Best United Credit Cards of April 2026
-
Written by
Ben Luthi
-
Edited by
Emily Gadd, CCC™
United MileagePlus is United’s airline loyalty program, offering frequent flyers many advantages, including a decent redemption value and a broad worldwide network of flights. Using a United credit card is one of the best ways to rack up miles to earn award flights.
You may also enjoy a handful of perks to help you save money and elevate your travel experience. And, as of April 2026, having a co-branded United credit card can unlock higher earning rates on United flights and award flight discounts.
As you get started on your search, here are our picks for the best credit cards for United miles.
400+ Credit Cards
Analyzed independently across 50+ data points in 30+ product categories
Reviewed
By a team of credit card experts with an average of 9+ years of experience
Trusted by
More than one million monthly readers seeking unbiased credit card guidance
CardCritics™ editorial team is dedicated to providing unbiased credit card reviews, advice and comprehensive comparisons. Our team of credit card experts uses rigorous data-driven methodologies to evaluate every card feature, fee structure and rewards program. In most instances, our experts are longtime members or holders of the very programs and cards they review, so they have firsthand experience maximizing them. We maintain complete editorial independence — our ratings and recommendations are never influenced by advertiser relationships or affiliate partnerships. You can learn more about our editorial standards, transparent review process and how we make money to understand how we help you make informed financial decisions.
Quick Overview: Best United Credit Cards
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Casual or Frequent United Flyers |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
|
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 |
Free first checked bag when flying United
Full Review
More Details
|
|
Frequent United Flyers Who Check Bags |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
|
$350 |
Two free checked bags when flying United
Full Review
More Details
|
|
United Loyalists Who Want Lounge Access |
Excellent
720 – 850*
|
$695 |
United Club membership
Full Review
More Details
|
|
Occasional United Flyers |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
|
$0 |
In-flight discounts
Full Review
More Details
|
| Travel |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
|
$95 |
Incredible rewards redemption value and a welcome bonus worth up to $1,312 in Travel Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Your points are worth up to 75% more when you redeem them through Chase Travel, making this bonus worth up to $1,312.50.
Apply Now
More Details
|
Detailed Overview: Best United Credit Cards
Top Feature
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.74% – 28.24% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
3x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
1x mile on all other purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United® purchases.
- 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Free first checked bag – a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United® flights.
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year – over a $100 value
- Over $500 in partner credits each year
- NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
- Member FDIC
Top Feature
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Purchase APR
19.74% – 28.24% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
5x miles on hotel stays at Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers when you prepay directly through Renowned Hotels and Resorts using your United Quest℠ Card.
4x miles on all other eligible United purchases
2x miles on all other travel, select streaming services and dining
1x mile on all other purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP
- NEW! 10x total miles on eligible United flights and 4x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 8 weeks of February 1, starting in the calendar year following your account open date.
- Free first and second checked bags–a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Receive a $200 United® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
- NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
- Member FDIC
Top Feature
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.74% – 28.24% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
5x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
2x miles on dining and all other travel
1x mile on all other purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP
- NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ card membership – at least a $750 value
- Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services.
- Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
- NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
- Member FDIC
Top Feature
Earn 30,000 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.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, then 19.74% – 28.24% Variable APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Earn 2x miles on all other eligible United purchases
Earn 2x miles on gas stations, local transit and commuting
Earn 1x mile on all other purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
- 5x total miles on eligible United flights and 2x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- NEW! Save at least 10% on flights booked with miles after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
Top Feature
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.24% – 27.49% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
How To Choose the Best United Card for You
No United credit card is best suited for everyone, so it’s important to understand your needs and preferences to choose the right airline card for you. Here are some factors to keep in mind when comparing United credit cards.
Airline Loyalty
Co-branded airline credit cards offer some valuable perks when you fly, but they don’t offer a lot of flexibility with your rewards.
If you’re a dedicated United flyer, that might not be an issue. However, if you like to get the best possible price every time you fly or you want the flexibility to use your rewards for more than just flights, you might be better off with a general travel credit card. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns Ultimate Rewards® points you can transfer to United MileagePlus and other popular airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Travel Frequency
If you only travel once or twice a year, it may not make sense to get a dedicated United Airlines credit card. In this scenario, you may be better off with a general travel rewards credit card or even a cash-back credit card.
However, if you fly multiple times a year, the benefits you get from a United credit card may be well worth the annual fee.
Rewards Rates
Comparing rewards rates can give you an idea of how much you can earn with each card. In particular, pay attention to the bonus rewards categories and how they align with your spending habits.
Additionally, take a look at the welcome bonus offer to assess its value and the spending requirement to earn it.
Card Perks
In addition to the rewards program, it’s also important to compare the benefits each card offers. If you’re a frequent flyer, for instance, you may prefer the United Quest Card’s annual miles discounts and United travel credits.
However, if you also want a luxurious experience at the airport, it may be worth it to pay extra to get airport lounge access with the Chase United Club Card.
Whatever you do, make sure the value you get from the card’s benefits is enough to justify the annual fee.
Budget
Some of the best credit cards for United miles offer a lot of value, but that value can come at a cost. With the United Club Card, for instance, you’ll have a $695 annual fee. In comparison, the United Explorer Card charges a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.
As you compare your options, make sure that you can afford the card that you choose.
Pros and Cons of a United Credit Card
If you’re considering a co-branded United Airlines credit card, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages against a general travel card that offers access to United flights. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Pros
-
Valuable perks: If you’re loyal to United Airlines, you’ll enjoy some of the perks United cards provide, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, in-flight discounts, lounge access and Premier upgrades.
