United Airlines offers a suite of MileagePlus personal credit cards designed for a range of travelers, from casual flyers to frequent business travelers. Notably, these cards include options like the United GatewaySM, ExplorerSM, QuestSM, and ClubSM Cards, each providing compelling travel rewards. The introductory annual fees vary from $0 on the GatewaySM Card up to $695 for the premium ClubSM Card. Each card features attractive sign-up bonuses, such as 30,000 to 80,000 miles, plus opportunities to earn bonus miles by adding authorized users.

Many cards feature 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, facilitating accessible spending for new account holders. Terms apply, and it’s always recommended to review all rate details before applying. Additional perks include checked bag waivers, United Club passes, on-board purchase discounts, and annual travel credits.

The process to check eligibility is simple: users can sign into MileagePlus to view their best offer, and even see if pre-approval is available without affecting their credit score. With multiple cards available, applicants can select the card that aligns with their travel habits and financial preferences.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

• Sign in to your United MileagePlus account.
• Navigate to the credit card offers section.
• Review offers and card comparisons, noting bonuses and annual fees.
• Choose your preferred card and click ‘Apply Now.’
• Fill out the application form and submit the necessary information.

Key Advantages of United MileagePlus Credit Cards

Most cards offer generous miles for United purchases, with some earning up to 4x miles per dollar spent. These cards can help accelerate the accumulation of miles for award flights or upgrades.

Many cards provide free checked bags, annual travel credits, inflight purchase discounts, and United Club passes, improving the overall travel experience and offering significant real-world savings.

Potential Disadvantages

The higher-tier United cards come with steep annual fees—up to $695—making them best suited for frequent United flyers. If you travel less often, these fees may outweigh the benefits.

While some cards offer an introductory $0 annual fee, it will rise after the first year. Additionally, redemption options are generally most valuable when booking with United or its partners.

Final Verdict

United MileagePlus personal credit cards offer substantial perks for those who regularly fly United Airlines or its partners. The cards deliver impressive bonuses and travel-centric benefits. However, those who fly less frequently or prefer different airlines may find better value with more flexible credit card options. Carefully compare features, annual fees, and rewards potential to select the best fit for your travel goals.