Credit Card Guide

Best cards for
United MileagePlus miles.

United miles open up Star Alliance Business class — here's the fastest way to earn enough for your first award flight.

Overview

What you need to know

United MileagePlus miles are some of the most valuable in the world — 60,000 miles can get you Business class to Europe on Lufthansa, or to Japan on ANA. The question is how to earn them fast without flying constantly. There are two paths: United co-branded cards (earn directly in MileagePlus) and transferable points cards (earn flexible currencies and transfer when you're ready to book). The best strategy often combines both — a United card for the bonus and benefits, plus a Chase card for everyday earning.

Our picks

The best cards, ranked

Best sign-up bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
60,000 Ultimate Rewards → United

Enough for Business class to Europe

Transfers 1:1 to United MileagePlus. The 60,000-point bonus is enough for Business class to Europe on Lufthansa or Swiss. Better everyday earning than United co-branded cards.
  • Transfers 1:1 to United instantly
  • 3x dining, 2x travel
  • Flexible — points can go to 12 other programs too
  • Strong travel protections
Annual fee: $95/year
Best United card
United Quest℠ Card
60,000 United miles

Enough for Business class to Europe

United's strongest co-branded card. Earns 3x on United, 2x on dining and hotel stays. Two free checked bags. $125 United travel credit + 5,000 miles anniversary bonus effectively reduces the annual fee significantly.
  • 3x on United purchases
  • Two free checked bags
  • $125 United travel credit
  • 5,000 anniversary miles
Annual fee: $250/year
Best premium
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
60,000 Ultimate Rewards → United

Enough for Business class to Europe

The premium option. Same 1:1 transfer to United but earns 3x on all travel (not just United), has $300 travel credit, and includes Priority Pass lounge access.
  • 3x on ALL travel, not just United
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass lounge access
  • Best-in-class travel protections
Annual fee: $550/year
Best starter card
United Explorer Card
50,000 United miles

~60% of Business class to Europe

United's entry-level co-branded card. Free checked bag + priority boarding on United flights — useful if you fly United regularly. Lower annual fee makes it easy to justify.
  • Free checked bag (saves $35+ per flight)
  • Priority boarding on United
  • Two United Club one-time passes/year
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases
Annual fee: $95/year

Tapp may earn a commission on credit card applications. Always read full terms and conditions before applying. Credit card offers and bonuses change frequently — verify current offers directly with the issuing bank.

✦ Things to know before applying

  • Transfer Chase points to United only when you're ready to book — points in Chase are more flexible than points in United
  • United award prices fluctuate — check multiple dates and use the monthly calendar view to find the cheapest dates
  • ANA Business class JFK→Tokyo at 88,000 United miles round-trip is one of the best sweet spots in aviation
  • United miles don't expire as long as you have account activity (earning or redeeming) every 18 months
  • Combine a Chase Sapphire card with a United card: use the Chase card for everyday spending, United card for United purchases
Next steps

Where to use your miles

United MileagePlus Guide →Best Cards for Aeroplan →All Award Programs →