Is the United Gateway Card Worth It?

The United Gateway Card is a rare example of a no-fee airline card that provides valuable benefits.
Bethany Walsh
By Bethany Walsh 
Updated
Edited by Jeanette Margle
Is the United Gateway Card Worth It?

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Anyone looking for a $0-annual-fee credit card has plenty of options to choose from. However, if a co-branded airline credit card is what you’re after, no-fee options can be slim, lacking the valuable benefits and rewards offered by their higher-fee counterparts.

Thankfully, this isn't the case with the new United Gateway℠ Card.

This new United Airlines MileagePlus credit card issued by Chase offers valuable rewards, useful bonus categories and a lucrative sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

But is the United Gateway℠ Card worth it? Read on to find out if it's the right card for you.

United Gateway℠ Card benefits

Enhanced award availability for MileagePlus tickets

When the United Gateway℠ Card primary cardmember uses miles to book United-operated award flights, they'll be able to do so without restrictions or blackout dates. This perk is also available for award travel booked by the primary cardmember for an authorized user under the primary cardmember's MileagePlus number.

Travel perks

The United Gateway℠ Card is a great card for international travelers, saving you up to 3% per transaction when swiping your card abroad.

This card also offers double points for any dollar spent on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting — a nice addition to the wallet of any regular traveler.

Travel rewards categories include:

  • 3 miles on grocery store purchases up to $15,000 for the first year your account is open.

  • 2 miles for every $1 spent on United Airlines purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus®, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United fees. Be aware that United tickets booked through some discount travel websites or as part of a third-party travel package may not qualify.

  • 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets and tolls.

  • 1 mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.

What’s more, you can travel with confidence knowing that trip cancellation/interruption insurance is included for any flights purchased with this credit card — up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your prepaid nonrefundable passenger fares.

The fact that you can redeem your miles with any member airlines in the Star Alliance network makes this card even more attractive for frequent flyers.

25% back on in-flight purchases

The United Gateway℠ Card offers 25% back in the form of a statement credit on food, drink and Wi-Fi purchases made on board. This is a nice perk that can save midflight munchers and workaholics a few bucks on each flight.

Complimentary DashPass membership

The United Gateway℠ Card now offers one-year complimentary DashPass membership, getting you unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees from certain restaurants through DoorDash and Caviar. You must activate your membership by Dec. 31, 2024, to take advantage of this benefit. Note that you'll be automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate once the free year expires.

The bottom line

The United Gateway℠ Card is a good fit for anyone who frequently flies United, especially light travelers (who don’t generally check bags) or those who want a $0-annual-fee card that still earns valuable rewards on everyday spending.

It’s also a good option for anyone who wants to downgrade to no fee from a premium United card while still retaining access to enhanced award availability.


How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

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