Nowadays the major airlines in the United States earn much of their profits from their loyalty programs, and in particular, their co-branded credit card businesses. Even though the “big three” carriers are already raking in billions per year from these programs, they still see a lot of upside.
As a result, a lot of the decisions that we see at airlines are based on trying to increase credit card revenue. Free inflight Wi-Fi? It’s all about getting loyalty program sign-ups, so that airlines can market to members. New destinations? They’re also about getting people interested in the loyalty program, by creating appealing destinations for redeeming miles.
Along those lines, several weeks ago, major changes were announced to the United MileagePlus program, and they center around one thing — making sure that customers pick up United’s credit cards. These changes are good for those with a co-branded credit card, and bad for those without… it’s that simple. With these changes being implemented as of today, I’d like to recap all the details.
In this post:
United MileagePlus creates huge incentive to get credit card
United MileagePlus is overhauling how members can earn and redeem miles, and it all centers around whether or not a member has a co-branded credit card. The idea is that those with a United MileagePlus credit card not only earn more miles, but also get better deals on award redemptions.
The changes involve four main areas, so let’s go over the details. But first, here’s how United’s Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, describes these changes:
“The most rewarding way to fly United is as a MileagePlus member, and the best way to get the most value from the MileagePlus program is to have one of our credit or debit cards. MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry. MileagePlus members can now earn more miles faster with a United card – and every one of those miles will go further with our always-on award ticket discounts and expanded access to Saver Award fares.”
United will award more miles for credit card members
For flights purchased as of April 2, 2026, United MileagePlus will be changing how it awards miles. Miles will still be awarded based on the cost of a ticket, though the structure will change.
Historically, the number of miles that MileagePlus members have earned has been based on their elite status, and had nothing to do with whether or not they had a United credit card. However, that will be changing. Primary card members on United MileagePlus credit cards will start earning more miles on standard United tickets, and will get additional miles when they pay for their flight with an eligible credit card.
For context, below are the MileagePlus earn rates for tickets booked through April 1, 2026.
Then below are the MileagePlus earn rates for tickets booked as of April 2, 2026.
As you can see, if you’re the primary card member on a co-branded credit card, you earn more miles than someone who isn’t. So the idea is that if you don’t have a credit card, you’re significantly worse off than before, while if you do have a credit card, you’re better off than before.
Note that the above numbers don’t include the miles you potentially earn for actually paying for flights with the card. In other words, you could earn the above mileage rates while paying with a non-United credit card, as long as you’re the primary card member with an open account.
For example, a Premier 1K member with a co-branded credit card would earn 12x miles per dollar spent when paying with another card, while if they paid with the United Club Card, they’d earn 17x miles per dollar spent (since the card offers an incremental 5x miles).
United will restrict basic economy mileage earning
This is related to the above point, but for flights purchased as of April 2, 2026, United MileagePlus will be greatly restricting mileage earning on basic economy flights. Under the new system, non-elite MileagePlus members must hold a co-branded credit card to earn miles when traveling on a basic economy ticket.
So yeah, that means basic economy tickets won’t earn you anything if you don’t have status and/or don’t have a co-branded credit card.
United will offer award discounts to credit card members
With these changes, United co-branded credit card members will save at least 10% on every United award flight they book, and those with Premier elite status and a co-branded credit card will save at least 15%.
Primary card members can see their savings called out on United’s app and website, and soon United will show the discounted prices to everyone, as a way to encourage people to get a credit card. Again, the idea is to create a huge incentive to pick up a United credit card.
United will offer more saver awards to credit card members
United will also offer additional saver level award seats in United Polaris business class for credit card members. Currently, roughly one-third of flights that have saver level awards have special availability for credit card members and Premier elite members.
That will be expanded even further, and we’ll also see the 10-15% discount stackable with this. In other words, a transatlantic Polaris business class award that ordinarily costs 80,000 miles would instead cost 72,000 miles for card members, or 68,000 miles for card members with Premier elite status.
My take on these United MileagePlus program changes
I can’t say that I’m terribly surprised by this development from United, as this very much seems like the direction the industry has been headed. Up until now, airlines have primarily tried to create incentives for members to pick up co-branded credit cards. In this case, United is sort of taking the opposite approach, at least in terms of optics — the airline is punishing those without a co-branded credit card, by slashing what they earn.
While I don’t love the trend in general, honestly, it’s probably a pretty smart move. Those who are brand loyal are highly likely to pick up a co-branded credit card, and this definitely creates an incentive to apply for a United card ASAP.
As I see it, the single biggest move here is just awarding miles differently based on whether or not you have a credit card, as we’ve not seen such a drastic policy from an airline up until this point. On the redemption side, I’d say this is really only an evolution of what we’ve already seen.
