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 our favorite point system 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 120,000 points.
- 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 125,000-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 125,000-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 | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000 | $1,000 | 1.4 ¢ | $0 | $0 |
$443
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| 5/24 , Chase 2/30 , Chase 4/6 |
Spend Categories
7X points
10¢ Per Dollar Spent
1X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.9¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
4.3¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.9¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
25% back on food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases onboard United- and United Express-operated flights
Using this card gives you primary car rental insurance, providing reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim, and $50,000 per year.
Eligible warranties of 3 years or less can be extended up to 1 additional year.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System United MileagePlus
Transfers In From
1:1 81% value retained
3:1.1 68% value retained
5:2 33% value retained
United Gateway Application Rules
Your application will be declined if 5 new cards are reported on 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
