For 16 years, United’s MileagePlus® loyalty program has been voted as the best overall frequent-flyer program in the world, based on frequent travelers surveys by Global Traveler. Building on one of the industry’s strongest co-branded card portfolios―with seven consecutive quarters of double-digit year-over-year growth―Chase, Visa and United Airlines are extending their credit card program collaboration into 2029.
The MileagePlus® loyalty program has been making splashes in the world of rewards for over three decades now. United MileagePlus credit card holders can enjoy bonuses of 60,000 bonus miles or more (after qualified purchases in the first three months), bonus miles for United purchases, restaurants, hotel accommodation, as well as access to perks that make any trip ever so more enjoyable, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, increased mileage earn on every day spending, free and discounted CLEAR memberships. The miles never expire.
The new extension agreement confirms United will remain as a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, Chase points currently transfer to United at a 1:1 ratio. “The program has deep cardmember loyalty and fantastic momentum, with exciting new offerings and experiences for our customers to look forward to in 2020 and beyond,” promises Ed Olebe, president of Chase Co-Brand Cards.
Here are two of our top picks from the United MileagePlus credit card portfolio:
United℠ Explorer Card has been awarded as the best frequent-flyer affinity credit card redemption for five consecutive years.
The card offers 60,000 intro bonus miles (after you make purchases totaling $3,000 or more during the first 3 months after opening the account) and $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95). Various rewards and perks United Explorer card holders can take advantage of are designed with travelers needs in mind. For example, as a card holder one can enjoy up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit, priority boarding privileges, visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for one’s anniversary, earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and on hotel stays, save up to $120 per roundtrip with FREE first checked bag (when you use your Card to purchase the ticket), and receive 25% back on United inflight purchases.
United℠ Business Card offers a generous 100,000 intro bonus miles (after $10,000 in purchases in the first 3 months).
As United Business Card holder you’ll be treated to a priority boarding, no foreign transaction fees, 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and 25% back on United inflight purchases. You will also earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on local transit and commuting (train tickets, taxi cabs, mass transit, tolls and ride share services). There are a few new benefits that are attention-worthy, such as $100 annual United travel credit after 7 flight purchases of $100 or more and “better together” bonus (5,000 miles when you have United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United credit card).
The multi-year extension of the United MileagePlus credit card program by United Airlines, Chase Card Services and Visa promises even more travel bonuses and experiences to look forward to in the coming year. Stay tuned for new rewards announcements and updates on www.TheCreditShifu.com.
