The United Gateway Card is the no-annual-fee option in the United MileagePlus credit card lineup. It is designed for travelers who want to earn MileagePlus miles and keep a United co-branded card without paying for premium benefits such as United Club membership.
The card earns 2X miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit and commuting. After meeting the annual spending requirement, cardholders can also unlock Cardmember Award Pricing and checked bag certificates.
👉 Apply for the United Gateway Card
Benefits Overview
| Benefit | United Gateway Card |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | US$0 |
| United Purchases | 2X MileagePlus Miles |
| Gas Stations | 2X |
| Local Transit & Commuting | 2X, including rideshare, taxis, trains, tolls, and mass transit |
| Other Purchases | 1X |
| Cardmember Award Pricing | Spend US$10,000 in a calendar year to unlock savings of 10% or more on eligible United / United Express award flights |
| Checked Bag Certificates | Spend US$10,000 in a calendar year to receive 2 checked bag certificates |
| United Inflight Purchases | 25% back on eligible food, beverages, and Wi-Fi |
| United Club Premium Drinks | 25% back on eligible purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
Spend US$10,000 to Unlock Two Benefits
The most important rule to understand about the United Gateway Card is the US$10,000 calendar-year spending threshold.
Once you reach it, you can unlock Cardmember Award Pricing, offering savings of 10% or more on eligible United and United Express award flights, and receive two checked bag certificates.
This is different from cards such as the United Explorer Card, which provides an ongoing first checked bag benefit subject to its terms. The United Gateway Card should therefore not be described simply as offering a free checked bag.
2X on United, Gas & Transit
The earning structure is straightforward:
2X on United purchases
2X at gas stations
2X on local transit and commuting
1X on other eligible purchases
The gas and transit categories give the card some everyday earning value beyond United purchases.
Conclusion
The United Gateway Card is best suited to travelers who want a simple United MileagePlus credit card without paying an annual fee.
Its most interesting feature is the US$10,000 annual spending threshold, which unlocks Cardmember Award Pricing and two checked bag certificates. Travelers who regularly need checked bags, United Club access, or stronger United travel benefits should instead compare the United Explorer Card, United Quest Card, and United Club Card.
Historical Welcome Offers
| Date | Welcome Offer | Spending Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | Up to 40,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months + add an Authorized User within 3 months |
| Aug 2025–Apr 2026 | 30,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| Jul–Aug 2025 | 20,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| May–Jul 2025 | 30,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| Jan–May 2025 | 20,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| Nov 2024–Jan 2025 | 30,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| Aug–Nov 2024 | 20,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| Jun–Aug 2024 | 30,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
| Mar–Jun 2024 | 20,000 Miles | US$1,000 / 3 months |
👉 Apply for the United Gateway Card
United MileagePlus Personal Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| United Gateway Card | US$0 | 2X United, 2X Gas / Transit, Cardmember Award Pricing | 0% |
| United Explorer Card | US$0 first year, then US$150 | First Checked Bag Free, 2 United Club One-Time Passes, Priority Boarding | 0% |
| United Quest Card | US$350 | US$200 United Travel Credit, 2 Free Checked Bags, Award Discount | 0% |
| United Club Card | US$695 | United Club Membership, 2 Free Checked Bags, Premier Access | 0% |
United MileagePlus Business Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| United Business Card | US$150 | First Checked Bag Free, 2 United Club One-Time Passes, 5K Better-Together Bonus | 0% |
| United Club Business Card | US$695 | United Club Membership, 2 Free Checked Bags, Premier Access | 0% |
Application Rules & Restrictions
When applying for Chase credit cards, keep these key rules in mind:
– 5/24 Rule: If you have opened 5 or more credit card accounts that appear on your personal credit report within the past 24 months, it will generally affect your ability to get approved for a new Chase Card. Most Business Cards that do not report to personal credit reports generally do not add to your 5/24 count.
– Welcome Offer Eligibility: Different Chase Cards have their own Welcome Offer restrictions, and some products also have Card Family Restrictions. Being under 5/24 does not necessarily mean you are eligible for a Welcome Offer.
– Application Timing: Chase does not publish a simple fixed application interval, but submitting multiple Chase applications within a short period may affect approval.
A simple Chase application strategy is:
Check 5/24 → Check Welcome Offer / Family Eligibility → Submit Application
Actual application and Welcome Offer Eligibility requirements are subject to the current terms of each Chase Card.
How Can Foreigners Apply for Chase Credit Cards?
Foreign applicants generally need to establish some U.S. Credit History before applying for Chase credit cards.
If you are new to the U.S. credit card market, one strategy is to first obtain a U.S. Amex through Amex Global Transfer, build your U.S. credit history, and then consider applying for Chase.
Amex Global Transfer → U.S. Amex → Build U.S. Credit History → Chase
Applicants must still meet Chase’s current requirements regarding identification, address, credit history, and other application criteria.
