Underrated Reasons Why You Need a United Business Card

On top of earning miles, cardholders get access to more award flights and upgrades.
Anya Kartashova
By Anya Kartashova 
Updated
Edited by Jeanette Margle
Underrated Reasons Why You Need a United Business Card

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The United℠ Business Card from Chase is a co-branded airline card designed for United Airlines flyers who are also small-business owners. The free baggage benefits help you save money on United flights, and miles earned by charging purchases to the card will get you award flights not just with United, but also on partners within the Star Alliance network.

Here are the underrated reasons why the United℠ Business Card is worth considering for small-business owners.

But first: The well-known reasons

  • Welcome bonus: Small-business owners who are new holders of the United℠ Business Card can earn the following bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. NerdWallet’s valuations determine that one United mile is equivalent to 1.2 cents.

  • Free checked luggage: Every time you and one companion on the same reservation fly together on United-operated flights, you can each check one standard bag for free. The benefit can save each person up to $70 on a round-trip journey.

  • Double miles in select spending categories: Business lunches just got more rewarding. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub. You’ll also earn 2 miles per dollar spent directly with United Airlines at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar.

The underrated reasons

Access to more award flights

Holding a co-branded United credit card gives you one important perk — expanded award availability on United-operated flights.

To see this "extra" award space, you must be logged in to your MileagePlus account and search for United flights, whether it’s a domestic connection or a long-haul flight overseas. The flights that regular members can’t see have a note: "Exclusively available to you as a MileagePlus Chase Cardmember."

Essentially, your flight search will provide more available Saver award seats than if you didn’t have the credit card. This gives you more choice, flexibility and freedom when it comes to picking a mileage flight.

Two United Club day passes per year

Immediately after approval for the United℠ Business Card — and then every year you renew your membership — cardholders receive two United Club one-time passes to use within the following year in the U.S.

If busy terminals stress you out, having access to the lounge can make your airport experience more pleasant.

$100 annual United travel credit

For each year that you hold the card and purchase at least seven United flight travel-related purchases totaling $100 or more, you’ll receive an automatic $100 United Airlines statement credit. In this case, a year starts on your account opening date and includes the following 12 months until your account anniversary. Qualifying purchases include seat upgrades, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United fees.

Priority boarding

Priority boarding is another one of those perks you don’t really think about — that is until you’re at the gate and watching other passengers board with their carry-on bags while simultaneously calculating the overhead bins’ capacity.

As a United℠ Business Card member, you and your companions can board a United aircraft before general boarding begins (but after elite members and passengers who require special assistance). The benefit gives you enough time to find overhead space, stow your bag and settle in before takeoff.

More ways to upgrade award tickets

MileagePlus Premier elite flyers who are also United℠ Business Card customers can upgrade their eligible award flights with Complimentary Premier Upgrades on select United and United Express-operated flights. Though the benefit isn’t available to travel companions and authorized users, it’s a solid perk for cardholders who take solo business trips.

Normally, only paid (not award) tickets are eligible for upgrades, but simply holding this credit card unlocks the upgrade opportunities for award flights.

No foreign transaction fees

International business travelers, rejoice: This benefit can save you up to 3% in additional charges for every transaction made outside the U.S.

The bottom line

The United℠ Business Card’s welcome bonus is a head-turner, but even once you look beyond the welcome offer, the card still offers some great perks. Not only do cardholders get access to more award flights, they also can check a bag for free, board a plane early and upgrade their mileage ticket.


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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