Why You Can Trust CNET
CNET Money's mission is to help you maximize your financial potential. Our recommendations are based on independent research and reviews by our editors, and we continually update our content to reflect current partner offerings.How we classify credit cards
Advertiser Disclosure
CNET editors independently curate each product and service we cover. While we cannot review every company or financial offering available, we strive to perform thorough and rigorous comparisons to highlight the very best. We earn a commission on many of these products and services. The compensation we receive may affect how products and links appear on our website.
Money credit cards
These airline credit cards make your United flights more convenient and rewarding.
Written by
Joe VanBruselas contributor Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he decodes thinly veiled credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers really know what's in their wallets. He also looks at other aspects of personal finance, from credit and life insurance to tax software, and the impact of broader economic trends on people. Joe believes that the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime and wants New York City apartments to be equipped with thick, noise-reducing windows as standard.
Updated March 1, 2023
1 minute of reading
-
Best General Credit Card United United Quest℠ Card
apply now
-
Best United Card with no annual fee United Gateway℠ Card
apply now
-
Improved access to United Club United Club℠ Infinite Card
apply now
-
For solo travelers or couples checking luggage, United℠ Explorer Card
apply now
-
Ideal for United United℠ Business Card business travelers
apply now
There are a number of good co-branded credit card options for those flying United. The best option depends on your travel habits: do you always check a bag or avoid the baggage carousel? Do you love the silence of a lounge or do you prefer to be side by side with the crowd before a flight? And of course, how often do you fly?
Some of these cards offer some valuable credits, as well as perks like free checked baggage and United Club membership, which gives you access to airport lounges around the world. They also offer decent spending rewards, but we see these rewards more as a way to earn extra miles when purchasing tickets. More general for most other purchasesCredit cards for daily useoffer better overall value thanairline credit cards.
If you fly United at least a few times a year, there's probably a Chase co-branded card that offers more convenience and net savings on your travels.
Best General Credit Card United United Quest℠ Card
9/10 CNET rating CNET ranks credit cards by comparing their offerings to their categorical competitors. Each card is individually scored using a formula that reflects today's market standards and expectations. Credit card issuers have no say or influence over our reviews.How we classify credit cards
apply now
On Chase's secure site
quick look
- introductory offer
-
60,000 bonus milesEarn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier Qualifying Points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening an account.
- annual quota
- $ 250
- ABR
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- recommended creditA credit score is used to indicate an applicant's creditworthiness and can provide guidance on account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee the approval of a financial product.
- 670 – 850
Good - Excellent
- reward fee
-
1x - 3xEarn triple miles on United® purchases.; Earn double miles on meals, including eligible delivery services, select streaming services and all other travel; 1X on all other purchases.
For those who fly United at least a few times a year, the United Quest℠ card offers the best value for the broadest group of people. While it costs an annual fee of $250, there are some annual credits that help offset this, up to a United Purchase Credit of up to $125, which is automatically added to your first $125 in annual United spending, and two annual credits of $5,000 miles . earned after booking a United flight (terms and conditions apply).
Add the above four complimentary checked bags (two for the primary cardholder and two for one companion on the same reservation) for each trip, 3x miles on United purchases, and a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles and 500 points that qualify for Premier after spending $4,000. its first three months and has a lot of potential value.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn triple miles on United® purchases.
2x
Earn Double Miles on meals, including eligible delivery services, select streaming services and all other travel
1x
1X on all other purchases.
For those who fly United at least a few times a year, the United Quest℠ card offers the best value for the broadest group of people. While it costs an annual fee of $250, there are some annual credits that help offset this, up to a United Purchase Credit of up to $125, which is automatically added to your first $125 in annual United spending, and two annual credits of $5,000 miles . earned after booking a United flight (terms and conditions apply).
Add the above four complimentary checked bags (two for the primary cardholder and two for one companion on the same reservation) for each trip, 3x miles on United purchases, and a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles and 500 points that qualify for Premier after spending $4,000. its first three months and has a lot of potential value.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn triple miles on United® purchases.
2x
Earn Double Miles on meals, including eligible delivery services, select streaming services and all other travel
1x
1X on all other purchases.
