Chase and United Airlines launched the United Gateway℠ Card in October 2020, a $0-annual-fee card replacing the United℠ TravelBank Card. Unlike the old card, the United Gateway℠ Card allows cardholders to earn miles within the MileagePlus rewards program. As the only United card available to new applicants with a $0 annual fee, the new card is perfect for occasional travelers who want an airline card affiliated with United Airlines.

Existing United℠ TravelBank Card cardholders, as well as those with a legacy United Mileage Plus® Card , were transitioned to the United Gateway℠ Card in September 2020. Cardholders who previously had the United℠ TravelBank Card will retain any rewards earned on that card.

We highlight what we like about the United Gateway℠ Card, as well as what to watch out for, and present another United Airlines credit card as an alternative so you can decide which card is best for your travel needs.

• Sign-up bonus

  Earn 20,000 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.

• Rewards rate

  Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

  Redemption options for United MileagePlus miles include the following:

  • For flights on United and Star Alliance partner airlines
  • To upgrade your seat or a friend’s seat when flying
  • For cruises on more than 24 cruise lines
  • Hotel stays
  • Car rentals
  • To buy merchandise such as electronics and jewelry
  • Gift cards
  • To book “experiences” like concerts and sporting events

  You can also redeem 11,000 miles to apply for TSA Precheck, which normally costs $85. And you can transfer anywhere from 500 to 100,000 miles to another MileagePlus member.

• Annual fee

  If you fly United frequently enough to want an airline card, but not so often that it makes sense to pay for a more premium card, you’ll like the United Gateway℠ Card’s annual fee of $0.

• No priority boarding

  Many airline credit cards offer priority boarding as a benefit, but the United Gateway℠ Card does not.

• No waived checked bag fees

  Your first checked bag costs $35 when flying United in economy class, or $30 if you pay for the checked bag online at least 24 hours in advance of the flight. Many airline cards offer your first checked bag for free, which can result in substantial savings for frequent travelers. The United Gateway℠ Card does not come with that benefit, however.

• No airport lounge access

  If you need airport lounge access, don’t expect to find it on a $0-annual-fee card. Travelers hoping to relax at United Club lounges during layovers should look at the United℠ Explorer Card (two one-time passes), which has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, or the United Club℠ Infinite Card (unlimited access), which has a $525 annual fee, instead.

Compare it to the United℠ Explorer Card

How Does LendingTree Get Paid? How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

| Disclosures

United℠ Explorer Card

(0) Reviews

Apply Now

on Chase's secure site

United℠ Explorer Card

(0) Reviews

Intro Purchase APR N/A

Regular Purchase APR 18.74% - 25.74% Variable

Annual Fee $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95

Rewards Rate Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases… Read More

Highlights

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
• Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
• 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 Explorer Card
• Free first checked bags - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
• Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
• Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.

Typical Credit Needed

660 850

Show Detailsfor Citi Double Cash Card

Additionally, the United℠ Explorer Card offers a variety of valuable benefits, including a Global Entry or TSA Precheck fee credit, first checked bag free, priority boarding, two United Club one-time passes each anniversary, premier upgrades on award tickets and more.

Just know, the United℠ Explorer Card charges an annual fee after the first year of card membership of $0 intro for the first year, then $95.

Occasional travelers who enjoy flying on United or with partner airlines in the Star Alliance will find value in the United Gateway℠ Card — it earns miles in useful, everyday spending categories and charges a $0 annual fee.

However, more frequent travelers looking for valuable benefits may benefit from considering the United℠ Explorer Card instead.

While it does charge an annual fee ($0 intro for the first year, then $95), benefits including a free checked bag for you and one companion and reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every four years help you recoup that cost.

Meanwhile, travelers who aren’t regular United flyers should check out our list of best airline credit cards to find a card that fits their travel habits. And those who like flexibility in earning travel rewards may prefer a travel card not tied to any specific airline.

To see rates & fees for Delta SkyMiles^® Blue American Express Card please click here.