{"id":220807,"date":"2024-04-05T13:10:33","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T13:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/05\/united-gateway-card-review-earn-airline-miles-at-no-annual-fee\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:19:15","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:19:15","slug":"united-gateway-card-review-earn-airline-miles-at-no-annual-fee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/05\/united-gateway-card-review-earn-airline-miles-at-no-annual-fee\/","title":{"rendered":"United Gateway Card review: Earn airline miles at no annual fee"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p><em>Fortune Recommends\u2122 has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends\u2122 and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Our take: <\/strong>Although there\u2019s no annual fee, the lack of a checked bag perk or other flying benefits with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardratings.com\/bestcards\/featured-credit-cards?shnq=4048226&amp;src=692824&amp;var2=3841595\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/a> leaves us hungry for more.<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-card-inline-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"card-area-1\">\n<h4 class=\"card-title\">United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/h4>\n<section class=\"card-intro\">&#13;<\/p>\n<h5>Intro bonus<\/h5>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\nEarn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months<\/section>\n<section class=\"card-description\">&#13;<\/p>\n<table>&#13;<\/p>\n<tbody>&#13;<\/p>\n<tr>&#13;<\/p>\n<td>Annual fee<\/td>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/tr>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<tr>&#13;<\/p>\n<td>Regular APR<\/td>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<td>21.99%\u201328.99% variable APR<\/td>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/tr>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/tbody>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/table>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card-area-4\">\n<section class=\"card-accordion three-pannels\" role=\"tablist\"> <input id=\"control0-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" role=\"tab\" name=\"accordion-pannel-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" type=\"radio\" aria-controls=\"content0-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" checked=\"\"\/> <label id=\"label0-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" for=\"control0-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\"> Rewards <\/label>&#13;<\/p>\n<div id=\"content0-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" class=\"card-accordion-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"label0-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\">\n<h5 class=\"card-rates-title\">Rewards Rates<\/h5>\n<ul class=\"card-rates-list\">&#13;<\/p>\n<li><span class=\"circle\">2x<\/span>2 miles per $1 spent on United\u00ae purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United purchases.<\/li>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<li><span class=\"circle\">2x<\/span>2 miles per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.<\/li>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<li><span class=\"circle\">1x<\/span>1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\n<p>&#13;\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<!-- --> <input id=\"control1-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" role=\"tab\" name=\"accordion-pannel-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" type=\"radio\" aria-controls=\"content1-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\"\/> <label id=\"label1-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" for=\"control1-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\"> Pros and Cons <\/label>&#13;<\/p>\n<div id=\"content1-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" class=\"card-accordion-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"label1-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\">\n<div class=\"pros_cons\">\n<div>\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<ul>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>No annual fee or foreign transaction fee<\/li>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>Reward bonus categories outside of United Airlines<\/li>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>Robust travel protections for a no-annual-fee card<\/li>\n<p>&#13;\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<ul>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>No baggage or expanded award availability benefits like with other United cards<\/li>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>Subject to Chase 5\/24 rule.<\/li>\n<p>&#13;\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<!-- --> <input id=\"control2-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" role=\"tab\" name=\"accordion-pannel-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" type=\"radio\" aria-controls=\"content2-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\"\/> <label id=\"label2-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" for=\"control2-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\"> Card details <\/label>&#13;<\/p>\n<div id=\"content2-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\" class=\"card-accordion-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"label2-794d777b-8bf7-4229-b190-5cb2b54628ff\">\n<ul>\n<li>United perks: 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card<\/li>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>Other perks: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation\/Interruption insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty <\/li>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<li>Foreign transaction fee: None<\/li>\n<p>&#13;\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardratings.com\/bestcards\/featured-credit-cards?shnq=4048226&amp;src=692824&amp;var2=3841595\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa link-mobile\">Learn More <\/a> &#13;<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>United Gateway\u2120 Card Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Card type: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/best-airline-credit-cards\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">Airline<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The United Gateway\u2120 Card is an intriguing card at first glance. This no-annual-fee airline credit card comes with an intro APR offer and earns elevated rewards in several useful areas of everyday spending. It\u2019s also worth noting this is the only co-branded United credit card that charges no annual fee, as the Gateway\u2019s big siblings come with price tags ranging from $95 to more than $500 per year.