United Gateway Card
Earn 40,000 miles and 2x on gas and transit with $0 annual fee
The United Gateway Card delivers 40,000 bonus miles after $1,000 spend in 3 months, worth about $480 in United flights at 1.2 cents per mile, with zero annual fee. Earn 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations and local transit, plus 25% back on United inflight purchases. A 0% intro APR for 12 months and no foreign transaction fees suit occasional United flyers.
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Welcome Bonus
- Up to 50,000 miles
- Top Rate
- 2X
Terms checked against the issuer on October 10, 2026
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Authorized User Fee
- $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- $0
- Network
- Visa Signature
- Rewards Currency
- United MileagePlus
- Point Valuation
- 1.2–1.2 cpp (mid: 1.2)
- Credit Required
- Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
Up to 50,000 miles
Earn 40,000 bonus United MileagePlus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Add an authorized user within the first 3 months and earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles. Combined, these bonuses are worth $600 in United flights when redeemed at 1.2 cents per mile.
- 40,000 miles after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- + 10,000 miles after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months
The total needs every stage above. Meet only the first and you earn 40,000 miles.
Earning Rates
- 2X
Gas Stations
2x miles at gas stations
- 2X
Ridesharing
2x miles on ridesharing
- 2X
Transit
2x miles on local transit and commuting
- 2X
United
2x miles on United purchases
- 2X
United
2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United purchases
- 1X
All Other
1X miles on all purchases
Earning Scenarios
2x Miles on United Purchases
Earn 2 miles per dollar on all United Airlines purchases including flights, seat selection, baggage fees, and inflight purchases. MileagePlus miles are worth approximately 1.2 cents each when redeemed for United flights.
Book a $600 United flight and earn 1,200 miles worth $14.40. Over 4 flights annually totaling $2,400, earn 4,800 miles worth $58.
2x Miles at Gas Stations
Earn 2 miles per dollar at gas stations.
Spend $200 monthly on gas to earn 400 miles per month, or 4,800 miles annually worth $58 in United flights.
2x Miles on Local Transit and Commuting
Earn 2 miles per dollar on local transit and commuting, including ride share services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls and mass transit.
Spend $50 on rideshare, $60 on public transit and $40 on tolls monthly. Earn 300 miles per month, or 3,600 miles annually worth $43.
1x Mile on All Other Purchases
Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases including dining, groceries, and online shopping. While not accelerated, this ensures every purchase builds your MileagePlus balance.
Spend $1,000 monthly on non-bonus categories to earn 12,000 miles annually worth $144 in United flights.
Benefits & Perks
Travel Benefits
3 perksGeneral Travel
Flights
Annual Credits & Statement Credits
2 credits0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
Pay no interest on purchases for the first year. Great for financing larger expenses while earning miles.
—
Annual
25% United inflight
Get 25% back as automatic statement credit on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi aboard United flights plus premium drinks at United Clubs.
—
Annual
Insurance & Protections
4 protectionsTrip cancellation coverage up to $6,000 per trip
Get reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for non-refundable travel expenses when trips are canceled for covered reasons.
Extended warranty adds 1 year to manufacturer warranty
Extends manufacturer's U.S. warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
Purchase protection up to $500 per item for 120 days
Get coverage for new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days after purchase, up to $500 per item.
Rental car insurance (secondary coverage)
Secondary collision coverage on car rentals up to 31 days. Personal auto insurance is primary.
Program & Transfers
MileagePlus
Your gateway to global Star Alliance travel
United MileagePlus is the loyalty program of United Airlines, serving millions of members with access to the Star Alliance network of 26 member airlines. As North America's largest Star Alliance carrier, United provides seamless earning and redemption opportunities across partners including Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada. The program uses a revenue-based earning model for United flights while offering fixed-rate awards on partner airlines. United operates extensive domestic and international networks with major hubs in Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Denver, Newark, and Washington Dulles. MileagePlus members earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) toward elite status, with benefits including complimentary upgrades, bonus earnings, and fee waivers. The program is recognized for excellent award availability, particularly in premium cabins on long-haul international routes. United partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards offering elevated earning rates, free checked bags, and priority boarding. Premium cards grant club lounge access and expanded award availability, making them valuable for frequent United flyers.