We’ve already seen United MileagePlus basically restrict Polaris business class awards to those with a co-branded credit card or Premier elite status, so I wouldn’t consider that to be totally new. Similarly, we’ve seen award discounts for those members as well. But the earnings rates changes really are significant.
I will say, I do think this poses a bit of an issue for those outside the United States (who typically can’t get a co-branded credit card), as well as those who may not be able to get approved for a United credit card (which could be for a variety of reasons, while still potentially being a great customer). However, I suspect United views that as a minor detail in the scheme of things, and I suppose we’re also increasingly seeing debit card options.
Bottom line
United has just implemented huge changes to its MileagePlus program, which increasingly make it all about credit cards. Obviously we’ve seen the general trend of creating incentives to pick up cards, particularly in recent years. But United is really taking it a step further than we’ve otherwise seen.
The idea is simply that if you have a co-branded United card, you’ll be better off than before in terms of earning and redeeming miles. Meanwhile if you don’t have a co-branded United card, you’ll be significantly worse off.
What do you make of these United MileagePlus changes?
They’re focusing on two of their biggest revenue producing aspects - loyalty program and the credit card partnership
I live in South America and used to be AA executive platinum and UA 1K for almost 20 years. Moved some years ago from AA to Latam/Iberia and from UA to Copa. I guess AA and UA don’t care much about customers outside USA but certainly I have been flying with them much less the last five years and will continue to do so.
Sure, we will definitely sign up and pay with a United credit card if Chase gets rid of their 5/24 rule! Why don't you convince Chase to lift that stupid rule first and customers will gladly sign up.
I am a lifetime Premier Platinum member and I always use my Quest Card to purchase UA tickets on the website/app. So I earned 9 miles per dollar spent prior to yesterday. Now I will earn 10 miles per $1 spent using my UA card. And then if I wan't, I can upgrade to the Club Card and earn 15 miles for $1 spent. Obviously it sucks for overseas MP members. I thought Chase issued...
I am a lifetime Premier Platinum member and I always use my Quest Card to purchase UA tickets on the website/app. So I earned 9 miles per dollar spent prior to yesterday. Now I will earn 10 miles per $1 spent using my UA card. And then if I wan't, I can upgrade to the Club Card and earn 15 miles for $1 spent. Obviously it sucks for overseas MP members. I thought Chase issued cards in Canada and Hong Kong I guess just not the UA co-branded ones? At my stage I am pretty close to 3MM when I will get (if the goal posts don't shift) 1K for life. So for me I am more concerned on BIS miles. I'm ok with the changes I joined Mileage Plus in 1991 and after all things they have been through the airline is really starting to hit on all cylinders - amazing IT, tons of new planes, better soft product (which I realize flows like the ebb and flow of the seas)....
i dont usually fly UA that much, but have an upcoming trip to the EU IN 2027. Can i get a basic no annual fee card and receive the discount? (Link please).
Time to dump them all. Just buy a ticket and get on with it.
Does a ticket need to purchased with the cobranded card in order to get the "cardmember earn" rate? Or can I just hold the United card and then pay with an Amex Plat?
What’s annoying is that an authorized user receives none of the benefits. I am primary card holder and my spouse is authorized user, but with these new changes they would have to open their own card despite me being 1K and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars per year on the card.
Just booked a one way BCN-SFO for a discounted price of 36,000 which is 10% less than 40,000 but still 6,000 more than it used to be:
This DOA fir me. Moving $10K of spend to the fee-free card will cost me more than the $150 annual fee for the other card. I will not have $10K on that card, so no $100 UA travel credit. I might get to use the two UA club passes the one trip a year not international J for me, if the wait isn't crazy (no UA club at my home airport). I fly F/J, so free bags are no issue. So. If you see me on a UA flight, I'm burning miles or they were way cheaper than AA and DL.
They should just make it about revenue generated. Expose how much revenue you generate directly via credit card and direct spend and just rank everyone that way.
The PQP per card spend is still indirect. I hate that I’m behind BCC consultants who fly weekly in a middle seat by the bathroom in the back but a tech zaddy like me who spends 40k a year on last min J tickets from sf to various high margin destinations is lower in UG priority when on personal travel.
Saw a significantly cheaper summer polaris redemption this morning that was likely because of these changes so I scooped it.
I have a United card from Chase Bank. It comes with one free lounge visit a year. The one time I wanted to use it, at SFO in November, there was a sign at the entrance, advising everyone that credit-card passes were not being accepted that day because of overcrowding. The sign was professionally made, on a large stand, indicating it must get frequent use.
I don’t remember not seeing that sign in front of the SFO United lounge over the last, I don’t know, eight years?
I fine this funny. Everyone says AA is a follower however, who brought you the credit card by purchase almost 5 years ago, who was first in the US with Premium Economy, the first in the US with all lay-flat/ direct aisle access in FC / BC on widebodies, first "Premium" lounges with Flagship and the list goes on and on. I agree the last 10 years haven't been innovative and they have lost their...