<\/p>\n<p>Sounds pretty appealing, right? But like a souffle without egg whites, the United Gateway card falls flat. Without airline-specific benefits like a free checked bag or priority boarding, most folks would be better off with a card that earns a flat 2% cash back on everything, rather than just 2X miles back on some things and 1X miles on the rest.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Those who hanker for a United co-branded card should know that there are three other consumer United co-branded cards available, and all offer expanded Saver Award access (meaning more potential for good deals when redeeming your miles for flights), checked bag perks, priority boarding and more, and one of them even waives the annual fee the first year. More on that below.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is the United Gateway\u2120 Card good for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The United Gateway card is good for two types of travelers: Someone who occasionally flies United and doesn\u2019t need to check a bag and someone who earns <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/best-travel-credit-cards\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">flexible travel rewards<\/a> they can transfer to United Airlines and wants access to Saver Awards ticket availability.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who shouldn\u2019t get the United Gateway\u2120 Card?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The United Gateway Card is not a good fit for someone who frequently checks a bag or values priority boarding. If you want a United Airlines credit card with these perks, there\u2019s a plethora of other options.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>United Gateway\u2120 Card: How to earn rewards<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The United Gateway card earns United MileagePlus miles at the following rates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2 miles per $1 spent on United\u00ae purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United purchases.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>2 miles per $1 spent on United\u00ae purchases, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.<\/li>\n<li>1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There\u2019s a first-year welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to redeem United Gateway\u2120 Card rewards\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The United Gateway card earns United MileagePlus miles, which can be redeemed in several ways.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use miles to book United and partner airline award flights\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Using your miles for flights is typically the highest value use of your earnings. United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance airline group, which means you can use your MileagePlus miles to book flights on any of the 26 alliance members to over 1,200 destinations worldwide. Award flights on both United and partner airlines are dynamic, meaning the price and number of miles required for bookings will rise and fall based on demand.<\/p>\n<p>United also offers Saver Award and Everyday Award fares on some flights. Saver Awards fares are flights offered at the lowest mileage requirement available on an award flight. Everyday Award fares are often more available but require more miles than Saver awards.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Although Saver Awards are available on some flights to all MileagePlus members, owning an eligible co-branded United credit card or having Premier elite status will show \u201chidden\u201d Saver Award availability on some routes that other MileagePlus members cannot access. (If you fly United enough to want expanded Saver Award access, you may find it worthwhile to get one of the United credit cards that charges an annual fee.)<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of how redeeming miles to book Saver and higher-class seats can be valuable. Consider this one-way flight from Newark to Los Angeles on Sept. 10, 2024:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"margin:auto;max-width:1024px\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:20.5078125%\"\/><img alt=\"Screenshot showing a Saver Award United flight costing 15,000 miles plus $5.60. \" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"Screenshot showing a Saver Award United flight costing 15,000 miles plus $5.60. \" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-saver-miles.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"margin:auto;max-width:1024px\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:35.25390625%\"\/><img alt=\"Screenshot showing United flights that are not Saver Awards costing 18,100 miles and $5.60 each. \" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"Screenshot showing United flights that are not Saver Awards costing 18,100 miles and $5.60 each. \" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWK-to-LAX-Miles.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div>\n<p>As you can see, the flight would cost 18,100 miles without Saver access, but a select number of Saver Award seats are available in economy on the 2 p.m. flight for just 15,000 miles.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"margin:auto;max-width:1024px\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:22.55859375%\"\/><img alt=\"Screenshot showing that the ticket that would cost 15,000 as a Saver Award redemption would cost $185 if paying cash.\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"Screenshot showing that the ticket that would cost 15,000 as a Saver Award redemption would cost $185 if paying cash.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/United-EWR-to-LAX-185-cash-price.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"margin:auto;max-width:1024px\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:38.37890625%\"\/><img alt=\"Screenshot showing cash prices for United flights.\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"Screenshot showing cash prices for United flights.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/EWR-to-LAX-cash-price.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The cash price for those same regular economy flights is $185 each plus taxes and fees. This would make the miles used to buy that Saver economy seat worth about 1.2 cents per point, which is a just-OK redemption.