Best in Class
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United Gateway Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
When you reach the point of considering a co-branded airline card, it may be tempting to pick one with no annual fee — especially if you already pay annual fees for several other cards. Although the United Gateway Card is the only United Airlines card without an annual fee, we still don’t recommend it. Its comparatively low sign-up bonus and lack of notable benefits make it a poor choice for one of your limited 5/24 slots. You’d be better served to apply for one of the midrange cards United offers.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The United Gateway Card is the airline’s sole no annual fee option. It provides a 30,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. You also get a range of spending multipliers:
- 7x miles on United flights
- 5x miles on United hotels
- 2x miles on eligible United purchases, plus gas stations, local transit, and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
If you add an authorized user, you’ll earn a 5,000-mile bonus, and you receive 25% back on in-flight Club and premium drink purchases. The card also includes several travel and purchase protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $6,000 per trip), auto rental coverage, and both purchase protection and extended warranty protection.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not suit you in the following cases:
- If you fly United multiple times a year, you will get more value from any of the other United cards instead.
What to Know About United MileagePlus
United is a solid option for international flights, especially for business class.
- United has ample cards for collecting large sums of points.
- International business class seats can be found for as low as 60,000 points to South America and 80,000 to Europe.
- They’re a partner in our favorite rewards system, making top offs from Chase Ultimate Rewards both easy and a good value.
- United is also a decent option for domestic flights and standard international fares, but we generally use Southwest, American or Delta for those.
- We save our United points for those long international flights where business class is a difference maker.
How The United Gateway Credit Card Fits In The United MileagePlus Ecosystem
If you decide the Gateway card isn’t worth it, consider these two mid-range co-branded United Airlines cards instead:
- United Explorer Card: Waives its 150 annual fee the first year and offers two United Club passes per year—ideal if you fly United once or twice annually.
- United Quest Card: Has a $350 annual fee but provides a $200 United credit, making its effective fee closer to the Explorer card. It comes with two free checked bags and a variety of statement credits. Choose this if you value free checked bags over the lounge access included with the Explorer card.
The United Club Card is better for those who fly United multiple times per year and will use the included United Club membership (normally $750). It carries the highest annual fee at $695 but comes with various other perks that can make the cost worthwhile.
If you’re nearing your 5/24 limit and can qualify for a business card, there are two more United options:
- United Business Card: Offers a 75,000-mile welcome bonus, a $150 annual fee, two United Club passes per year, and your first checked bag free.
- United Club Business Card: Charges a $695 annual fee and offers a 80,000-mile sign-up bonus, along with a full United Club membership and multiple statement credits.
Overall, there are better choices than the Gateway Card if your goal is to maximize benefits and value.
Card Information
Bonus Points
30,000
Minimum Spend
$1,000 / 3mo
Point Value
1.43 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$0
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
7X on United Flight Purchases
2X on Gas Stations
2X on Ride Shares & Transit
Rules
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
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Total Annual Value
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No extras to display for this card.
Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
2.9¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.9¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.9¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
1.4¢
Per Dollar
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United Gateway Application Rules
If you've received a bonus from this card within the last 24 month, you are not eligible for another bonus.
Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months.
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days
Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months