I fine this funny. Everyone says AA is a follower however, who brought you the credit card by purchase almost 5 years ago, who was first in the US with Premium Economy, the first in the US with all lay-flat/ direct aisle access in FC / BC on widebodies, first "Premium" lounges with Flagship and the list goes on and on. I agree the last 10 years haven't been innovative and they have lost their edge but I believe they will catch up / meet UA /DL in the next few years, even if it eats up profits to do so. UA is on a roll (climbing) and DL is cruising on their past accomplishments, but AA is still the largest domestic airline and airlines in the Americas so don't count them out just yet.
"even if it eats up profits to do so"
aren't they already struggling to stay profitable though?
United is going to see a surge in applications and AFs, but can't see there being much incentive to use the cards, other than to reach sign up bonus. UA cards are not competitive compared to various other options.
Well, I was on the fence with my United Club; now it looks like I will hold on to it for another year. Between the decent prices, okay business class seats, tolerable service and edible food, United suddenly makes sense again. Don’t view these changes as all that positive, but the net result is less shitty than the domestic competition.
@nsg What Star Alliance lounge can you get access to with the United Club credit card? The credit card states that you can get access to certain Star Alliance lounges but I cannot find any information about that online. Thank you.
Stanley C - no idea, tbh. I had been using United domestic economy for work travel until I (somewhat) retired last October, so United Clubs. Travel abroad, we are usually either Polaris or (preferably) a non-US airline, so never had a chance to find out.
Question: There is a United Quest Card that has no annual fee. If I have that card (and I don't), will it give me all the benefit as if I have any other UA branded credit card in terms of earn rate by flying UA? (Note: I have no status with UA)
Observation: I have been crediting all my UA flights to Air Canada Aeroplan these days. It'd be interesting if the earn rate at Aeroplan (and other partners' milage program) would change for UA flights in the near future.
Correction: I mean United Gateway Card, not Quest. And it looks like it does come with all the benefits on earn rate and redeem rate discount.
You'll have to spend $10K on the card in a calendar year to access the benefits on the Gateway card
Which is ludicrous if any person has any semblance of financial literacy. There are multiple 2% cashback credit cards out there, after spending $10K, you'd have $200. That would more than cover the annual fee on the United Explorer and still have $50 leftover.
Another option is putting the $10K on a United Explorer card and getting $100 United travel credits, offsetting the $150 annual fee.
United Gateway is DOA.
How about the discount on award due to card? Is it cumulative?
Moves like this further alienate non-Americans who are not able to get a US credit card but may be travelling to the US frequently.
No it doesn't. United gave all elites more miles. Credit card bonuses only apply when airfare is charged to the card. Some may prefer to use Am Ex Platinum or some other card. You can still earn credit card rewards regardless of the card you use, which will be specific to your card. This is a change that benefits both elites and/or United co-branded credit cards.
At least they will still be awarding some miles flying Basic Economy. DL & AA don't.
So they give 10 to 15% off however they and the worlds crappiest low value FF program in the world Delta just raise the award redemption's through the roof creating a fake discount.
Hard pass
As a West coaster I've been already moving my business away from United to Alaska as it's much easier to earn miles and they are far more valuable. While I do have an explorer card I planned on cancelling due to the increased annual fee. An extra point per dollar isn't going to change my decision.
So a lovely 10-15% devaluation for any non-US members with United miles, fab - thanks United!
I am so glad I don’t play the points mileage game. Just look for good value and how long to get somehere for most flights. If i want to pay hundreds more and take longer to get from houston to cebu i could fly united. But i don’t. I don’t have to hire an assistant to keep up with the frequent changes airlines make to their so-called loyalty programs.
Good luck to all.
Cheers
Well, it would seem United no longer wants the business of travellers who don't live in the US! Since it's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get a US credit card if you aren't a US resident, United FF are basically being told to take their travel business elsewhere. Guess what, message received! I'll book all my Star Alliance flights with my Aeroplan number, in the future (and try, desperately, to avoid United flights wherever an alternative exists).
As part of this announcement, specifically for Canadian residents, the email I got also contains a link for waitlisting a new United MasterCard:
MileagePlus card program coming to Canada soon!
Sign up to join the waitlist and be the first to apply for the new United MileagePlus Neo® World Elite® Mastercard available to our members in Canada.
Link: https://www.neofinancial.com/lp/credit-cards/united-waitlist
They will be competing with Aeroplan credit cards already readily available here.
As part of this announcement, specifically for Canadian residents, the email I got also contains a link for waitlisting a new United MasterCard:
MileagePlus card program coming to Canada soon!
Sign up to join the waitlist and be the first to apply for the new United MileagePlus Neo® World Elite® Mastercard available to our members in Canada.
Link: https://www.neofinancial.com/lp/credit-cards/united-waitlist
They will be competing with Aeroplan credit cards already readily available here.
