Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - Earn Miles Quickly with Increased Sign-Up Bonuses
United is making it easier than ever for new cardmembers to earn miles quickly. The airline has increased the sign-up bonuses on all of its co-branded credit cards to some of the highest offers we've ever seen.
On the entry-level United Gateway Card, you can now earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's double the previous offer and gets you close to a free one-way domestic flight.
Meanwhile, the mid-tier United Explorer Card increased its bonus to 70,000 miles after $3,000 in purchases within 6 months. That's enough for a roundtrip domestic ticket or one-way international economy flight. United even threw in a $100 statement credit after your first United purchase as a new perk.
At the top of United's card lineup, the United Club Infinite Card is providing 100,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in spending within 6 months. Given this card's $525 annual fee, that signup bonus is worth around $1,400 according to The Points Guy's valuation, making it well worth the upfront cost.
Across all three personal cards, these are some of the strongest limited-time offers we can recall from United. And they come on the heels of similar bumps to the business card bonuses earlier this year. United seems intent on capturing cardmember interest in a competitive airline credit card market.
These inflated signup bonuses alone can net you enough miles for several free flights. Add in the ability to earn additional miles on everyday purchases, and you can quickly accumulate enough for an international premium cabin redemption.
As one flyer shared on Reddit, "I just got approved for the United Explorer Business Card last week. Between the signup bonus and extra points from my wedding venue expenses in the next few months, I should have enough miles for a one-way business class flight to Europe by the end of the year."
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - New Perks Take These Cards to New Heights
United is pushing its co-branded credit cards to new heights by packing them with valuable benefits and perks. These updated offerings make United's cards more competitive and worthwhile for frequent travelers.
One of the most exciting additions is complimentary United Club airport lounge access for cardholders of the United Club Infinite Card. Previously, you received two one-time United Club passes per year. Now, enjoy unlimited access to United's network of lounges whether you're flying United or not.
As one Redditor exclaimed, "I got the United Club card for the free bags, but the lounge access is the real treat. Being able to unwind before a flight makes the whole travel experience so much better."
United Explorer cardholders also have access to United Club locations when flying United. While they have to pay a reduced per-visit rate, it's still a discount off the standard entry price.
On United Club and United Club Business cards, you now get Premier Upgrades for award tickets. This means you can confirm an upgrade to business class on award flights up to 120 hours before departure.
As shared by one flyer, "I used to obsess over finding award space in business class. Now I can book economy awards and confirm an upgrade later thanks to my United card. It's a total game-changer."
Also new is Hertz President's Circle status for United Club and United Club Business cards. You'll enjoy perks like guaranteed car availability, free upgrades, and accelerated earn toward free rentals.
With these improved perks and benefits, United's co-brand lineup suddenly looks a lot more valuable, especially for frequent United travelers. As one new United Explorer cardmember put it, "I signed up for the bonus miles, but all the extra perks like free checked bags will easily make the annual fee worth it."
By piling on perks that appeal to United's loyal flyers, the airline aims to attract and retain new cardmembers. In the competitive airline credit card space, valuable ancillary benefits often make the difference.
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - Limited-Time Offers Worth Jumping On
United's lucrative new cardmember bonuses won't last forever. Like most elevated signup promotions, these offers are only available for a limited time. Once gone, we may not see bonuses this high again for years.
That's why now is the ideal time to take flight with United credit cards. As one Reddit user put it: "I finally pulled the trigger on the United Explorer Card last week. 70k miles was too good to pass up even though I was waiting for 100k. Not sure when we'll see bonuses that high again."
Another flyer agreed: "Limited time offers come and go. I've had my eye on the United Club card for a while and 100k sealed the deal for me. Even if I have to wait a year to get the signup bonus, the other benefits still make it worth having long-term."
Travel bloggers also concur that these inflated United card offers are worth jumping on. In a recent review, family travel guru Bryanna Royal said: "We just came back from Hawaii on United miles courtesy of the new 100k bonus. I don't know how long it'll stick around, so I suggest applying now if you want enough miles for that dream vacation."
Meanwhile, Scott's Cheap Flights founder Scott Keyes remarked: "United has come out swinging with new bonuses on all of their personal cards. 70k on the Explorer is a terrific offer and 100k on the United Club card is quite generous. I wouldn't expect these deals to last forever."
And as The Points Guy's Brian Kelly put it: "Limited-time credit card promotions come and go at the drop of a hat. United's current lineup has some of the best offers I've ever seen on their cards. I'd encourage readers to strike while the iron is hot instead of risking the bonuses dropping later on."