Best United Card with no annual fee United Gateway℠ Card
5/10 CNET rating CNET ranks credit cards by comparing their offerings to their categorical competitors. Each card is individually scored using a formula that reflects today's market standards and expectations. Credit card issuers have no say or influence over our reviews.How we classify credit cards
apply now
On Chase's secure site
quick look
- introductory offer
-
20,000 bonus milesEarn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening an account.
- annual quota
- $ 0
- ABR
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- recommended creditA credit score is used to indicate an applicant's creditworthiness and can provide guidance on account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee the approval of a financial product.
- 670 – 850
Good - Excellent
- reward fee
-
1x - 2xEarn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United® shopping, gas stations and local transportation; Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
If you're not willing to pay by credit card, Gateway offers United travelers the opportunity to top up their miles when purchasing United tickets without incurring an annual fee. You don't get the benefits and credits of other Chase United credit cards, but the 20,000 mile welcome offer after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months is a perk.
Remember to pay it off every month so you don't pay interest; otherwise, you can take advantage of discounted United inflight purchases (25% back as statement credit) and double miles on United purchases.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local commuting and commuting
1x
Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
If you're not willing to pay by credit card, Gateway offers United travelers the opportunity to top up their miles when purchasing United tickets without incurring an annual fee. You don't get the benefits and credits of other Chase United credit cards, but the 20,000 mile welcome offer after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months is a perk.
Remember to pay it off every month so you don't pay interest; otherwise, you can take advantage of discounted United inflight purchases (25% back as statement credit) and double miles on United purchases.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local commuting and commuting
1x
Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
Improved access to United Club United Club℠ Infinite Card
8.25/10 CNET rating CNET ranks credit cards by comparing their offerings to their categorical competitors. Each card is individually scored using a formula that reflects today's market standards and expectations. Credit card issuers have no say or influence over our reviews.How we classify credit cards
apply now
On Chase's secure site
quick look
- introductory offer
-
Earn 80,000 bonus milesEarn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- annual quota
- $ 525
- ABR
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- recommended creditA credit score is used to indicate an applicant's creditworthiness and can provide guidance on account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee the approval of a financial product.
- 800 – 850
Great
- reward fee
-
1x - 4xEarn 4 miles for every $1 spent on United® purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other United expenses.; Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on all other travel; Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including eligible delivery services; Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
There are more than 45 United Club airport lounges around the world, and a standard annual membership costs $650 USD. Club. Note that a single pass is $59 per person. Think about how many times you want to visit a salon if that's your main motivation for signing up for the Chase United Club card.
In addition to club membership, cardholders receive 4x miles on United purchases and an 80,000-mile welcome gift after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
4x
Earn 4 miles for every $1 you spend on United® purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus®, food, beverages, inflight Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on all other travel
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including qualifying delivery services
1x
Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
There are more than 45 United Club airport lounges around the world, and a standard annual membership costs $650 USD. Club. Note that a single pass is $59 per person. Think about how many times you want to visit a salon if that's your main motivation for signing up for the Chase United Club card.
In addition to club membership, cardholders receive 4x miles on United purchases and an 80,000-mile welcome gift after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
4x
Earn 4 miles for every $1 you spend on United® purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus®, food, beverages, inflight Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on all other travel
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including qualifying delivery services
1x
Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
For solo travelers or couples checking luggage, United℠ Explorer Card
6/10 CNET rating CNET ranks credit cards by comparing their offerings to their categorical competitors. Each card is individually scored using a formula that reflects today's market standards and expectations. Credit card issuers have no say or influence over our reviews.How we classify credit cards
apply now
On Chase's secure site
quick look
- introductory offer
-
50,000 bonus milesEarn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening an account.
- annual quota
- $0 introductory for the first year, then $95.
- ABR
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- recommended creditA credit score is used to indicate an applicant's creditworthiness and can provide guidance on account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee the approval of a financial product.
- 670 – 850
Good - Excellent
- reward fee
-
1x - 2xEarn 2 miles for every $1 spent on meals, hotel stays and purchases at United®; Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including eligible delivery services; 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
The Explorer is a clunky middle child in the Chase United lineup, but it offers special value for those riding alone or with someone else. When two people on the same reservation check one bag, you can save up to $140 per roundtrip ticket based on United's typical checked bag fee of $35.