Ben,
It is not clear to me from the announcement that discounts on domestic first mileage redemptions will occur. Lots of speak about economy and Polaris, but not first. I would assume so, but can't be sure. I've always thought that was a weakness of the program compared to Delta (who offers a discount to all classes of service).
Thanks in advance if you can answer.
The US point of sale focus on which we sometimes remark with regards to transatlantic route planning (American carriers having flights to places like SCQ and MLA but not DUS/LYS/BHX/WAW) is reinforced in developments like this in which the 3 big international airlines based in the USA indicate that they haven't got any real interest in attracting premium passengers who are based anywhere else. Clearly this is reflective of a distorted market in which those...
The US point of sale focus on which we sometimes remark with regards to transatlantic route planning (American carriers having flights to places like SCQ and MLA but not DUS/LYS/BHX/WAW) is reinforced in developments like this in which the 3 big international airlines based in the USA indicate that they haven't got any real interest in attracting premium passengers who are based anywhere else. Clearly this is reflective of a distorted market in which those airlines can't make much/any money flying people, are subsidised by US banks and effectively able to undercut competitors that do need to rely on selling tickets in order to survive. It would be fun to see an investigation into those practices undertaken by a non-US competition authority, even if it doesn't ultimately result in serious negative repercussions for the airlines involved.
https://uokik.gov.pl/ does some great investigations (and issues fines for misleading advertisting), but I suspect they would regard an investigation such as you propose as being a distraction from helping large numbers of Polish consumers.
It's an interesting evolution. The most recent era of innovation was shifting to spend-based everything (elite qualification and mileage earning), and now we're seeing a new era for United around loyalty really meaning credit card spend loyalty. The most rewarded customers are those that are a combination of high flight spend and having put all of that on their credit cards.
The thing that pisses me off the most about this is the 75,000...
It's an interesting evolution. The most recent era of innovation was shifting to spend-based everything (elite qualification and mileage earning), and now we're seeing a new era for United around loyalty really meaning credit card spend loyalty. The most rewarded customers are those that are a combination of high flight spend and having put all of that on their credit cards.
The thing that pisses me off the most about this is the 75,000 mile earning cap still exists!! Neither Delta nor American have this - and it penalizes the highest spend / highest margin tickets. Now for a 1K with a Club card, any flight over $4,400 stops earning incremental miles. A $10,000 flight earns the same as a $4,400 flight if you purchase with the Club card. That is completely nonsensical.
Are you sure the 75k cap applies to the miles awarded on cobrand card multipliers and not just the butt in seat miles?
Ben:
You see major upside to UA announcement. Frankly, I see it from a different perspective. As a lifetime UA Premier 1K, I rode the program for many years, earning the bennies. Now that we live in Europe, the program is absolutely worthless to me. But as a soon to be Senator level status holder at LH, I get the bennies suited to us. Merchants and customers are being totally f'd over by VISA/MC....
Ben:
You see major upside to UA announcement. Frankly, I see it from a different perspective. As a lifetime UA Premier 1K, I rode the program for many years, earning the bennies. Now that we live in Europe, the program is absolutely worthless to me. But as a soon to be Senator level status holder at LH, I get the bennies suited to us. Merchants and customers are being totally f'd over by VISA/MC. Maybe we will go back to the sanity that I remember. When you fly, you get flight/hotel bennies.
In fact, their is a major revolt brewing in EU and other countries, fed up with the unreal fees VISA and MC charge. In New Zealand, where we will be in a little over a week, most merchants add a surcharge on all transactions on VISA and MC cards. Not just on Americans, but on all cards issued outside of NZ.
In Europe there is a new CC processor (forgot the name) that is undergoing live tests in multiple EU countries. This new system will not accept VISA/MC. I think as this takes off, the U.S. airlines dependent on VISA/MC/Amex cards for their profit are going to get hit. And not in the distant future.
Living in Europe I find UA status (Lifetime Gold = *A Gold) very useful, since it provides premium checkin, priority security, priority boarding, and lounge access on all *A flights here in elsewhere.
I am curious if this results in a devaluation of Mileage Plus from the current redemption rates. This announcement lowers award prices for many people, so I wonder if UA will just decrease the inventory, or (most likely in my mind) increase the base award price.
They may as well increase capacity. They are stocking up with ultra-premium 789s after all.
You can GUARANTEE this will cause prices to go up. This policy potentially has the effect of materially increasing the circulation and redemption of miles out there, so they'll increase prices to rebalance supply and demand accordingly.
Beyond the transparent credit card push from this, that was my second takeaway: that we are going to be at parity with skyPesos very soon.
The consume Club card (only) has offered an additional 10% off of economy saver fares, over and above the regular card/premier discount. I wonder if this will be carried forward, or if all cards will get the same award discount. Ben, maybe a question for your UA contact, if you have a good one?
