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Best United Credit Cards for March 2024

These airline credit cards will make your United flights more comfortable and rewarding.

  • CNET'S PICK
    CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    9/10
    Annual Fee $250
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 3x 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.; 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.; 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
    Intro offer available Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    5/10
    Annual Fee $0
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
    Intro offer available Earn 20,000 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. Learn more.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    8.25/10
    Annual Fee $525
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 4x Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases; Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
    Intro offer available Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    6/10
    Annual Fee $0 Intro for First Year, then $95.
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases; 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
    Intro offer available Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    8/10
    Annual Fee $99
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting.; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
    Intro offer available Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

There are a number of good co-branded credit card options for those who fly United. The best choice will depend on your travel habits: Do you always check a bag? Do you love the serenity of an airport lounge? And how frequently do you fly?

Some of these cards offer some valuable credits, as well as perks like free checked bags and United Club membership, which offers airport lounge access around the world. They also offer decent rewards on spending, but we view those rewards as more of a way to earn some extra miles when buying tickets. For other purchases, more general credit cards for everyday use typically offer better overall value than airline credit cards.

If you fly United at least a few times a year, there’s likely a Chase co-branded card that offers additional comfort and net savings through your travels.

CNET’S PICK
9/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards Rate
1x – 3x 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.; 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.; 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable

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. Though it has a $250 annual fee, there are some annual credits that help offset it -- up to a $125 United purchase credit that’s applied automatically toward the first $125 of United spending each year, and two 5,000-mile annual credits you’ll receive after booking a United flight (terms apply).

Add on top four free checked bags (two for the primary cardholder and two for a travel companion on the same reservation) each trip, 3x miles on United purchases, and a 60,000-mile welcome bonus and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, and you’ve got a lot of potential value.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.
2x
2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.
1x
1 mile per $1 spent 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. Though it has a $250 annual fee, there are some annual credits that help offset it -- up to a $125 United purchase credit that’s applied automatically toward the first $125 of United spending each year, and two 5,000-mile annual credits you’ll receive after booking a United flight (terms apply).

Add on top four free checked bags (two for the primary cardholder and two for a travel companion on the same reservation) each trip, 3x miles on United purchases, and a 60,000-mile welcome bonus and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, and you’ve got a lot of potential value.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.
2x
2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all other travel.
1x
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
5/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 20,000 bonus miles Earn 20,000 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. Learn more.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1x – 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable

If you balk at the idea of paying for a credit card, the Gateway offers United fliers a means of boosting their miles when buying United tickets, without the hassle of an annual fee. You won’t get the perks and credits of the other Chase United credit cards, but the welcome offer of 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months is all upside.

Remember to pay it off every month so you’re not paying interest fees, and otherwise you can take advantage of the discounted United in-flight purchases (25% back as a statement credit), and 2x miles on United purchases.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
1x
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

If you balk at the idea of paying for a credit card, the Gateway offers United fliers a means of boosting their miles when buying United tickets, without the hassle of an annual fee. You won’t get the perks and credits of the other Chase United credit cards, but the welcome offer of 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months is all upside.

Remember to pay it off every month so you’re not paying interest fees, and otherwise you can take advantage of the discounted United in-flight purchases (25% back as a statement credit), and 2x miles on United purchases.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
1x
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
8.25/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 80,000 bonus miles Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$525
Rewards Rate
1x – 4x Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases; Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
800 – 850 Excellent
APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable

There are more than 45 United Club airport lounge locations across the globe, and a standard annual membership costs $650. So if you typically purchase an annual membership or would like to, the Chase United Club credit card offers United Club membership. Note that a onetime pass costs $59 per person, so make sure to think about how often you plan on visiting a lounge if that’s your primary motivation for signing up for the Chase United Club card.

On top of Club membership, cardholders get 4x Miles on United purchases and an 80,000-mile welcome offer after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
4x
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
1x
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

There are more than 45 United Club airport lounge locations across the globe, and a standard annual membership costs $650. So if you typically purchase an annual membership or would like to, the Chase United Club credit card offers United Club membership. Note that a onetime pass costs $59 per person, so make sure to think about how often you plan on visiting a lounge if that’s your primary motivation for signing up for the Chase United Club card.

On top of Club membership, cardholders get 4x Miles on United purchases and an 80,000-mile welcome offer after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
4x
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
1x
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
6/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus miles Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee
$0 Intro for First Year, then $95.
Rewards Rate
1x – 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases; 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable

The Explorer is a bit of an awkward middle child in Chase’s United lineup, but it does offer particular value for solo travelers or those traveling with one other person. If two people on the same reservation both check a bag, you could save up to $140 each round-trip ticket given United’s typical $35 checked-bag fee.

