Rewards Plan
Sign up Bonus
Our Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- Rewards
- No Annual Fee
- No Elite Status Benefits
- Low Rewards Rate
Rewards Plan
Sign up Bonus
Our Rating
PROS
- Rewards
- No Annual Fee
CONS
- No Elite Status Benefits
- Low Rewards Rate
APR
21.99% – 28.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
0% Intro
12 months on purchases
Credit Requirements
Good - Excellent
- Our Verdict
- FAQ
The United Gateway Card is a basic airline rewards credit card offered by United Airlines and Chase. This card is designed for United Airlines customers who want to earn rewards and enjoy travel benefits without paying an annual fee.
The card comes with some modest benefits, including 25% back on in-flight purchases, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car insurance, extended warranty protection, and a complimentary one-year DashPass membership for DoorDash and Caviar.
Cardholders earn 2X per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting and 1X on all other purchases. There are no caps on the amount of miles that can be earned and the miles never expire as long as the card is active.
However, the points reward rate is low compared to other United cards and the set of travel benefits is limited. The card's rewards have limited flexibility, as they are tied to United Airlines and its partners. For those seeking more benefits and willing to pay an annual fee, upgrading to the United℠ Explorer Card might be a more suitable option.
Can I use the miles earned for travel with airlines other than United?
The miles earned with this card are primarily for use with United Airlines and its partners.
Does the card offer any travel-related insurance?
Yes, the card provides trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car insurance, and extended warranty protection.
Are there foreign transaction fees for using the card abroad?
No, the United Gateway℠ Card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Do cardholders get any statement credits for in-flight purchases?
Yes, there is a 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi aboard United-operated flights.
Is there a limit on the number of miles you can earn?
There is no specified limit on the number of miles you can earn with the United Gateway℠ Card.
Can I upgrade to a different United Airlines credit card later?
Yes, cardholders can consider upgrading to other United Airlines credit cards with additional benefits as their travel needs evolve.
In this Review
Estimating Your Rewards: A Practical Simulation
The rewards simulation table below shows the potential benefits of using the United Gateway card. It provides an overview of your estimated rewards based on general usage and spending across various categories.
While this simulation can help you better understand the potential benefits of this card, it's important to remember that the figures shown are only estimates and actual rewards may vary depending on your individual spending habits and other factors.
Spend Per Category | United Gateway Card |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 points |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| 4,000 points |
$5,000 – Airline | 10,000 points |
$3,000 – Hotels | 3,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 8,000 points |
Estimated Total Annual Points | 35,000 Points |
Pros and Cons
Just like any other credit card, the United Gateway card has some advantages and disadvantages:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
No Annual Fee | No Elite Status Benefits |
Rewards | Low Rewards Rate |
Sign-up bonus | No Companion Pass |
25% Back On Inflight Purchases | |
No Foreign Transaction Fees |
- No Annual Fee
The card has no annual fee, making it a good option for those who want to avoid paying a fee for a credit card.
- Rewards
The United Gateway card offers 2X per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting and 1X on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus
New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 25% Back On Inflight Purchases
If you use your Gateway Card to pay for food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights or Club premium drinks, you can receive 25% back as a statement credit.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
- No Elite Status Benefits
The United Gateway card doesn't offer any United elite status benefits, such as priority check-in or lounge access, which can be a drawback for frequent flyers.
- Low Rewards Rate
The card rewards are basic are lower compared to premium airline rewards cards.
- No Companion Pass or Baggage Fee Discounts
The card doesn't offer a companion pass, which allows a companion to fly for free. Also, unlike many travel cards – the card doesn't provide free baggage fee, and you'll need to pay a baggage fee based on United's terms.
Redeeming Points: Options for Cardholders
You can redeem United MileagePlus miles for a variety of rewards, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and more. Here are some of the most popular ways to redeem MileagePlus miles:
Book flights: You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines and its partner airlines. Award tickets start at 12,500 miles for a one-way domestic flight in economy class. You can also use your miles to upgrade to a higher class of service or book a hotel and flight package.