So this doesn't seem to have any impact on accruals / earnings towards Status, just on award miles / redemptions?
Correct. They had already put in place Status earning incentives with credit cards previously. There are PQP signup bonuses for the credit cards plus an annual PQP deposit based on which card you have.
Sure, but to my understanding in terms of actual earning status, UA through CC spending is still harder than AA/DL through their respective CC deals (harder meaning tougher to access from that channel).
Glad, in a way, this remains the case.
The access to the restricted saver Polaris availability for cardholders came out months ago.
That said I am glad they are publicly promoting 'saver' availability for Polaris and mentioning the prices. That's a differentiator vs Delta.
Would I have more access to award availability if I have the credit card and gold status vs. just gold status alone?
I got the e-mail earlier, and whenever I see that great changes are happening, it's usually for the worse. But being hub captive and already have the credit cards, this is great news quite frankly. It will remain to be seen if you can truly find redemptions at the discounted rates, so I'll keep that as a net equal. However, if you are paying with a United CC, this is a no brainer net positive development.
Hate to burst your bubble. This new program was not designed to benefit their customers.
Honestly, it’s not the worst if you look at it from a Credit Card value perspective. Why should I KEEP these co-branded cards… I’m Delta and the Reserve adding at 15% skymiles discount has been fantastic. It really lets me rethink getting rid of the card often.
Looking at this simply through the lens of MileagePlus - It’s a net negative. However, if you have any sort of status AND a card - It’s...
Honestly, it’s not the worst if you look at it from a Credit Card value perspective. Why should I KEEP these co-branded cards… I’m Delta and the Reserve adding at 15% skymiles discount has been fantastic. It really lets me rethink getting rid of the card often.
Looking at this simply through the lens of MileagePlus - It’s a net negative. However, if you have any sort of status AND a card - It’s a net positive. It incentives those that fly United and ‘buy in’ to the ecosystems with co-branded cards.
With the erosion of upgrades due to first class monetization, the airlines NEED to figure out a way to keep the consumer on the hamster wheel of status and owning a co-branded card.
Additionally, these costs for the card for the 15% discount will come out of the cost of the card program, and not the mileage program. It could be United moving backend money around to make certain things look better.
So why did the Gov't try to help them during COVID if they are just going to pull crap like this? Honestly, there should have been some stipulations for taking the assistance package.
I’d be interested in how they treat members who are traveling with family that don’t have status or a credit cards especially kids.
That's where I lose.... My wife and kids' points earnings decline while mine increases. So while I travel more than them in general, i'm getting less total points on the family trips. They all need to be primary on their own card.
Isn't this basically adding a subscription fee to the program
Qantas has a fee for Australians who want to join Qantas Freequent Flyer (free for non-Australians to join though).
The best reason to fly United (or any US-based airline, if you ask me) is when somebody else (such as your employer) is paying for it. The second best reason is the price/convenience is 50% of what it would cost to fly a 1st tier airline.
My home airport is EWR, so I flew United for business until I retired last year. I have had the United Club card for years.
My combo...
The best reason to fly United (or any US-based airline, if you ask me) is when somebody else (such as your employer) is paying for it. The second best reason is the price/convenience is 50% of what it would cost to fly a 1st tier airline.
My home airport is EWR, so I flew United for business until I retired last year. I have had the United Club card for years.
My combo of high status + the United Club card earned me a free upgrade maybe once over the last ten years; the rest were cash or miles upgrades, typically EWR to China and similar. I was able to redeem miles for tickets maybe twice; most of the time my miles went to pay the card fee. United Clubs became less and less valuable over the years - you spend more time looking for a place to seat than anything else.
I've been scaling down my United presence since my retirement. I spent more with Etihad (or Druk, as it happens) than United last year. I will probably spend 4x more on SAS (business to Europe) this year compared to United.
So for me in my current circumstances this change makes little to no difference. I will probably cancel the United Club card since the business travel miles don't pay the fees any more; I might downgrade it if I can see the value of that. I'll pay cash for a United flight when the price is right; I will use my CSR miles for a United flight when the price is right.
Announcement is silent on whether there will still be a cap of 75,000 miles earned per trip. Any idea?
Hopefully. OPM tickets earn obscene amount of points already and are the biggest cause of mileage inflation.
Great! Devalue MP points by 20% and then increase earnings rates by 5%. Net negative over a few months ago.
I've got the Quest card, which to me is the best deal of all of the United cards unless you just really like united clubs. Overall it appears to be a net positive for me as premier silver, but what it hurts is my family members' earnings. In other words, my teenage kids and wife who aren't going to have their own card (maybe I should get them to sign up for the gateway) earnings...
