Overview
Airline loyalty programs are evolving, and not subtly. Over the past several years, major U.S. carriers have steadily shifted their focus away from traditional flight-based rewards toward the far more lucrative world of co-branded credit cards. What was once a straightforward equation of fly more, earn more is increasingly being replaced by a new formula: spend more on the airline’s credit card, unlock more value.
The latest example comes from United Airlines, which has announced big changes to its MileagePlus program that further tilt the balance toward cardholders and away from members who simply fly.
- Best for: Travelers near a United hub
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X - 2X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
United℠ Explorer Card
Earn 70,000 bonus miles
Offer Details:
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Why we like it
The United℠ Explorer Card is a strong card for its price point. No other comparably priced card includes lounge access along with the more typical free checked bags, a solid offer of 70,000 bonus points, and priority boarding. Considering the $150 annual fee is waived for the first year, if any United or Star Alliance flights are on the horizon, it could be worth giving a test drive.
Reward details
2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Cardholders enjoy two one-time passes to the United Club a year, usually worth $59 each. *Cardmember or authorized user must be present when they are redeemed.
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Priority boarding privileges.
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Access to expanded award availability makes booking United flights with miles easier and cheaper.
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Free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion can justify the annual fee with one roundtrip flight.
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A year’s membership to DoorDash’s DashPass is a nice addition for those who use the food delivery service.
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The up to $120 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck® pass is great for regular travelers.
Cons
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The DashPass and Global Entry/TSA perks are great, but only helpful for some and overlap with other cards.
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Without using the perks available, the fee can become harder to justify unless you’re a regular United flyer.
Terms Apply
What's Changing?
Beginning in April 2026, MileagePlus members without a United co-branded credit card will see reduced mileage earning rates, regardless of elite status.
The base earning rate will drop from 5X miles per dollar to 3X for people without co-branded cards.
Cardholders will earn significantly more, in some cases up to double.
Premier members with a card will receive 10–15% discounts on award redemptions.
Saver awards in Polaris business class will be restricted exclusively to cardholders.
Basically, holding a United credit card will no longer be a secondary perk. It will be central to extracting meaningful value from the program. A new co-branded product is also expected, reinforcing the airline’s broader strategy.
What it means for travelers
For regular or frequent United customers, the decision may be straightforward. Get a co-branded card, because opting out of the airline’s credit card ecosystem could result in lower earning rates and higher redemption costs compared to similarly situated cardholders. If you fly United frequently, you can utilize the new perks.
However, more occasional travelers should assess their broader strategy. Within Star Alliance, alternatives such as Air Canada or Turkish Airlines may offer more competitive earning and redemption structures depending on travel patterns. If you don’t fly United often, choosing to get a co-branded credit may not make sense, and instead, looking towards a general credit card like this one could make more sense.
- Best for: Occasional United customers
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1%-2%
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
United Gateway℠ Card
Earn 30,000 bonus miles
Offer Details:
Earn 30,000 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.
Why we like it
The United Gateway Card fits a specific customer profile, but serves them well. Its 2x miles per dollar earning rate and 30,000 mile bonus will help give infrequent United flyers a little boost and potentially cover a flight or two. Regular travelers might want something more comprehensive, but for a no-annual fee product, the Gateway pulls its weight.
Reward details
2x miles on United® purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting.
1x mile on all other purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
Solid intro bonus
No annual fee
Strong earning in high-spend categories
Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
Cons
Regular flyers can do better
Miles aren’t transferable
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