- Car rentals: You can use your miles to book car rentals from Hertz and other car rental companies.
Merchandise: You can redeem your miles for merchandise from the MileagePlus Shopping website, including electronics, home goods, and more.
- Hotel stays: You can redeem your miles for hotel stays at more than 400,000 properties worldwide through the MileagePlus Hotels program.
- Gift cards: You can exchange your miles for gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.
Experiences: You can use your miles to book unique experiences, such as concerts, sporting events, and vacation packages through the MileagePlus Exclusives program.
Keep in mind that the value of your miles can vary depending on how you redeem them, so it's important to compare the value of your miles to the cash price of the reward you want to redeem them for.
Evaluating Whether This Card is Right for You
Here are some specific situations in which you may want to consider the United Gateway Card:
You fly with United Airlines from time to time: If prefer United than other airline companies but not fly too much, the United Gateway Card can help you earn rewards on your flights and take advantage of travel benefits.
You want to earn rewards on gas: With the United Gateway Card, you can earn 2x miles per dollar spent on all gas purchases.
You want to avoid an annual fee: The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, which can make it a good option for those who don't want to pay for a credit card but still want to earn rewards.
You use the card only for airline benefits: the card doesn't offer high rewards rate on everyday spending. If it's not the primary card and you intend to use it only for airline purchases – it may be a good option.
How It Compared To Other United Cards?
The United Gateway℠ Card stands out for its $0 annual fee, making it an ideal choice for occasional travelers and those seeking to minimize costs while still enjoying United MileagePlus benefits. When comparing it to other United cards, the differences in benefits in signficiant – depends on the card.
The main competitor is the United℠ Explorer Card, with an annual fee of $95 ($0 first year), caters to a slightly more committed traveler. It offers enhanced rewards, including 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases. This card becomes particularly attractive for frequent travelers due to the inclusion of perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding.
For the avid United Airlines enthusiast seeking premium benefits, the United Quest℠ Card is a decent option. With an annual fee of $250, this card provides substantial rewards, including enhanced earning rates on United purchases, dining, and travel. It caters to those who travel extensively and can fully utilize benefits like two United Club one-time use passes per year, Global Entry/TSA Precheck statement credit, and up to $125 credit for United purchases.
Lastly, there is the United Club Infinite – this is the most luxuruous card by United, offering premium benefits such as United Club membership, free checked bags, IHG Platinum Elite status and more. However, the annual fee is high – $525.
Card | Rewards | Sign-up Bonus | Annual Fee | Up to 4x miles
4x miles on United Airlines purchases, 2x miles on all other travel purchases, dining and eligible delivery services and 1x miles on all other purchases
| 90,000 miles
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $525 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Up to 3x miles
3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
| 60,000 miles
60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
| $250 | ||
1X – 2X
2X per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting and 1X on all other purchases
| 20,000 miles
20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
| $0 | ||
United℠ Business Card | 1X – 2X
2X per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting and 1X on all other purchases
| 75,000 miles
50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
| $99 | |
1X – 2X
2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
| 50,000 miles
50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
| $95 ($0 first year) |
How To Apply For The United Gateway Card?
Here are the steps to apply for the United Gateway Card:
Go to the United Gateway Card application page: Start by navigating to the United Gateway Card application page on the Chase website.
Fill out the application: Provide your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number. You can also check if you are pre-approved to avoid hard inquiry.
Submit your application: Once you've completed the application, submit it for review. You should receive a decision within a few minutes.
Wait for your card to arrive: If your application is approved, your card will be sent to you in the mail. Once you receive it, activate it and start using it to earn rewards on your purchases.
It's important to note that approval for the United Gateway Card is not guaranteed and is subject to credit approval.
Compare United Gateway Card
The United Gateway and Explorer are two co-branded credit cards offered by Chase in partnership with United Airlines. Here's our winner.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Gateway have similar cashback rates and airline perks. Where does each card shine? Here's our comparison.
The AAdvantage MileUp is our winner, especially if you plan to use the card for more categories besides travel. Here's why.
United Gateway Card vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp : Comparison