5 Things to Know About Neo’s United MileagePlus World Elite Card
Come April 2026, travel bugs will have a new credit card to consider: the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard, a partnership between Neo Financial and United Airlines.
The new card will create a direct path for Canadians to earn United MileagePlus miles on everyday spending, plus extra miles on United and other Star Alliance flights.
Details are few and far between, but here’s what we know so far.
1) It’s the first Canada-issued United co-branded credit card
Neo and United say the new card will give Canadians an easy way to earn MileagePlus miles through day-to-day spending, alongside the miles members can earn through eligible flight activity.
That’s notable because, until now, Canadians who wanted MileagePlus miles generally earned them by flying (and crediting flights to United) or through indirect options like transfers.
United Airlines is overhauling how travelers earn miles in its loyalty program, MileagePlus, starting April 2, 2026, which will make the program more rewarding for United’s co-branded cardholders.
2) A limited bonus just for waiting — as long as you can qualify
Neo has launched a waitlist for the card. The first 3,000 eligible customers who join could score a juiced-up waitlist bonus: 5,000 MileagePlus miles.
To be eligible for the waitlist bonus, you must:
Join the waitlist by March 25.
Be one of the first 3,000 people to sign up for the waitlist (and meet the requirements).
Successfully get approved for and activate the card.
Make a first purchase on the card.
Neo notes that joining the waitlist does not guarantee you’ll receive the waitlist bonus miles.
Minimum income requirements could be a blocker
Qualifying for the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard requires meeting the card’s minimum income threshold: $80,000 in personal income or $150,000 in household income.
That’s consistent with many World Elite Mastercards in Canada, and the same standard for the Neo Elite World Mastercard.
Applicants must also be the age of majority in their province or territory and be Canadian residents.
Neo’s terms also mention a secured card (requiring security funds), but details are pending. A setup similar to the secured Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard is likely.
If you don’t qualify for this card (or prefer other routes), one Canada-accessible workaround today is earning Marriott Bonvoy points — Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is an option — and converting them to United miles.
3) United’s program perks
Neo and United say the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard will include priority boarding and a free checked bag, plus other “new rewards” that haven’t been fully detailed yet.
But, as far as perks go, assuming the free checked bag is for United Airlines flights, that’s a savings of around $40 USD. And, while earn rates for the card have not been made public, Neo and United say cardmembers will earn extra miles when booking flights on United or other Star Alliance carriers.
MileagePlus miles can also be used to book travel with any airline that is a Star Alliance member — including Air Canada.
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4) Neo’s program perks (extra ways to earn miles)
Additional earning opportunities will come through the card’s built-in access to the Neo Rewards network of 10,000+ partners.
Neo cardholders typically earn Neo’s cashback rewards, but Neo says the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard will be able to “earn accelerated miles at participating locations”. Neo hasn’t published the mechanics of that set up yet (for example, exactly how partner offers translate into miles), so this is an area we’ll be watching.
However, we suspect that, once again, that the details here will follow the approach used on the Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard. Meaning, cardholders will likely earn the credit card’s namesake rewards, not Neo Rewards, when shopping with Neo’s partners.
5) What we don’t know yet (and what we’re watching for)
A lot of the details that matter most for comparing credit cards — and deciding if this one is right for you — still aren’t public, including:
Earn rates on rewards
Neo and United haven’t published the card's rewards earn rates, including the base earning, bonus categories and accelerated rates.
So, we don't know how rewarding this card will actually be for day-to-day purchases. Or, if any accelerated spending will be subject to limits or spending caps.
Particulars about the perks
No confirmed list of insurance coverage or protections has been published in the launch materials so far.
And, we’re still waiting for full terms for priority boarding and the free checked bag. For example: what flights qualify? Will the perk also apply to companions? Are there any fare-class restrictions?
Fees and rates
No information has been made available regarding an annual fee, interest rates, foreign transaction fees, or other potential terms or charges associated with the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard.
The Neo World Elite Mastercard charges an annual fee of $125, a base APR of 19.99% on purchases and a base APR of 22.99% on cash advances.
If the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard comes with similar costs, deciding whether it’s right for you will depend heavily on the card’s perks and whether you’re a dedicated United Airlines flyer.
As soon as we know more, we’ll make sure you do, too.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell