The United Airlines MileagePlus frequent flyer program has dozens of business partners that can help you earn miles on the ground. You can earn miles when you rent a car, stay at a hotel, ride a train or get away from it all on a cruise. You can also earn miles when you buy a cellphone or cable service, eat at a restaurant or choose a car. Wherever there is a consumer product or service, the chances are you can earn miles for giving it a try.
One of the most lucrative ways of receiving quick and massive injection of miles is credit card sign up bonuses. Most United MileagePlus members know about the Chase cobranded United credit card, but there are more cards that can give your mileage account some serious award booking powers.
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Card
This “staple” United card usually has a 30,000-mile bonus, but there is currently a promotional link for a special 55,000-mile offer. You need to spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months and add an authorized user to get the full bonus. In addition, you get two lounge passes and other benefits like free checked bags and more. The offer is valid until June 30. The annual fee is $95.
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card
This card offers a 30,000-mile bonus, two lounge passes and other valuable cardholder benefits. It waives the $95 annual fee for the first year. Please note that you don’t have to have an official business, business name, or Tax ID Number in order to be eligible for a business card. As long as you are a freelancer or have any kind of side business, you might qualify.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred is not a United cobranded credit card. It’s a premium card that belongs to the Chase Ultimate Rewards family, and it allows you to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to your United MileagePlus program at 1:1. The card comes with a 55,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months, and there are other valuable benefits, too. The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.
Chase Ink Business Plus
Chase Ink Business Plus is also an Ultimate Rewards credit card that allows you to transfer points to your Uited MileagePlus account at 1:1. It offers a whopping 60,000-point bonus after spending $5,000 in the first three months. It has another great feature, too – you will get 5X points for every dollar spent “at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet and cable TV services.” The annual fee is $95.
The Chase Rules
1) You will not receive the bonus if you have the same card or if you have received the bonus for the same card within 24 months. This is an official rule.
2) Chase is likely to deny your application if you have applied for five or more credit cards in the last two years. This is not an official rule, but there are multiple reports that confirm it.