The ”big three” US carriers make a large percentage of profits from their loyalty programs, and in particular, their lucrative co-brand credit card agreements. As part of this, we’re increasingly seeing airlines offer ways to earn elite status through credit card spending.
Continue reading: United MileagePlus Elite Status (PQPs) With Credit Card Spending: Worth It?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
You didn’t mention the United business club card which is 1.5 points per $1 so the math is a lot closer to your valuation of 1.7.
The experience in practice has been that people have gotten the bonus $1k/$1.5k PQPs already this year ... it appears the 2026 refers to the 2026 program year, e.g., what people are earning toward right now.
One can use PYB to cover a card's annual fee. In one case, 1.75cpp. Just sayin'.
If you get at least 50-60 percent PQPs from flying, live close to a United hub and consider Cap1 and Citi points rather useless as difficult to redeem from United hubs then it makes complete sense to use the United Club card to achieve 1K status.
To me, being able to redeem for First Class/Business Class tickets on other airlines for useless destinations on useless weekdays is stupidity from non home airports. And goodluck during IRROPS when you don’t have status.