Program Ratings
Recent Changes & News
Starting February 2026, all Premier members are eligible for complimentary upgrades on award tickets, not just revenue tickets.
United announced PlusPoints upgrade costs will become demand-based starting February 2027, moving away from fixed costs per segment.
United removed all change and cancellation fees for MileagePlus award tickets, making speculative bookings risk-free.
MileagePlus now allows up to 5 members to pool miles in a shared account, though pooled miles can only be used on United flights, not partners.
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 17,200 | economy | United States |
| US to South America in Economy | 20,000 | economy | South America |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | economy | Europe |
| US to Southeast Asia in Economy | 39,200 | economy | Asia |
| US to South America in Business | 60,500 | business | South America |
| US to Europe in Business | 80,000 | business | Europe |
| US to Africa in Business (Partner) | 88,000 | business | Africa |
| Short-Haul US Domestic Economy | 5,000 | economy | United States |
| US to Mexico in Economy | 10,000 | economy | Central America |
| US Transcontinental Business/First | 30,000 | business | United States |
| US to Asia in Polaris Business | 100,000 | business | Asia |
Reviews & Analysis
Third-Party Rankings & Ratings
5 sourcesHow It Compares
The United Gateway Card earns 2x miles on gas and local transit in addition to United purchases with no annual fee. Compared to the United Explorer Card ($150 annual fee after a $0 first year), Gateway has no automatic free checked bags and no United Club passes, but it has no annual fee, which suits occasional United flyers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +No annual fee ever
- +No foreign transaction fees
- +2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit/rideshare
- +25% back on United inflight purchases and Club premium drinks
- +0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
- +Can unlock two first checked bag certificates, 8x total on United flights and 10% off awards after $10,000 annual spend
- +Product change path to Explorer, Quest, or Club Infinite
- +Low $1,000 spend requirement for the 40,000-mile welcome bonus
Cons
- -No automatic free checked bags (must spend $10K to unlock)
- -No priority boarding
- -Lower earn rates than premium United cards (2x vs 3x to 5x on United)
- -No Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- -No annual travel credits
- -No PQP earning toward Premier status
- -Limited travel protections compared to premium cards
Who It's Best For
Best For
- Occasional United flyers who want to earn miles without an annual fee
- Commuters who can leverage 2x on gas, transit, and rideshare
- Those new to United MileagePlus who want a low-commitment entry point
- Budget-conscious travelers seeking no foreign transaction fees
- High spenders who can unlock two free bags after $10K annual spend
Not Ideal For
- Frequent United flyers (Explorer, Quest, or Club Infinite offer more value)
- Travelers who regularly check bags (no automatic free bags)
- Those seeking airport lounge access
- People who want substantial travel credits or perks
- Award travelers wanting built-in redemption discounts (10% off awards unlocks only after $10,000 annual spend)
The Math: Is $0 Worth It?
First-year value includes $480 welcome bonus (first stage)
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$0
Annual Fee
-$0
Net Annual Value
+$0
Details & Terms
Application Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 24 from Bonus | If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus. |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
Payment Terms
| Purchase APR | 19.99%–28.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 28.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
FAQs
Do MileagePlus members get free bags?
You don’t get free bags just by being a MileagePlus member. You need United status or a credit card that includes free checked bags. Five of the six United cards offer at least one free bag, and all status tiers include the same perk. Premium cabin tickets also include at least two free bags.
How many MileagePlus miles do you need for a free flight?
You can find short-haul domestic flights for as low as 6300 miles one-way in the off-peak season. Since United uses dynamic pricing, award costs vary widely based on when you fly. Flights from the U.S. to Europe can occasionally be found for as little as 26,000 miles one-way.
Is a United Club subscription worth it?
A United Club membership costs $750, or 94,000 miles, so value depends on how often you fly United. Some United cards include passes, and the [United Club Business](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/united-club-card-business) card offers full membership. United Premier Gold members and higher also receive United Club access when traveling internationally.
How to earn United miles quickly?