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you had your eye on a more premium experience, you\u2019ll see that the 2 p.m. flight has a business class seat for 80,000 miles plus taxes and fees and a cash price of $1,334. This would make your miles worth roughly 1.7 cents per point if you value the added comfort.<\/p>\n<p>You can book flights using just your miles or a combination of miles and cash. However, using just miles typically yields the best value.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s always beneficial to get more for less, particularly when it comes to rewards. However, it still pays to do the math to make sure the redemption you\u2019re considering is a good use of your points. Ultimately, the best redemption will be different for everyone, but as a rule of thumb, you should aim to get more than a penny per point in value from your miles.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other redemption options<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>United MileagePlus miles can also be redeemed to book travel including hotels, rental cars and cruises through the United site, used to upgrade or pay for seat assignments, upgrade seats, prepay for checked bags, cover a TSA PreCheck application fee or renewal fee, or pay for a United Club membership, in-flight dining, in-flight WiFi or a meal at select restaurants and bars at Newark Airport (EWR) and Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH).<\/p>\n<p>However, most of the options typically are less valuable than redeeming towards flights. For example, it takes 11,000 miles to cover the $78 TSA Precheck application fee, which gives you a value of just 0.7 cents per mile.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>United Gateway\u2120 Card rates and fees<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Annual fee: $0<\/li>\n<li>Foreign transaction fee: None.<\/li>\n<li>Intro APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months. After that, 21.99%\u201328.99% variablevariable APR applies.<\/li>\n<li>Purchase APR: 21.99%\u201328.99% variable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Additional benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Get 25% back on United in-flight and Club premium drink purchases:<\/strong> You\u2019ll receive 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with the card.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trip cancellation\/interruption insurance:<\/strong> If your trip is canceled or cut short by covered situations like sickness or injury you can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage:<\/strong> New purchases are covered for up to 120 days against damage or theft,\u00a0 up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account\u2014and eligible warranties can be extended for up to an additional year on purchases made with the card.<\/li>\n<li><strong>One-year complimentary DashPass subscription:<\/strong> Enroll and receive a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar food delivery services with unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12\/31\/24.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Credit cards similar to the United Gateway Card<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re in the market for a low-cost travel card to gain some benefits and perks, there are other options that may be a better fit than the United Gateway card. Here\u2019s how two popular options stack up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table comparison-table-widget selected-1\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:62.629757785467135%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_gateway_card.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span>United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/th>\n<th><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:62.629757785467135%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/united_explorer_card.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span>United<sup><span>SM<\/span><\/sup> Explorer Card<\/th>\n<th><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:61.66666666666667%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;background-size:cover;background-position:0% 0%;filter:blur(20px);background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mO8fv1mPQAIHAMIsIR6agAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==&quot;)\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=320&amp;q=75 320w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=480&amp;q=75 480w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=576&amp;q=75 576w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=768&amp;q=75 768w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=1024&amp;q=75 1024w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=1280&amp;q=75 1280w, https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=1440&amp;q=75 1440w\" src=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred\u00ae-Card.png?w=1440&amp;q=75\"\/><\/noscript><\/span>Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup><span>\u00ae<\/span><\/sup> Card<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Annual fee<\/td>\n<td>Annual fee<\/td>\n<td>Annual fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95)<\/td>\n<td>$95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Welcome bonus<\/td>\n<td>Welcome bonus<\/td>\n<td>Welcome bonus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/td>\n<td>Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.<\/td>\n<td>Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rewards<\/td>\n<td>Rewards<\/td>\n<td>Rewards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2 miles per $1 spent on United\u00ae purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit, 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.<\/td>\n<td>2x miles on dining (including eligible delivery services), hotel stays, and United\u00ae purchases(including tickets, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, Economy Plus\u00ae and more). 1x miles on all other purchases.<\/td>\n<td>5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120 (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit), 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 2x points on travel purchases not booked through Chase Travel, 1x points on other purchases and 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that&#8217;s 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td\/>\n<td\/>\n<td\/><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>United<sup><span>SM<\/span><\/sup> Explorer Card vs. United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re flying United enough to consider getting a co-branded card, a low-cost alternative to the Gateway card would be the <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/united-explorer-card-review\/#\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">United<sup><span>SM<\/span><\/sup> Explorer Card<\/a> card. For a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95), you get a free checked bag perk for you and a companion, plus a Global Entry\/TSA Precheck application fee reimbursement every four years. These perks alone can make up for the cost of the relatively low annual fee if you fly somewhat regularly.