United Airlines Cards: which is the best one?

The United Airlines credit cards are great options to start earning more miles when using your credit card, so, you might want to check out what’s available here.

So, we’re doing a quick and objective review on its mileage program and the best United Airlines credit cards. Let’s get started! You’ll see:

1. MileagePlus by United Airlines: how it works
2. United Explorer Visa Credit Card
3. Gateway Visa Credit Card
4. Quest Visa Credit Card

United Airlines MileagePlus: how it works

First, the United Airlines mileage program is quite standart: you can earn miles by booking flights and using a credit card and redeem them for travel benefits, including tickets and accomodations.

Second, it’s worth mentioning that miles never expire with the MileagePlus program, and there’s several ways to use your miles, such as:

• Hotel bookings.
• Shopping and gift cards.
• Experiences (concerts, movies etc.)
• Buying Apple products.
• Broadway shows.
• Car rental.

So, if you’re a frequent traveler, then having a credit card that gives you more miles and travel benefits can be of great advantage, and United Airlines has its own credit cards. 

United Explorer Visa Credit Card

The United Explorer Card is among the best credit cards in the Travel category, as you get a 70,000 miles bonus upon spending 3,000 on the first 6 months. 

Some quick facts:

• $0 intro annual fee ($95 after the first year).
• Visa Signature benefits.
• 2x miles on United purchases, dining and hotels.
• Earn 1x mile on all other purchases, made anywhere.
• 25% back on United inflight purchases.
• 70,000 bonus miles.
• Free first checked bag.
• Priority boarding.

United Gateway Visa Credit Card

The United Gateway credit card also offers bonus points and zero annual fee forever, earning you as much miles as the Explorer. Check it out:

• Zero annual fee.
• 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations and local transit and commuting .
• 1x mile on all other purchases.
• Intro 0% APR for 12 months.
• 17.99%-24.99% APR.
• 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on the first 3 months.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Visa Signature benefits.

Application for the United Gateway credit card can also be done online and approval is somewhat easier. Check your pre-qualification with no risk to credit!

United Quest Visa Credit Card

With a higher annual fee, the United Quest Card earns you more miles per dollar spent and a bigger bonus:

• $250 annual fee.
• Visa Signature benefits.
• 3x miles on United purchases.
• 2x miles on travel services, dining and streaming services.
• 1x mile on all other purchases.
• $125 annual purchase credit statement.
• 80,000 bonus points.
• 3,000 Premier qualifying points. 

Which United Airlines card is the best one?

It all comes down to the annual fee and to how much you usually spend monthly on your credit card.

Therefore, the United Explorer credit card can be highlighted as the main option here, as you can enjoy a year without annual fees while enjoying the best mileage bonus.

Finally, make sure to check our full review for the United Explorer before applying and make sure to register it to Visa’s fidelity program to enjoy more travel benefits.