Access More Award-Seats for No Annual Fee

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The United Gateway℠ Card can be a good option if you want an airline credit card that lets you earn United miles and access expanded award availability, but you never, ever want to pay an annual fee. You should remember that this card will offer a lower welcome bonus and fewer perks to cardholders (though they do have some perks). Card currently offers a higher bonusYou will receive 30,000 bonus miles if you spend $1,000 in the first three month after account opening.

Review: Does the United Gateway credit card offer the best value?

Chase offers many co-branded products United Airlines credit cardAll versions, both small- and large-business and personal. The United Gateway℠ Card is the entry-level card in the bunch, and the only one that doesn’t charge an annual fee.

This is not the case. airline credit card is not the most lucrative or rewarding United credit card at all — not by far. In fact, the United Gateway℠ Card has the lowest welcome bonus offer and fewest perks of any United credit card, although the earning rate with this card is decent.

The United Gateway℠ Card is offering a welcome bonus 50% more valuable than usual: 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You’ll also earn 2x miles on United purchases, at Gas stations, for local transit and commuting (including taxicabs, rideshare services and train tickets), and 1 mile for every dollar on all else.

One of the best aspects of the United Gateway℠ Card is its $0 annual fee. This means that you can keep the card for the long-term and still earn United miles. Plus, you get access to other benefits. Expanded availability of United awardNo annual cost

However, you should remember that not all United credit cards have the same bonus offers. You can find the United℠ Explorer CardFor example, you could earn 60,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 in the first three month after account opening.

The United℠ Explorer Card does have an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95 — but you also get perks like two United Club passes per anniversary year, a First checked bag free($30 one-way) For you and a friend who make the same reservation. You will get priority boarding and credit toward NEXUS. Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck membership — all perks you do not get with the United Gateway℠ Card. Even if United is only used once or twice a calendar year, the cost of the annual fee can be offset by the free checked bag.

The United Gateway℠ Card, like other Chase cards, is subject to the Chase 5/24 ruleSo if you have five or more bank cards in the last 24 month, you will not be approved.

This article is about the benefits and perks that come along with each card. If you have to pay interest or late fees, these cards will not be worth the cost. You should pay your entire credit card balance each month. Make timely payments and only pay what you can afford.

How to earn United Gateway Card miles

The United Gateway℠ Card has a straightforward earning structure and bonus categories that can earn you extra miles on everyday purchases. Cardholders are eligible to earn:

• 2 miles per $1 on eligible United purchases (including airline ticket purchases from United, United seat upgrade, Economy Plus, inflight meals, beverages and Wi-Fi)
• 2 miles per dollar at gas stations (either at the pump or inside the station — truck stops, boat marinas, oil and propane distributors, and home heating companies do not qualify)
• 2 miles per dollar for local transit and commuting (including operators operating passenger trains, buses and taxis, limousines rideshare, toll bridges and highways, parking lots, garages, and ferry operators)
• All other eligible purchases qualify for 1 mile per $1

How to use United mile

Although most people earn United Miles to book flights with United, Star Alliance or Star Alliance partners they can also redeem their miles for other travel options.

Cashing in your miles can be used to purchase merchandise from select retailers, redeem miles for Apple products, or cash in your miles to pay for gift cards. Your miles can also be used to pay for United Club memberships, inflight Internet access, or TSA Precheck memberships. You can also use your miles for an upgrade to a flight you have already booked.

Redeeming United Miles for flights is the best way to get the most value. Your miles can be used to fly to almost 200 countries in the world, whether you are flying with United Airlines or Star Alliance partners. United usually has excellent economy-class award availability. Your miles will never run out. 

Although United no longer has a traditional award list, they do have specific awards. flight award dealsThese flights can be booked for less than usual. You may be able, for example, to book domestic one-way flights in economy starting at 5,000 miles depending on the route and the date.

United also offers the redemption option “Money + Miles.” Similar to Delta’s pay with milesIt’s available for select United flights and allows you to pay part of your fare in cash and the remainder with miles at a fixed rate 1 cent per mile.

This is a lower rate that our average United mile value. However, this can be useful if you don’t have enough miles to purchase an award ticket and want to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Chase United Gateway features and benefits

The United Gateway℠ Card has a $0 annual fee, so it’s not surprising the card has fewer perks than other United cards issued by Chase. There are some key benefits that you might find valuable, such as travel and purchase protections.

25% off your inflight purchase

When you use your United Gateway℠ Card to pay for inflight purchases of food, drink, or internet access, you’ll get 25% of your purchase amount back in the form of a statement credit on your account.

Expanded award availability

You’ll receive the United card as a United cardholder. More access to award availabilityFlight options that are available with no blackout dates 

Introductory Offer 0% APR

The United Gateway℠ Card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then a 19.49% – 26.49% Variable APR). This is a great option if you have large purchases that you need to pay off over time. As long as the intro period ends, you can still pay the balance.

Car rental insurance

The United Gateway℠ Card does have surprising insurance perks for a Credit card with no annual fees. If you pay the entire rental car cost with the card, and decline the collision damage waiver from the rental company, you will be covered for any damage or theft.

This coverage is second to your US personal insurance, but primary overseas.

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

This card comes with Trip cancellation and interruption coverageValues up to $1500 per person and $6,000 for a trip 

Protect yourself with purchase

United Gateway℠ Card cardholders also receive Purchase ProtectionProtection against theft or damage, up to $500 per claim, and up to $50,000 per account

Extended warranty

When you purchase an eligible item with your United Gateway℠ Card, you can qualify for up to one year of extended warranty coverage on original US manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less.

Visa Signature concierge

The Visa Signature conciergeWe can coordinate such things as difficult-to get theater tickets or reservations at restaurants. While the service is completely free, any costs incurred by third parties are your responsibility.

Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection

With United Gateway℠ Card, you get access to the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection — upscale hotels which offer elite-like perks when you book through the program. Benefits such as complimentary breakfast, exclusive benefits or credits specific for each property, room upgrades and other extras like late check-in and early checkout (when possible) are all available to you.

Be sure you compare rates and perks through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to booking with the hotel directly. Chase rates can sometimes be more expensive than the benefits and may not be worth it.

DoorDash DashPass Membership – Free 

United Gateway℠ Card cardholders can activate a year of DashPass Membership – Free. This subscription service can help you save money on food delivery and pickup via DoorDash. DashPass offers reduced delivery fees and waived service fees for orders above $12.

Pickup orders qualify for 5% credit from DoorDash. The cost of a monthly subscription is $9.99. DoorDash estimates that an average DashPass user will save $5 per order. If you use DashPass frequently, this could mean significant savings. This benefit must be activated by December 31, 2024.

Chase United Gateway fees & costs

We already mentioned how the United Gateway℠ Card has a $0 annual fee and doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. This card does not charge an over-the limit fee or a return check fee.

Like most credit cards there are fees for balance transfer, cash advances and late or missed payments.

Comparison: Chase United Gateway Card and other United credit cards

*When you use your card to pay for your ticket, or the taxes and fees on an award ticket

****Up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year for the United Explorer Card; up to 3,000 PQP in a calendar year for the United Quest card

Chase United Gateway Card vs. Other airline credit cards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chase United Gateway Card

If your credit score falls below 700, we recommend you do not apply for the card. A minimum 700 credit score will give you the best chance of approval.

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