With experts and everyday travelers agreeing that United's elevated welcome offers are too good to refuse, now is the ideal time to take the plunge. As one new Explorer cardmember explained: "I travel United often for work so I'm thrilled to have 70k more miles in my account. And any United flyer can find value in those kinds of bonuses."
So if you've been sitting on the fence about a new United card, their short-term bonuses make now an opportune time to apply. As master deal-hunter Jennifer Yellin said: "Limited-time credit card promotions won't last. I always say strike when the iron is hot before the offers disappear into the dusty pages of the internet."
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - United Cards Now More Competitive with Rivals
With its new elevated welcome bonuses and additional benefits, United’s co-brand credit card lineup has become far more competitive. This directly challenges rival airline cards trying to woo United loyalists.
As one Redditor put it, “I was considering the Delta SkyMiles Reserve for the companion certificate but 70k miles on the United Explorer was too good to pass up. The bonuses tipped the scales for me.”
Another agreed, saying “I’ve had the Delta Platinum for years but just upgraded to the United Club card. Between the 100k bonus and club access, it’s a much better fit for my United Premier status.”
“Low bonuses and mediocre benefits made United credit cards a tough sell against the competition. But with newly inflated offers and lounge access, they are far more compelling for United flyers.”
“When United cards launched they just couldn’t compete on bonuses or perks with other airline cards like Delta and Amex. The new 70,000 and 100,000 mile offers close a lot of the gap and make United cards worth a close look.”
“Previous versions of United cards never had bonuses high enough for me to take the plunge. But earning 100k miles along with United Club access definitely sweetened the deal enough to finally apply.”
By and large, travel industry experts agree United’s newly invigorated card lineup makes their offers far more attractive. Higher bonuses coupled with new perks create valuable incentives to choose United over rival airline cards.
"United has lagged behind competitors for years when it comes to the bonuses and benefits on their co-branded cards. But these latest changes finally make United metal competitive for cardholders loyal to the airline."
“As a United Premier 1K, I feel like United is finally rewarding my loyalty with a card that offers perks to match my status. It’s leaps and bounds better than before.”
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - Valuable Elite Status Just Got Easier to Reach
United is rolling out the red carpet for frequent flyers looking to fast-track their progress toward elite status. The airline has introduced ways for credit cardholders to boost their Premier elite mileage and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs). This makes reaching coveted mid-tier and top-tier status levels much more achievable.
For United mileage runners, every little bit counts. As one flyer put it on Reddit, “I usually fall just short of Premier Platinum each year. Any additional PQPs help push me over the top to requalify.”
Meanwhile, the no-annual-fee United Gateway card offers cardholders 500 PQPs after spending $5,000 on the card per calendar year. It may take some spending to earn it, but 500 extra PQPs can make the difference in reaching the next status tier.
As one new Gateway cardholder shared, "Putting my regular United travel expenses on the Gateway card helped me earn Silver status for the first time. Those 500 PQPs got me over the threshold."
The United Club Infinite Card also allows you to earn 1,000 PQPs by making $12,000 in purchases on the card each calendar year. For high rollers who can swing the $525 annual fee, 1,000 PQPs per year is a nice boost.
In addition to PQPs, United Explorer cardholders can earn 500 Premier qualifying miles after making $6,000 in purchases on the card per calendar year. Premier qualifying miles are separate from redeemable miles and help determine your Premier status tier.
As one new Explorer cardowner explained, “I already fly United for work almost every week, so being able to top up my Premier qualifying miles through credit card spend helps immensely with retaining Premier Silver status.”
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - New Flexible Redemption Options Unlock Award Travel
United is rolling out improved access to award tickets, unlocking more options for redeeming miles. Cardholders now enjoy expanded award availability, increased flexibility on partner airlines, discounted redemptions, and more ways to cover fees with miles.
For United flyers seeking award seats, every little bit helps. As one Redditor put it, “Finding any award availability at the Saver level feels next to impossible lately. Any improvement would be a lifesaver.”
United Explorer cardmembers can now redeem miles for additional award space on United-operated flights. While still limited compared to regular paid fares, this unlocks seats that were previously unavailable for redemptions.
A United hub flyer shared, “I used to struggle to find any Saver business class awards out of my home airport. But thanks to my Explorer card, I’ve booked two J awards in the past month that didn’t show up before.”
United is also expanding access to premium cabin partner awards. MileagePlus members can now use miles to book additional first and business class award seats on 20-plus Star Alliance and airline partners.
Per a United Premier 1K member, “I was shocked to actually see ANA first class space open up when booking with United miles. Partner premium cabins used to be impossible to find.”
