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6 Things to Know About United TravelBank
You can purchase TravelBank credits that you can later use toward a future United Airlines flight.
As a digital nomad for nearly five years, JT is a freelance writer that proves through experience that credit card rewards can drastically reduce the cost of travel. After working as a tax accountant for a decade, JT turned his analytical skills to points, miles and credit cards. He published over 2,000 articles as a writer for The Points Guy.
Kevin Berry works as the content lead for multimedia production at NerdWallet including YouTube, podcasts and social media videos across all financial topics. Previously, he was the Lead Editor for the Travel Rewards team. Prior to NerdWallet, Kevin managed the content and social media teams at NBC Sports in Portland for eight years. His prior experience also includes time as a financial analyst (Comcast) and business system analyst (Nike).
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Whether you're saving up for a special occasion — like a honeymoon — or just an upcoming getaway, many travelers opt to save future travel funds in a dedicated bank account. For United Airlines loyalists, this process can be even simpler.
United MileagePlus account members can access a budgeting tool called United TravelBank. Let's dive into the things you'll want to know about the service, how to use it and if it's worth "saving" money in this account at all.
What is United TravelBank? How does it work?
United's TravelBank is pretty much what it sounds like — an online account designed for accumulating travel funds for future United flights. It aims to simplify United MileagePlus members’ budgeting for future personal and/or business flights.
Once the account is set up and has money in it, it syncs with both united.com or the United mobile app as a payment option.
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What to know about United TravelBank
1. You can purchase United TravelBank credits for your account
United gives MileagePlus members the opportunity to buy deposits for their own TravelBank account. However, you can only purchase TravelBank credits in one of six amounts:
$50.
$100.
$250.
$500.
$750.
$1,000.
If you want to deposit a different amount, you can do so across multiple transactions. Say you want to deposit $150. Just purchase $50 in funds and then make another purchase of $100.
The only limitation is that you can't exceed $5,000 per day per MileagePlus account, meaning that you can do at least five purchases per day.
2. United TravelBank credits are valid for five years
Does United TravelBank expire? Yes. Purchased funds are valid for five years from the date the funds are deposited into your TravelBank account. That gives you plenty of time to use the funds.
That's a much longer validity than other types of airline travel credits. For instance, when purchasing airfare on United, you generally only have 12 months from the date of purchase to use those funds for a flight. So, if you really aren't sure that you'll be able to travel in the next year, you can use the United TravelBank to stash money away for future airfare purchases.
Even with the generous expiration policy, we recommend using up your full TravelBank balance whenever possible to avoid leaving money on the table.
3. You can get United TravelBank credits by holding an IHG card
One of the unexpected ways to get United TravelBank credits is through select IHG credit cards. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card customers can enroll to get up to $50 in TravelBank Cash each calendar year. Cardholders get one deposit of $25 in early January of each year and another $25 deposit in early July.
However, these funds work differently from purchased TravelBank funds. Instead of having five years of validity, you only have a little over six months to use these funds before they expire. The $25 deposited in early January expires on July 15 of the same calendar year, and the $25 funded in July will expire on Jan. 15 of the next year.
During the two-week crossover period, you could have up to $50 in active TravelBank funds from this IHG credit card benefit. That's probably not going to be enough to cover an entire flight, but at least it can save you some out-of-pocket cost on your next United flight.
Eligible cardholders can go to ihg.com/united to register to start receiving this new card benefit. You'll need to log into your IHG One Rewards account and then provide your United MileagePlus number and last name to complete registration. The terms and conditions note that it may take up to two weeks after registration before you receive your first $25 TravelBank deposit.
4. It’s possible to use credit card travel credits to fund your United TravelBank
United TravelBank purchases often code as travel expenses on your credit card bill. That means you can earn bonus points when using credit cards with a travel bonus category. And you might even be able to use credit card travel credits — such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® $300 annual travel credit or other credit card incidental fee credits.
5. You can't use United TravelBank funds for other travel purchases
A major downside of the United TravelBank is that funds can only be used to book United-operated or United Express-operated flights, plus certain subscription products.
Travelers living near an airport with a strong United presence may not mind being limited to flying United. However, if Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines or American Airlines offers a much cheaper airfare, you won't be able to use your United TravelBank funds to purchase those flights. If you want to go abroad on another airline, you won't be able to use these funds either, even with United's Star Alliance partners.
Likewise, United TravelBank funds can't be used for hotels or car rental purchases.
What's your experience flying United? Do you have status?
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
6. United TravelBank funds don't earn interest
Another downside of saving funds through the United TravelBank is that you won't earn interest on the saved funds. If you're hoping to grow your travel funds faster through saving, you're better off using an actual savings account to do so rather than the United TravelBank.
Once you’ve added money to the TravelBank account, you can select TravelBank cash as a payment option when logged into united.com or the United app.
When you're ready to use your travel funds, just log into your United MileagePlus account and search for a paid flight. On the checkout page, select the TravelBank payment option. Then, you can then enter precisely how much of your funds you want to apply to this booking.
Note that you can only use TravelBank funds for flights priced in U.S. dollars. And unfortunately, you can't use TravelBank funds to pay taxes and fees on a MileagePlus award ticket. For cash bookings, TravelBank monies can be used to cover the ticket price, taxes and surcharges.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can choose how much of your TravelBank funds you want to apply toward your purchase. Even if you have enough to cover everything, consider charging part of your flight booking to a credit card that provides travel insurance.
TravelBank cash can be used alone or in combination with other accepted forms of payment, such as Apple Pay, Visa Checkout or PayPal. You can't combine TravelBank cash with travel certificates or future flight credits.
Is United TravelBank worth it?
The United TravelBank provides travelers with another way of stashing away funds for future travel. MileagePlus members can fund as little as $50 at a time, up to $5,000 per day. Your funds are valid for five years from the date of deposit, giving you plenty of time to use them.
However, funding the United TravelBank locks you into booking paid flights through United, decreasing the flexibility of your money. You can't even use TravelBank to pay for taxes and fees on award travel. So, you may only want to deposit funds in the TravelBank if you're sure that you will be paying for a United flight in the near future.
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