The fastest way to earn United miles is to open a co-branded United credit card and meet the welcome offer requirement. The [United Club](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/united-club-infinite-card) and [United Club Business](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/united-club-card-business) cards both offer 80,000-mile bonuses, and we've seen offers reach 100,000. Other United cards offer bonuses up to 60,000 miles.
Do United miles expire?
No, United MileagePlus miles no longer expire. Your miles will remain in your account indefinitely, regardless of account activity. This is a major advantage over some competing programs.
Can you pool United miles with family members?
Yes, MileagePlus offers mileage pooling where up to five members can combine their miles into a shared pool. The pool leader must be at least 18 years old. However, pooled miles can only be used for award flights on United, not on partner airlines. Once contributed, miles cannot be withdrawn after 24 hours.
Media & Resources
Video Reviews
8 videosAre United Airlines Credit Cards Still Worth It? 2025 Refresh Review
My Full Review of the New United Airlines Credit Cards
The HUGE United Card Overhaul (Are The Cards Ruined?)
United Gateway Credit Card Review | United Gateway Card WORTH IT in 2024?!
United Gateway Card (OVERVIEW)
United Gateway Credit Card | Full Review | Increased Sign Up Offer
United Gateway Credit Card Review 2025 | Is It Worth It?
Third-Party Articles & Reviews
United Gateway Card review: Full details
Comprehensive review covering the 30,000-mile welcome bonus, 2x earning categories including gas and transit, 25% back on inflight purchases, and the $10,000 spending threshold for free checked bags. Analyzes whether the card justifies its no annual fee positioning for occasional United flyers.
United Gateway Card - Full Review [2026]
Complete 2026 review covering updated benefits including the two free checked bags after $10,000 spend, 25% back on inflight purchases, and 2x miles on gas and transit. Breaks down the math on whether the $10,000 spending threshold for checked bags provides value compared to the United Explorer Card.
United Gateway Card Review: No Annual Fee & 30K Bonus Miles
Expert analysis from Ben Schlappig covering the United Gateway Card's positioning in the United card lineup. Evaluates the 30,000-mile bonus, 2x earning categories, checked bag benefit threshold, and compares against the United Explorer and Quest cards for different traveler types.
United Gateway Review: A No-Fee Ticket to Airline Miles
In-depth analysis of the United Gateway Card's value proposition for casual travelers. Evaluates the 30,000-mile bonus, 2x earning on United, gas, and transit, and compares the card against other no-fee airline options. Discusses the 0% intro APR benefit and Visa Signature perks.
United Gateway Review: Travel Rewards, No Fee
Consumer-focused review analyzing the United Gateway Card's value for budget-conscious travelers. Covers the 30,000-mile welcome bonus, 2x miles on gas and transit, 25% back on inflight purchases, and the practical utility of the $10,000 checked bag threshold.
United Gateway Card Review
Bankrate's evaluation of the United Gateway Card covering the 30,000-mile welcome bonus, 2x earning on gas and transit, and the $10,000 threshold for checked bag certificates. Includes Bankrate's star rating and comparison with other no-fee airline cards.
United Gateway Card 2026 Review
Objective evaluation of the United Gateway Card's rewards structure, welcome bonus, and benefits including purchase protection and extended warranty. Compares the card against other entry-level airline cards and provides recommendations for different traveler profiles.
The New United Gateway Card Review
Beginner-friendly review focusing on the card's no annual fee structure, 30,000-mile welcome bonus, and 2x earning on everyday categories like gas and transit. Discusses the 0% intro APR period and who should consider this as their first airline card.
United Gateway℠ Card Review 2025
Strategic review covering recent changes to the United Gateway Card including the addition of the checked bag benefit. Analyzes earning potential across the 2x categories, evaluates the 25% inflight discount, and provides spending scenarios to maximize value.
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Official | Chase Official: Multiple card facts | |
| Chase | Chase: Benefit flags | |
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Chase | — | Chase |
| The Points Guy | — | The Points Guy |
| RewardsCC API | — | RewardsCC API |
Top brands for this card
Brands where this card's earn-rate structure makes it a strong choice. Open a brand for the full ranked list.
