Boasting a portfolio of more than 20 cards, Jarrod has spent over 8 years in the points and miles world. He earns and redeems more than 1 million points each year, and his work has been featured in major outlets.
A longtime points and miles enthusiast, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is committed to helping consumers finance travel for less.
Since 2016, he has lived the digital nomad lifestyle, using the world as his office. He has built a career in social media marketing and blogging for a range of travel brands.
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The United Gateway℠ Card is not a premium United Airlines credit card, but it can still deliver solid value for the right cardholder.
With its strongest welcome bonus yet, there is even more reason to consider the United Gateway card. Below is a look at what the bonus miles may be worth, plus the card’s main benefits and redemption options.
United Gateway Card: Updated Welcome Bonus
New United Gateway cardholders can earn:
- Earn 40,000 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.
United Gateway Card Benefits
The United Gateway card also includes these perks:
- 2x miles on eligible United purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including ride-share services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
- 1x miles on all other purchases
The United Gateway card is a strong choice for travelers who want to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now (at Chase's secure site)
The United Gateway card is a strong choice for travelers who want to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.
Welcome Offer
Earn 40,000 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.
Up to 50,000 miles
UP's Offer Valuation*: $600
APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Credit Recommended
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
The United Gateway℠ Card is a solid option for people who want to earn more United miles without paying a credit card annual fee. It also comes with useful perks such as 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.
Pros
- 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
- 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
- 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
- If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
- It does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
- Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
- 5x total miles on eligible United flights and 2x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 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 Gateway Card
- Earn 2 first standard checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- Save 10% or more on flights booked with miles after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Cardholders also get a 25% savings on inflight purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and travel protections such as rental car insurance, all with a $0 annual fee. In addition, after spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year, you can receive 2 checked bag certificates for United flights.
Hot Tip:
Compare the United Gateway card with other United cards in our guide to the best United card for every type of traveler.
Valuable Ways to Redeem 50,000 United Miles
1. A One-Way Flight to Europe (Worth $400 to $600)
If a European trip is on your wish list, the welcome offer from the United Gateway card can go a long way.
United flies between many major U.S. and European cities for 30,000 to 40,000 miles one-way, depending on the route and season. Whether you want to visit London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, or another European destination, your United miles can help cover the trip.
Once you arrive in Europe, it is easy to move between cities on the same journey.
2. A Round-Trip Flight to Hawaii (Worth About $500)
Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers, but it is far from inexpensive. The United miles from the Gateway card’s welcome offer can help pay for a round-trip ticket, leaving more cash for hotels, meals, and activities.
Award pricing can vary, but from major West Coast cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle, round-trip flights to Honolulu can often be booked for 40,000 to 45,000 United miles.
3. A Flight to New Zealand (Worth About $500 to $1,000)
Flights from the U.S. to New Zealand are long and can be expensive. If you have always wanted to visit after seeing its scenery in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, your United miles can help make the trip possible.
Direct flights between Los Angeles and Auckland cost just 43,000 miles.
Hot Tip:
If you are still undecided, check out our guide to other top ways to redeem United miles for the best value.
Final Thoughts
The value of the 50,000-mile welcome bonus on the United Gateway card depends on how you use the miles.
We value United miles at 1.2 cents each, which makes 50,000 miles worth $600. That amount should be relatively easy to use through a range of flight redemptions.
If you have been considering this card, this is a strong time to take advantage of the best-ever 50,000-mile welcome offer on the United Gateway card.
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