Best card for…
Best credit cards for United MileagePlus
By Gary Leff · Updated
The short answer
If you fly United regularly, carry a United card: cardholders now earn more miles on flights and pay fewer miles for awards, so non-cardholders get less value from the same trips.
Advertiser disclosure: View From The Wing may be compensated when you apply through links on this page. Rankings are Gary's own and are not reviewed by issuers. Full disclosure. Terms as of October 5, 2026.
Gary's picks
1. Best for United flyersBonus alert · Raised offer
United personal cards (Chase)
- Bonus
- Up to 100,000 miles
- Spend
- Varies by card
- Annual fee
- Varies
Why for United MileagePlus: Bonuses up to 100,000 miles, plus cheaper awards for cardholders.
Gary’s reviewApplications unavailable in preview2. Best flexible optionBonus alert · Elevated offer
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Bonus
- 100,000 points
- Spend
- $5,000 in 3 months
- Annual fee
- $95
Why for United MileagePlus: Transfers to United when you need it, and to Hyatt and Avios when you don't.
Gary’s reviewApplications unavailable in preview
How to choose
- Frequent United flyers: the co-brand discount on awards is now hard to give up.
- Occasional United flyers: hold transferable points instead.
- Business cards don't count toward Chase 5/24.
Questions readers ask
- Do I lose value without a United card?
- Yes. United now prices some awards and earning in favor of cardholders.