Explorer cardholders also receive two exclusive United Club passes each year. So if you like United Clubs but don't use them enough to justify a Chase United Club credit card, this could be a valuable perk.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on meals, hotel stays and purchases at United®
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including qualifying delivery services
1x
1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
The Explorer is a clunky middle child in the Chase United lineup, but it offers special value for those riding alone or with someone else. When two people on the same reservation check one bag, you can save up to $140 per roundtrip ticket based on United's typical checked bag fee of $35.
Explorer cardholders also receive two exclusive United Club passes each year. So if you like United Clubs but don't use them enough to justify a Chase United Club credit card, this could be a valuable perk.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on meals, hotel stays and purchases at United®
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including qualifying delivery services
1x
1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases
Ideal for United United℠ Business Card business travelers
8/10 CNET rating CNET ranks credit cards by comparing their offerings to their categorical competitors. Each card is individually scored using a formula that reflects today's market standards and expectations. Credit card issuers have no say or influence over our reviews.How we classify credit cards
apply now
On Chase's secure site
quick look
- introductory offer
-
75,000 bonus milesEarn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening an account.
- annual quota
- Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, $99 thereafter.
- ABR
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- recommended creditA credit score is used to indicate an applicant's creditworthiness and can provide guidance on account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee the approval of a financial product.
- 670 – 850
Good - Excellent
- reward fee
-
1x - 2xEarn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United® purchases, restaurants, including eligible delivery services, gas stations, office supply stores, and local transportation and commuting; Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases.
The Chase United business credit card is good for people traveling with United on business trips. You get one free checked bag per flight (two if you're traveling with a companion on the same reservation) and the welcome bonus is 75,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. You'll also receive two exclusive United Club passes each year, and if you have a personal United card, you'll receive a 5,000-mile birthday bonus.
However, there are some things to keep in mind. There is a $100 annual credit, but it requires seven separate United travel-related purchases of $100 or more per account anniversary year. So don't count that as a value unless you fly United seven times a year.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United® purchases, restaurants including eligible delivery services, gas stations, office supply stores, and local and public transportation.
1x
Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases.
The Chase United business credit card is good for people traveling with United on business trips. You get one free checked bag per flight (two if you're traveling with a companion on the same reservation) and the welcome bonus is 75,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. You'll also receive two exclusive United Club passes each year, and if you have a personal United card, you'll receive a 5,000-mile birthday bonus.
However, there are some things to keep in mind. There is a $100 annual credit, but it requires seven separate United travel-related purchases of $100 or more per account anniversary year. So don't count that as a value unless you fly United seven times a year.
- Initial Balance Transfer APR
- N / D
- Introductory Purchase APR
- N / D
- common TAE
- 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5% of the value of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on United® purchases, restaurants including eligible delivery services, gas stations, office supply stores, and local and public transportation.
1x
Earn 1 mile per US dollar spent on all other purchases.
common questions
Our general recommendation is to use a co-branded airline credit card (such as a Chase United card) as a companion card to a travel rewards credit card and/or flat rate refund credit card. In most cases, it doesn't make sense to use one as your primary rewards credit card or to put most of your spending on one card.
The best travel rewards credit cards in most cases offer more versatile rewards points and better rewards, making them the best option for most travel purchases.
But adding a co-branded airline credit card can still add value when you factor in annual credits and free checked bags. For this reason, it's usually best to think of your airline credit card as a "free baggage pass" or "lounge membership" rather than a typical rewards credit card.
Several Chase United credit cards offer rewards for "local transportation and commuting," which Chase defines as "commuter rail, buses, taxis, limousines, carpooling, ferries, bridges and toll roads, parking lots and garages."
As a general rule, we do not recommend using your Chase United credit card for large purchases outside of United flights, as other reward credit cards tend to offer better overall value. However, if you decide to use it for transit or commuting, it's helpful to understand these purchase categories.
A travel companion is defined as someone traveling with you on the same booking.
The editorial content on this site is based solely on the objective and independent assessments of our authors and is not influenced by advertising or associations. It was not provided or ordered by a third party. However, we may receive compensation if you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Written by
Joe VanBruselas
contributor
Read more from Joe
Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he decodes thinly veiled credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers really know what's in their wallets. He also looks at other aspects of personal finance, from credit and life insurance to tax software, and the impact of broader economic trends on people. Joe believes that the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime and wants New York City apartments to be equipped with thick, noise-reducing windows as standard.