Explorer cardholders also get two United Club onetime passes each year, so if you like United Clubs but don’t use them enough to justify a Chase United Club credit card, that could be a valuable perk.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
1x
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

The Explorer is a bit of an awkward middle child in Chase’s United lineup, but it does offer particular value for solo travelers or those traveling with one other person. If two people on the same reservation both check a bag, you could save up to $140 each round-trip ticket given United’s typical $35 checked-bag fee.

Explorer cardholders also get two United Club onetime passes each year, so if you like United Clubs but don’t use them enough to justify a Chase United Club credit card, that could be a valuable perk.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
1x
1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
8/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 100,000 bonus miles Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards Rate
1x – 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting.; Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable

The Chase United Business credit card is good for people who fly United on business trips. You’ll get one free checked bag each flight (two if you’re traveling with a companion on the same reservation), and the welcome bonus is 100,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. You also get two United Club onetime passes each year, and if you have a personal United card, you get a 5,000-mile anniversary bonus.

However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. There’s a $100 annual credit, but it requires seven separate United travel-related purchases of $100 or more each account anniversary year, so don’t count that as value unless you fly United seven times a year.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting.
1x
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

The Chase United Business credit card is good for people who fly United on business trips. You’ll get one free checked bag each flight (two if you’re traveling with a companion on the same reservation), and the welcome bonus is 100,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. You also get two United Club onetime passes each year, and if you have a personal United card, you get a 5,000-mile anniversary bonus.

However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. There’s a $100 annual credit, but it requires seven separate United travel-related purchases of $100 or more each account anniversary year, so don’t count that as value unless you fly United seven times a year.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting.
1x
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What makes a good airline credit card?

A good airline credit card will offer worthwhile perks with the branded airline, rewards with enough value to cover flights throughout the year and time-saving amenities like TSA PreCheck credits, priority boarding or airport lounge access.

How to choose the right United card for you

The right United card for you will depend on your travel habits and lifestyle. United offers a number of cards across varying annual fee levels. The higher fee cards will offer better perks and rewards, but you’ll need to be able to get enough from its perks to make the cost worthwhile.

The United Quest Card, for example, costs $250 annually. However, it comes with up to a $125 United purchase credit annually, free first and second-checked bags and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year. If you can utilize all of that, its annual cost will be easy to justify.

United has some other perks that keep it competitive, too. “The United Explorer Card offers two one-time lounge passes per year,” credit expert Aaron Hurd said. “Most other airline credit cards don’t offer lounge access at this price point. 

“However, don’t use the lounge access passes at the first opportunity,” he said. “Instead, use them if your travel gets disrupted. Airport lounges frequently have well-trained agents who can help you get rebooked faster than standing in line at the gate or waiting on hold for a call center.”

How to apply for a credit card

Follow these steps to apply for a new credit card:

  1. Find a card that matches your needs and travel budget. Once you find a card that’s a good fit, you can follow the links above to the card issuer’s site.
  2. Fill out the application with the required personal and financial information. You’ll need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, income, and your rent or mortgage payment, among other things.
  3. You should hear back instantly with the card issuer’s decision. If you don’t, the issuer will likely reach out for clarification or to get more information. Otherwise, you’ll receive a letter in the mail detailing why you’ve been denied.

FAQs

Our general recommendation is to use an airline co-branded credit card (like a Chase United card) as a supplemental card to a travel rewards credit card and/or a flat-rate cash back 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.

The best travel rewards credit cards offer more versatile rewards points and better rewards, in most cases, so they’re usually the best for most travel purchases.

But adding an airline co-branded credit card could still provide value, when considering the annual credits and free checked bags. That’s why it’s usually best to think about your airline credit card as a “free bag pass” or “lounge membership” more than a typical rewards credit card.

Several of the Chase United credit cards offer spending rewards for “local transit and commuting,” which Chase defines as “passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, rideshare, ferries, toll bridges and highways, parking lots and garages.”

As a general rule, we don’t recommend using your Chase United credit card for much spending outside of United flights, since other rewards credit cards tend to offer better overall value. But if you do decide to use it for transit or commuting, understanding those purchase categories is helpful.

A travel companion is defined as someone who’s traveling with you on the same reservation.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he deciphers obfuscatory credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers actually know what belongs in their wallet. He also covers other aspects of personal finance, from life insurance and loans to tax software and the impact of broader economic trends on individuals. Joe believes the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime, and wishes New York City apartments came standard with thick, noise-reducing windows.
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.