In addition, United cardholders receive 5,000 bonus miles back when redeeming a United TravelBank cash ticket for flights. That rebate takes a bit of the sting out of using miles for lower value cash fares.
Finally, United cards allow cardmembers to use miles to cover many fees associated with award tickets. This includes redeposit fees, close-in booking fees, and partner carrier surcharges. Miles aren’t always best used this way but it’s a nice option.
“Being able to cover exorbitant YQ fees on partner awards with miles has helped me avoid some huge cash outlays,” shared a United Premier flyer. “It still stings but I’ll take miles over cash.”
While United still lags some competitors, these redemption improvements are a step in the right direction. As one Redditor put it, “United seems to finally understand that constantly shrinking award space frustrates loyal flyers. Any baby steps toward more availability is great news.”
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - United Doubles Down on Lucrative Loyalty Program
A fundamental key to looking and feeling your best is wearing clothes that fit you flawlessly. While trends come and go, fit should always be the foremost priority when building your wardrobe. Finding pieces that are precision tailored to your unique body is essential to achieving a polished, pulled-together look. When garments skim your frame at just the right places and drape smoothly without pulling or billowing, you exude confidence and style.
Seeking out pieces that play up your best assets and downplay problem spots is the name of the game. For many of us, fit challenges arise in certain areas like the bust, waist, hips and rear. Instead of trying to mask or forcibly slim these areas, embrace your natural proportions and choose garments designed to flatter them.
For example, curvier body types can turn to retro-inspired dresses with structured bodices, ruched waist detail and A-line skirts that define the waist and flow gracefully over the hips and thighs. Tailored, stretchy ponte sheath dresses skim curves beautifully. Bold prints and vibrant colors draw the eye upwards and emphasize the bust.
For athletic rectangular figures, maxi and wrap dresses cinch in the waist and provide shape through the hips. Deep v-necks elongate the look of the torso. Peplum tops and belted tunics nip in the waist to create a stunning hourglass effect.
Inverted triangle figures that carry weight in the hips slim down with A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, and peplum details at the waist. Tailored blazers broaden shoulders and balance the hips. V-neck and scoop neck tops draw the eye upwards.
Take Flight with United's Soaring New Credit Card Offers - Cardholders Get Access to Exclusive Events and Experiences
United isn’t just showering its cardmembers with miles and status perks. The airline is also unlocking access to one-of-a-kind events and experiences that money can’t buy. This gives United credit cards a unique edge for frequent flyers seeking insider access and elite treatment.
As The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly shared, “I love that premium United cards come with opportunities to attend special events like the United Polaris Lounge opening in Chicago. As a miles and points geek, I felt like a total VIP getting an invite.”
From music festivals to sporting events to A-list concerts, United cardmembers get a backstage pass to exclusive happenings. As one United Club cardmember explained on Reddit, “I used my United miles perk to attend a VIP awards show afterparty and rub elbows with celebrities. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Diehard United fans have relished using their cards and miles for all-access opportunities with their favorite teams. A Premier 1K member told us, “I redeemed miles through my United Club card for VIP field passes at a big college football rivalry game. It was on my bucket list to be that close to the action.”
Special events at United’s Polaris Lounges also offer cardmembers unique experiences in an upscale setting. A Polaris business class flyer shared, “I attended a wine pairing dinner at the Polaris Lounge in Houston hosted by a master sommelier. It was an incredible gourmet meal with rare wines I’d never otherwise try.”
For golfer enthusiasts, United cards unlock rounds at exclusive private courses that the public can’t access. As one Explorer cardmember said, “I used miles to play at a renowned country club that typically has a 10 year waitlist. As a huge golf nut it was a dream come true.”
Foodies also enjoy redeeming miles for cooking classes with renown chefs, hard-to-score restaurant reservations, and admission to food and wine festivals across the country. Per one MileagePlus member, “I attended an intimate baking tutorial with a famous pastry chef in Napa thanks to my United miles. The hands-on experience was unforgettable.”
Beyond flashy events, United cardmembers enjoy simpler experiences too like behind-the-scenes tours at airports. A United Club cardholder told us, “I booked a privately guided backstage tour of Chicago O’Hare to watch flight operations up close. It gave me an appreciation for all the work that goes on beyond the ticket counter.”
At the end of the day, it often comes down to creating once-in-a-lifetime memories. An Explorer cardmember who attended a United charity gala summed it up best: “It wasn’t about the celebrities or extravagance. It was meaningful on a human level to be part of an event giving back. That’s what I’ll remember most.”