Top credit cards for booking United flights

As you prepare to purchase a flight, you might think that using a credit card branded with that airline is your best bet. But could another credit card serve you better?

You can choose from options that let you rack up extra points and miles when making payments. Alternatively, some cards offer added perks during your journey. A few cards can provide a blend of both benefits.

Let’s explore the top credit cards for United flights so you can understand your choices.

Evaluating cards for United Airlines flights

In addition to using a United Airlines credit card, you might consider a versatile travel rewards card that earns transferable points on travel expenses, including your next booking with United Airlines. Here are some cards you can use and the benefits they offer:

* Estimated bonus value is based on TPG's August 2024 valuations and is not provided by the card issuer.

The details for the American Express Green Card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

What card is best for United Airlines flights?

Generally, accumulating transferable points (which can be utilized in various ways, not just with United) is likely your most advantageous strategy. If you choose a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points—like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card—you can later transfer these points to United Airlines when you want to redeem through the MileagePlus program.

What if you need to check a bag? Do you receive complimentary checked luggage due to flying in a premium class or having status with United? If not, using a United card could be beneficial.

Unlike a Delta Air Lines credit card, where the checked baggage benefit is linked to your loyalty program number, you must purchase your United flight with your United credit card to access the free checked baggage benefit.

Merely possessing the United Club Infinite card, United Quest card, or United Explorer card does not automatically grant this benefit.

Using your United credit card unlocks additional benefits, such as earning bonus PQPs through spending, receiving 25% back (as a statement credit) on inflight purchases with United, and getting up to $125 in statement credits annually for United purchases made with the United Quest card.

A credit card offering annual travel credits can also help cover your checked bag fees. If checking a suitcase isn’t necessary, think about whether you’re missing out on other perks. Have you taken advantage of your United Quest card's $125 in United credits this year, for instance?

To ensure you don’t miss out on benefits like these, select the card that maximizes your rewards on spending through points and miles.

For example, if you choose to use your Amex Platinum Card to earn 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent, you’ll gain more value in rewards but won’t qualify for free checked bags—even if you carry a United credit card.

Certain benefits are available regardless of the credit card you choose for your flight payments.

These benefits include eligible access to United Club lounges, priority boarding and check-in perks, receiving 5,000 miles back for qualifying mileage award redemptions while holding the United Quest card, and gaining access to saver award bookings with a 10% discount through the United Club Infinite card.

All cardholders and those with United Airlines elite status can also access extra award space when redeeming miles for United flights.

Additionally, individuals with United elite status and a United credit card can enjoy complimentary upgrades to first class when redeeming miles for award flights. This can make having a United credit card advantageous, even for those who enjoy many benefits as elite members.

In summary

According to TPG's August 2024 valuations, United Miles are valued at 1.35 cents each. The top-earning United credit card option provides only 5.4 cents in value for every dollar spent on United purchases, while more versatile travel rewards cards can offer higher earnings. However, to enjoy specific benefits like free checked bags and statement credits for qualifying purchases, you'll need to use your United credit card.

Before selecting a card for payment, consider whether you might be giving up benefits in exchange for potentially more valuable rewards, and assess how crucial this trade-off is for you.