I've got the Quest card, which to me is the best deal of all of the United cards unless you just really like united clubs. Overall it appears to be a net positive for me as premier silver, but what it hurts is my family members' earnings. In other words, my teenage kids and wife who aren't going to have their own card (maybe I should get them to sign up for the gateway) earnings go down when mine goes up. I buy all four tickets but only mine will get the earnings, so net negative for the family. I think? Once my kids hit the adult level i would guess the best thing to do is get them their own gateway card.
Yep, I had the same thought. Really hurts families
Children of United Cardmembers can earn more miles per dollar on tickets issued by United, including flights operated by United, United Express, Star Alliance and MileagePlus partner airline tickets issued by United. Starting April 2, link your child’s MileagePlus account to share your Cardmember earn rate and Cardmember discount award flight pricing.*
You can link your kids to your own MileagePlus account for them to get the “cardmember earn”. Your spouse is certainly incentivized here to have their own card.
I'm GS and the email I received says "you'll earn 12 miles per dollar.... after you spend $10,000 on your card within a calendar year". Just being a cardmember is not enough and would leave us at a reduced 9 miles per dollar.
I don't see that in my email. "..., starting April 2, 2026, as a United Global Services® member with a United℠ Explorer Card, you'll earn 12 miles per dollar (previously 11) on the fares of your eligible United® flights† just for being the primary Cardmember.*
The spend requirement is for the united debit card and the gateway card.
Given the bills in Congress that will affect interchange rates, and given the number of merchants adding surcharges to prices to recoup credit card processing fees resulting in cart abandonment, it will be interesting to see how these credit card rewards pan out over the long term.
Me, I suspect there will be some shrinkage in certain card product usage, as some card members (like me) elect not to pay for merchants card acceptance processing fees.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Congress to pass consumer friendly legislation that hurts banks. This Congress and administration have been easing requirements on banks, not increasing them.
I wonder what % of United fliers are already credit card holders ? and What % are not ?
If you live outside of the States, 100% of Mileage Plus members cannot get U.S. based cards.
Do these benefits also apply to the free United Gateway credit card?
Only if you spend $10K on it.
I don't think it will be long before we starting see Bank names/logos painted on the planes themselves. Can certainly see "United by Chase", "Delta by AMEX" etc.
One of the things that surprised me when I moved abroad was how different the credit card culture was. Massive sign-up bonuses and the push towards branded credit cards don't exist to anywhere near the level they do in the U.S. Perhaps that is a symptom of the debt culture in America.
As usual, UA attempts to copy a DL strategy without realizing that the reason why DL gets by with this is because it has much higher market share in its hubs.
AA and WN are the biggest beneficiaries of this.... hard to believe that UA thinks they can do this given the competitive battles UA is engaged in with those two airlines.
Fluff of the day.
actually, facts which you don't want to acknowledge.
Wait I thought the delusional Tim Dunn only acknowledges DOT data and earnings call as facts.
How do you copy something that's a first?
I'm pretty sure UA prefers a smaller market share of ORD, SFO, etc. v DTW, MSP, etc.
you do realize that DL's boarding market share - not to be confused with local market share - at DTW and MSP is higher than UA at ORD?
And by metro area, DL has higher market share in its hub metro areas than AA or UA, in part because more DL hubs are located in single airport metro areas (or effectively so) than for AA or UA.
and specific to the Midwest, DL in...
you do realize that DL's boarding market share - not to be confused with local market share - at DTW and MSP is higher than UA at ORD?
And by metro area, DL has higher market share in its hub metro areas than AA or UA, in part because more DL hubs are located in single airport metro areas (or effectively so) than for AA or UA.
and specific to the Midwest, DL in the Midwest including DTW, MSP and ORD is higher than AA or UA at DTW, MSP and ORD, the 3 legacy carrier hubs in the Midwest.
Tim, didn't you get schooled recently about the Midwest?
No, a few people tried in typical United fashion to manipulate data to argue that DL isn't the largest airline in the Midwest.
I am sorry but any idiot that thinks that excluding the share in a hub state is how you calculate market share in a region is just plain ignorant.
DL inherited two very successful hubs at DTW and MSP and together they generate more market share in the Midwest than any...
No, a few people tried in typical United fashion to manipulate data to argue that DL isn't the largest airline in the Midwest.
I am sorry but any idiot that thinks that excluding the share in a hub state is how you calculate market share in a region is just plain ignorant.
DL inherited two very successful hubs at DTW and MSP and together they generate more market share in the Midwest than any other airline.
The fact that DL flies to more cities in E. Asia from its Midwest hubs than UA does at ORD shows how ridiculous the "educators" are.
Some people are pathologically incapable of admitting that DL is in the lead and UA is not.
even discussing Midwest market share shows how pathetic UA's fan club arguments are.
No one cares what you think.
There is some truth to that although I never fly DL and wouldn't consider getting their cc. But in my case it will benefit AS as they have a good presence on the West coast and miles are easy to earn and redeem. I planned on cancelling my explorer card due to the increased AF and this tactic isn't going to change my decision
Does having a united business card qualify for better resumption rates / higher earning tiers?
