Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » United Gateway Card 2024 Review
Advertiser Disclosure This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

United Gateway Card 2024 Review

The United Gateway Card is a basic airline rewards card. While there is no annual fee and rewards program, the benefits are limited.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: October 20, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: October 20, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

United Gateway Card

United Gateway card

Rewards Plan

1X – 2X 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

20,000 miles 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open

Our Rating

3.5
3.5/5

0% Intro

12 months on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

APR

21.99% – 28.99% variable
United Gateway Card

United Gateway card

Rewards Plan

1X – 2X 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

20,000 miles 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open

Our Rating

3.5
3.5/5

PROS

CONS

APR

21.99% – 28.99% variable

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

12 months on purchases

Credit Requirements

Good - Excellent

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.

United Gateway card

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

The card has no annual fee, making it a good option for those who want to avoid paying a fee for a credit card.

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.

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

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.

Get 25% back for United Inflight Purchases
Get 25% back for United Inflight Purchases (Photo by Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock)

The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.

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.

The card rewards are basic are lower compared to premium airline rewards cards.

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.

United compare flights price on calendar
Compare flights price in miles (screenshot taken by our team from United app)
  • 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.
redeem United miles for hotels
Redeem United miles for hotels (screenshot taken by our team from United app)
  • 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.

Book an experience with United miles
Book an experience with United miles (screenshot taken by our team from United app)

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

united infinite card

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

United Quest℠ Card

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

United Gateway card

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

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
united explorer
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:

  1. Go to the United Gateway Card application page: Start by navigating to the United Gateway Card application page on the Chase website.

  2. 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.

  3. Submit your application: Once you've completed the application, submit it for review. You should receive a decision within a few minutes.

  4. 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.

United Gateway vs United Explorer Card: How They Compare?

The Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Gateway have similar cashback rates and airline perks. Where does each card shine? Here's our comparison.

Delta SkyMiles Blue vs United Gateway: How They Compare?

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

Review Chase Credit Cards

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Search
Best Cards Per Category
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
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
Welcome Bonus:
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.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

#1 In credit Cards

Our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter for secret credit card tips, insider advice, and exclusive deals straight to your inbox

Start saving smarter with

Our Credit Card Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and gain access to expert advice,
insider knowledge, and exclusive offers

Sign Up for

Our Newsletter

Join our community for the latest credit card comparison tips, expert insights,
and special member-only perks.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.