 miles per dollar spent. Conversely, they’ve increased the earning rate for credit cardholders to 1 mile per dollar. Eligible cardholders also benefit from a lower number of miles required for award flights.

Without an annual fee, customers using co-branded debit cards will earn fewer miles until they spend $10,000 within a calendar year. Here’s a breakdown of the miles earned by membership level:

Regular Member: 5 miles/$ -> 3 miles/$
Premier Silver: 7 miles/$ -> 5 miles/$
Premier Gold: 8 miles/$ -> 6 miles/$
Premier Platinum: 9 miles/$ -> 7 miles/$
Premier 1K: 11 miles/$ -> 9 miles/$

Reduced Award Ticket Prices

Starting April 2, United is cutting the miles earned from basic economy tickets for members without a credit card. Cardholders will continue to earn miles on basic economy tickets.

United has also improved award availability for card members and will apply a 10% discount on ticket redemptions for cardholders. For those with Premier status, this discount can be as high as 15%.

Conclusion on United Credit Cards

Owning a United credit card not only helps you earn miles faster but also reduces the cost of redeeming awards. With so many attractive offers available, now is a fantastic time to get a card. If you frequently fly with United, the United Club SM card might be your best bet, as it includes lounge access. If you’re looking to quickly accumulate miles, the United SM Explorer card is a smart choice with its $0 annual fee for the first year.

An Overview of Major Changes to United MileagePlus