Some non US banks issue Mileage Plus Co branded card. Do they count?
I'd guess - depends on a country, a bank and the card. Same as in the USA - don't expect much of the free Chase UA card unless you put considerable spend on it. E.g. discounts on redemptions are available on all AF Chase cards, but on the free one you have to spend to unlock those.
Haven't heard of any. Let me know if you know of any. Oh, and there is a catch, if you find one. Virtually all banks in Europe want no part of American clients because of the Fat Cat law that Congress passed to crack down on American millionaires and billionaires scamming the banking laws by not providing Uncle with earnings.
As a result, virtually ALL Americans are refused bank accounts for a very simple...
Haven't heard of any. Let me know if you know of any. Oh, and there is a catch, if you find one. Virtually all banks in Europe want no part of American clients because of the Fat Cat law that Congress passed to crack down on American millionaires and billionaires scamming the banking laws by not providing Uncle with earnings.
As a result, virtually ALL Americans are refused bank accounts for a very simple reason. Uncle makes these banks file a detailed report to IRS every year. Paperwork they do not want.
You can be sure that whatever all this convoluted mess means, it won't be an improvement for anyone other than United. This is an obvious, half-disclosed/half-footnoted bunch of cuts with lipstick.
I can't help but think we're on our way towards (maybe not at?) a peak for the credit cardisation of flying. It's such high margin revenue compared to actually flying that airlines are jumping to get it, but there comes a limit to all of this where it becomes counter productive when you stretch all of this to its logical endpoints. Or the interchange bonanza is disrupted by a new network/caps being placed. Something will...
I can't help but think we're on our way towards (maybe not at?) a peak for the credit cardisation of flying. It's such high margin revenue compared to actually flying that airlines are jumping to get it, but there comes a limit to all of this where it becomes counter productive when you stretch all of this to its logical endpoints. Or the interchange bonanza is disrupted by a new network/caps being placed. Something will give eventually. Right now - it's probably a great time to be able to get credit and play with all of this.
If United wants everyone to have their credit cards they should talk to Chase about terminating 5/24 :)
This.
98% of the population is under 5/24. most people are not churners
Miles have been hyperinflated so much that a 10% discount won't matter.
[side thought] If you read this article on TGP, there'd be at least 6 links to United credit cards. That's why I'm on this site.
*TPG
What about the corporate road warriors who have to use company credit cards to purchase business travel tickets. Unless I'm missing something, they get screwed in this deal.
Read it again then, you only need to own a United card to get the full earn rate. Paying with a United card earns an extra multiplier (on the card itself), which has always been the case.
This may be a path for the airline to eventually get around to cutting back on funding (or needing to fund) card sign-up bonuses.
huh? the airline doesnt fund the bonus the bank does. United wants as many people as possible to get the card because Chase buys the miles from them lol
How do these changes affect mileage accrual for members who only fly on partner airlines (and aren't credited by dollar spent)? I'm a MM member and I highly value my lifetyime SA gold status and IST is my primary airport and I fly Turkish almost exlusively. I find TK has a much better reward program, but I've never thought credit flight miles to TK as I don't have status with them. Might bite the bullet...
How do these changes affect mileage accrual for members who only fly on partner airlines (and aren't credited by dollar spent)? I'm a MM member and I highly value my lifetyime SA gold status and IST is my primary airport and I fly Turkish almost exlusively. I find TK has a much better reward program, but I've never thought credit flight miles to TK as I don't have status with them. Might bite the bullet and switch though even if it would mean losing SA benefits for a few months.
This is the nail in the coffin for UA customers outside the US who don’t have access to United credit cards. I had been a United 1K out of YYC for many years. I would happily sign up for a United credit card if they offered one in Canada, but they don’t.
This reinforces my decision to shift business back to AC and WestJet. If United wants to keep customers outside the US, they really need to expand the credit card offerings.
United is partnered with Chase, who exited Canada a few years ago. If UA could partner with RBC (they have a BA partnership) and even offer a basic card for Canadians, that would actually be helpful.
A Canadian friend just sent me info on a (new?) Neo Financial MileagePlus MasterCard which seems to have many of the perks previously offered on the USA-based Chase VISA cards: Miles Accumulation: Earn United MileagePlus miles on various categories like dining, groceries, and United Airlines purchases.
*Travel Perks: Depending on the specific tier, benefits often include priority boarding, free checked bags on United-operated flights, and statement credits for travel-related expenses.
*No Foreign Transaction Fees: Most...
A Canadian friend just sent me info on a (new?) Neo Financial MileagePlus MasterCard which seems to have many of the perks previously offered on the USA-based Chase VISA cards: Miles Accumulation: Earn United MileagePlus miles on various categories like dining, groceries, and United Airlines purchases.