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Explorer Card also earns 2X miles per dollar on United purchases (including tickets, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, Economy Plus\u00ae and more), dining, and hotel accommodations booked directly through the hotel. You\u2019ll earn 1x miles on all other purchases. The welcome offer is also more robust than what\u2019s offered on the Gateway card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Someone seeking <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/united-airlines-boarding\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">United perks<\/a> through credit card ownership will find that the Explorer card, or its more expensive and increasingly perk-laden siblings, the $250-annual-fee <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/united-quest-card-review\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">United Quest card<\/a> and the $525-annual-fee United Club\u2120 Infinite Card have more to offer than the Gateway card.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup><span>\u00ae<\/span><\/sup> Card<\/strong> <strong>vs. United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Although the <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/chase-sapphire-preferred-review\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup><span>\u00ae<\/span><\/sup> Card<\/a> carries a $95 annual fee and doesn\u2019t come with any airline-specific benefits, infrequent flyers may find greater value in this card over the no-annual-fee Gateway card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers up to $50 in statement credits annually toward hotel bookings made through Chase.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, this card has a rich rewards structure of 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120 (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit), 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 2x points on travel purchases not booked through Chase, 1x points on other purchases and 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that&#8217;s 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel).<\/p>\n<p>New cardholders also have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/p>\n<p>The main benefit the Sapphire Preferred has over the Gateway card is that it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards, which are flexible points that can be used to book flights, hotels, and other types of travel through Chase or transferred at a 1:1 rate to partner airline and hotel programs. Using your points for travel through Chase offers 25% more value, meaning each point is worth 1.25 cents compared to the 1 cent per point value you\u2019d get if redeeming your rewards for cash back.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>United Airlines is among Chase\u2019s list of travel partners, as well as other popular programs such as Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/world-of-hyatt-guide\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-76811d68-0 jyYcOa\">World of Hyatt<\/a>. Transferring rewards to partners is often the way to maximize your redemption value if you\u2019re willing to spend some time strategically looking for the best deal. In short, the Sapphire Preferred\u2019s plethora of redemption options gives you far more choices of what to do with your rewards then the Gateway card.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is the United Gateway\u2120 Card right for you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The United Gateway Card is right for just a slim slice of travel rewards seekers: Those who wish to earn United miles and can\u2019t stand to pay an annual fee\u2014even if they can get a free checked bag perk\u2014or those looking to downgrade an existing higher-priced United card. If this sounds like you, the Gateway card will serve your needs.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the credit limit on a United Gateway credit card?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Like most credit card issuers, Chase doesn\u2019t reveal in advance how much of a credit limit you\u2019ll get with the United Gateway card. Upon approval, the issuer will let you know the credit limit you\u2019ll be granted. Credit limits often depend on factors such as your credit history and the issuer\u2019s assessment of your ability to repay what you charge to the card.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do you get free baggage with the United Gateway\u2120 Card?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The United Gateway card does not come with a free checked baggage perk. If you want to check a bag, you\u2019ll have to pay for it.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which United card gives access to airport lounges?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The United Explorer card offers two United Club lounge passes per year, and the United Club Infinite Card offers the primary cardmember, and eligible travel companions, access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide as a benefit of owning the card.\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr class=\"sc-fa0656e5-0 hDabQp\"\/>\n<p><em>Fortune Recommends\u2122 has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends\u2122 and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"paywall\">\n<p><em>Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/recommends\/credit-cards\/united-gateway-card-review\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Fortune Recommends\u2122 has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends\u2122 and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":220808,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220807"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=220807"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220807\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":330497,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220807\/revisions\/330497"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/220808"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=220807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=220807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}