-
Accelerated earning: United credit cards offer MileagePlus miles on every purchase you make. What’s more, you may earn bonus miles on certain purchases, such as United flights, eligible hotel stays, gas, local transit, dining or streaming services.
- Fast track to elite status: Some co-branded credit cards offer Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) that you can use to earn United elite status. Depending on how high you climb in the status tiers, you may enjoy free upgrades, better boarding position, more miles on flight purchases and more. Read our guide to find out if the airline’s top-tier United Premier 1K status is worth it.
Cons
-
Limited flexibility: Rewards you earn with your card will be deposited directly into your United MileagePlus account, and you can only redeem your rewards through United. While the airline offers non-flight redemption options, you may not get as much value as you would from using your miles for flights and upgrades.
-
No fixed value: The value of your United miles varies depending on the details of your redemption, and unless you’re adept at maximizing rewards, you may be leaving value on the table.
- Potential for devaluation: Airlines like United occasionally make changes to their rewards program that reduce the value of the miles you’ve earned. If this happens, you won’t have the flexibility to use your rewards with a different program.
Alternatives To Consider
Whether you’re not sold on United Airlines as your primary airline or you simply want more flexibility with your travel rewards, here are some potential alternatives to consider.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card that offers solid rewards on travel and dining purchases. If you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase Travel℠ portal, you’ll normally get a value of 1 cent per point. However, Chase offers a Points Boost feature that can increase the value of your rewards up to 2 cents per point on certain redemptions.
You also have the option to transfer your Chase points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus. The card has a high $795 annual fee, but the Sapphire Reserve’s benefits offer over $1,500 in annual travel value. Here’s a guide to help you decide if the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth it for you.
Bilt Credit Cards
The Bilt Rewards program recently overhauled its credit card lineup, offering three new cards at various price points:
- Bilt Blue Card ($0 annual fee)
- Bilt Obsidian Card ($95 annual fee)
- Bilt Palladium Card ($495 annual fee)
The standout feature of these cards is the ability to pay rent with no transaction fees. However, they also earn Bilt Rewards points, which you can transfer to United MileagePlus (and many other partners) at a 1:1 ratio.
Capital One Venture Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a minimum of 2 Capital One miles per dollar on every purchase you make, maximum flexibility with travel redemptions and a modest annual fee of $95.
When you’re ready to travel, you may use miles to book through Capital One Travel, or you can use the card to book with your preferred travel provider and request a statement credit within 90 days of the transaction. You can also transfer your rewards to several Capital One airline and hotel loyalty partners. While United MileagePlus isn’t on the list, some of its partner airlines are.
American Express Platinum Card
If you want flexible travel rewards and elite-level perks, American Express Platinum Card®, an advertising partner, should be on your radar. The card’s earning rates aren’t very strong, but you can use your rewards to book travel through Amex, or you can transfer them to a long list of American Express partners, including some airlines that partner with United.
You’ll also get a suite of premium travel perks, including complimentary airport lounge access, elite status with select hotel and rental car brands, airline fee credits, CLEAR+ membership credits and many more. That said, the card’s annual fee is a steep $895, so it’s important to ensure the benefits are worth it.
What Credit Score Do You Need?
Credit score requirements can vary by card issuer and by the specific credit card you’re considering. In general, though, United credit cards and alternative travel cards typically require a good credit score or better.
According to FICO, good credit starts at a score of 670. However, credit card companies may have different standards. Before you apply for a credit card, it’s important to check your credit and, if necessary, take steps to improve it.
The information related to United℠ Explorer Card, United Gateway℠ Card, United Club℠ Card, United Quest℠ Card, United℠ Business Card, United Club℠ Business Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Bilt Blue Card, Bilt Obsidian Card and Bilt Palladium Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for these products.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best United Credit Cards
What is the best United Airlines credit card?
No United Airlines credit card is best suited for everyone, so it’s important to understand your budget, travel habits and preferences.
For example, frequent United flyers may prefer one of the airline’s co-branded cards to take advantage of United-specific perks. However, people who want more flexibility may opt for a general travel card that allows transfers to United MileagePlus or its partner airlines.
Which airline credit card is most worth it?
The right airline credit card for you will depend on your travel preferences and budget. While United cards offer a lot of value, it may make more sense to consider co-branded cards from other airlines if you’re loyal to, say, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines or American Airlines.
Alternatively, you may compare cards based on specific perks, such as lounge access.
How much are 60,000 United miles worth?
United MileagePlus miles don’t have a fixed value. However, experts estimate an average value of 1.1 to 1.35 cents per mile, which gives you between $660 and $810 in value.
However, the value of your rewards will depend on the details of your redemption. If you have flexibility with an upcoming trip, consider checking the cost for different dates and destinations.
Which United card gives you lounge access?
For unlimited access to the United Club airport lounge, you’ll need to have the United Club Card or United Club℠ Business Card.
If you don’t want to pay a hefty annual fee, though, the United Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card offer two one-time passes each year to the United Club.
What is the 5/24 rule for Chase?
The 5/24 rule is an unofficial application rule set by Chase, which issues the United Airlines credit cards.
It means that if you’ve opened five or more credit card accounts over the past 24 months, you typically won’t be approved for most Chase credit cards, even if you’re otherwise eligible. Note that this includes accounts where you’ve been added as an authorized user.
How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?
All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.