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United Airlines flyers now have another way to earn miles: through spending and saving with the carrier’s brand-new debit card.
The United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card offers cardholders the ability to earn miles on everyday purchases, as well as a monthly miles bonus based on their account balance. While the debit card may not be as lucrative as some of United’s credit cards, it doesn’t require a credit check and can be a good option for those who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a credit card.
“This card builds on an existing card portfolio,” United MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn told reporters on a call. “Our goal is to have a card for every type of traveler who flies United, no matter their need.”
The launch of the Visa debit card comes a week after Southwest Airlines announced its own debit card. Both cards are issued by Minnesota-based Sunrise Banks, an FDIC member with funds insured up to $250,000.
Here’s everything you need to know about the United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card.
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United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card details
The card, which launched Nov. 4, 2025, comes with these perks:
Welcome offer
For a limited time, United has a launch offer for new cardholders: Earn 10,000 bonus miles when you open an account and spend $500 within the first four months of card membership.
NerdWallet values United miles at 1.2 cents apiece, making this welcome offer worth $120. That’s a decent return for the required amount of spending.
Rewards on spending
Cardholders earn 1 mile per $1 spent on United purchases, as well as 1 mile per $2 spent on other purchases. That’s not a very attractive return, considering United’s credit cards offer 2 to 4 miles per $1 spent on United purchases and at least 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases, depending on the card.
However, if you don’t want a credit card, the debit card can be a useful way to earn rewards on your spending. Plus, it might make sense to get this card if you make a lot of purchases that incur credit card processing fees.
When you spend $10,000 in a calendar year on the card, you’ll also receive a 2,500-mile bonus.
» Learn more: The complete guide to United MileagePlus
Rewards on saving
United’s debit card offers a passive way to earn miles, based on how much cash you have parked in your account. Bonus miles are awarded each month based on your average daily balance.
Here’s how much you could earn each year:
| Average daily balance | Annual bonus miles |
|---|---|
| $2,500 to $4,999.99 | 2,500. |
| $5,000 to $9,999.99 | 5,000. |
| $10,000 to $24,999.99 | 15,000. |
| $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 30,000. |
| $50,000 or more | 70,000. |
While it’s nice to earn an extra chunk of United miles just for holding money in an account, you can probably get a better return by parking your money elsewhere, such as in a high-yield savings account. With the United debit card, you’d be getting 0.5 to 1.4 miles per $1 saved.
Waived fees with a minimum $2,000 balance
The account comes with a $4 monthly fee. However, that’s waived if you keep an average daily balance of $2,000 or more.
But if you don’t maintain that amount in your account, those monthly account fees could add up to $48 per year.
United debit vs. credit cards: Which is better?
If you qualify for a United credit card, that will generally be a better option than opening the United debit card.
That’s because United credit cards can offer higher rewards earning potential, travel benefits like a free checked bag or priority boarding, the ability to earn Premier qualifying points toward elite status, and even United Club lounge access, depending on the card you hold.
You won’t find anything like that with United’s debit card, although keep in mind that most United credit cards come with an annual fee. However, those added perks can easily offset the fee you pay.
» Learn more: Is a United credit card worth it?
Several of United’s credit cards also come with travel insurance benefits, which can come in handy if you run into weather issues while traveling or lose your luggage. If you pay using a debit card, you won’t enjoy those protections.
However, if you don’t qualify for a United credit card or prefer the simplicity of having a debit card to manage your expenses, then the United debit card might be a good option for you — especially if you want to earn miles on your spending.
Top photo courtesy of United Airlines.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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