*Travel Perks: Depending on the specific tier, benefits often include priority boarding, free checked bags on United-operated flights, and statement credits for travel-related expenses.
*No Foreign Transaction Fees: Most premium travel cards in this family do not charge additional fees for purchases made in foreign currencies.
*Additional Credits: Higher-tier versions may offer annual credits for United Hotels, rideshares, or NEXUS/Global Entry application fees.
I wonder if eventually UA will introduce the changes announced today into this Canada MP MasterCard?
LH offers their Miles and More cards around the world. BUT, they really do not want American customers because of the U.S. Fat Cat law.
There's a Miles & More card in the US.
Yes there is, BUT, they refuse to sign Americans up if their home is outside of the States.
If this new Neo card indeed has no forex fees it will be a double win for us up here.
Lets see if this actually happens before April 2.
I was thinking the same thing, but I just got the e-mail with the announcement and it says:
MileagePlus card program coming to Canada soon!
Sign up to join the waitlist and be the first to apply for the new United MileagePlus Neo® World Elite® Mastercard available to our members in Canada.
So there seems to be a credit option for Canada on the horizon. Nothing at all in Europe.
Canada card is expected to launch in the next few weeks, it is powered by Neo so theres that. we dont know much about the card except for the cards physical ad digital design and the waitlist offer which ended on march 25th
Glad I dont fly United and have no plans to fly it in the future.
Here's how I describe the airlines:
United - "We only care if you have our credit card"
American - "Best loyalty program, worst legacy product"
Delta - "Great flying experience, mediocre mile redemptions"
Southwest - "We used to be great, now just checking boxes to look like other airlines"
Spirit - "bankrupt"
Frontier...
Glad I dont fly United and have no plans to fly it in the future.
Here's how I describe the airlines:
United - "We only care if you have our credit card"
American - "Best loyalty program, worst legacy product"
Delta - "Great flying experience, mediocre mile redemptions"
Southwest - "We used to be great, now just checking boxes to look like other airlines"
Spirit - "bankrupt"
Frontier - "We outsource everything, don't expect good service"
Alaska - "We only care about those on the west coast"
JetBlue - "Great product, but still can't figure out how to make a profit or how to have consistent operations"
You should lump Delta in with United about the credit cards.
"mediocre mile redemptions" for DL is putting it very kindly. "Piss poor" is the descriptor I'd use.
Not merely having the card, but having the card AND using it to pay for your ticket... much like their approach (versus AA's) of having to use the card in order to get free checked luggage. Hard pass. If United cares to figure out the value proposition for the customer -- especially the myriad of us who snag ~10% using the Amex Platinum, and who don't pay the United card's annual fee -- and wants...
Not merely having the card, but having the card AND using it to pay for your ticket... much like their approach (versus AA's) of having to use the card in order to get free checked luggage. Hard pass. If United cares to figure out the value proposition for the customer -- especially the myriad of us who snag ~10% using the Amex Platinum, and who don't pay the United card's annual fee -- and wants to create a reasonable incentive, then I'll listen. UA is not even close at this point.
you're misunderstanding- they changed it to earn more miles from UA cards on UA flights, but you can ignore that if you want its separate from the other announcement of more mileage earnings if you simply hold the card (even if you dont use it).
So if youre a general member who has UA explorer card sitting in your sock drawer, you can still earn 6 UA miles for your airfare plus 5x on Amex plat = 11x
I agree with James. It would be so helpful if United could get Chase to loose the application requirements and remove these from 5/24.
Well, I'm glad I've got a United Club card then. Boo hoo if you don't.
Basically UA just destroyed any form of remaining overseas loyalty with this move. I'm sure overseas MP members dwindled post PQP implementation, but this is the nail in the coffin.
For those unaware, the Chase MP VISA cards are not available to folks with overseas billing addresses.
not too surprising given the direction the industry is heading. as much as I dont like being forced to have cards, increased biz availability has been a huge benefit so far, so I like that aspect (and something Delta doesnt offer with their cards). so I'll keep playing along for the time being
To what destinations have you found increased availability? I’ve yet to see that.
literally every international destination. its clearly labeled when its a CC fare. search anywhere in calendar view you'll see them
I get relentless pop ups about getting a 10% discount as a card member. But I rarely see saver awards for anywhere outside of perhaps london, Frankfurt and Brussels.
You’re still better off paying for UA flights with Amex Plat than any United co-branded card though.
Why?
Not if u want free checked bags.
You do not need to pay for the ticket with the United branded card for a free checked bag.
It just has to be included as a payment in your United.com account.
Even if you are only lowly Silver with UA you get free bags so AX Plat is better if you have elite status.
United, if you let bypass Chase's 5/24 (I've been applying) I'll sign up for your cards.
My head is spinning trying to follow this. Looks pretty dumb to me.
It's extremely simple? I'm not a fan of this move at all but being complicated is not one of it's flaws.