Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles when you add an authorized user in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
United Gateway℠ Card
Up to 40,000 Bonus Miles
Our Mission
At Daily Drop, our mission is simple: to help you explore the world affordably and experience life-changing travel by maximizing miles and points. Our team of travel and credit card experts is here to help you make decisions about which cards belong in your wallet. Based on your travel goals, we offer unbiased advice to help you make the best choices. Keep in mind that our suggestions require responsible credit card use.
Rating Methodology
Here at Daily Drop, we score credit cards using a proprietary formula based on dozens of metrics across six key categories: annual fee, welcome offer, rewards rates, redemption value, benefits & perks, and travel protections. Higher scores indicate better overall value.
We net the annual fee against statement credits you'll likely use and focus on a welcome offer's true return on spending (ROI) rather than just the headline number. We value rewards by their actual worth in cents per point, which is why flexible, transferable points typically score highest. APR is not a standalone scoring category because we recommend paying in full to maximize points and miles, but an intro 0% APR counts as a perk.
Our reviews are editorial and experience-driven. Our team has earned and redeemed millions of miles and points and tested these cards around the world. After all, we would not be Daily Drop if we were not practicing what we preach.
Read our full methodology for more information.
Our Take
Tiffany EasthamIf you're looking for a card to help you earn United miles without paying an annual fee, the Gateway card is your answer! This is United's entry-level card, and although it doesn't offer many premium perks, it does offer 2x miles per dollar on common, everyday purchases at gas stations and on various forms of transit.
And although two free checked bags a year might not sound like much, you can't deny that its a generous offer on a no-annual-fee card — despite spending $10,000 in a calendar year to earn them. Plus, you'll still get 25% back as a statement credit when using your card for United purchases.
Comparable Cards
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee in the first year, then $150
Welcome Offer
Up to 60,000 Bonus Miles
Pros & Cons
Pros
Opportunity to earn United MileagePlus miles for everyday spending without an annual fee
No annual fee, making it a budget-friendly choice for those new to travel rewards cards
Earn two checked bags each year after spending $10,000 on your card in a calendar year
Cons
The card may not offer as many premium travel benefits as some other United co-branded cards
The rewards structure is relatively basic and may not be as rewarding for frequent travelers
Rewards Summary
5x miles on eligible United flights (3x miles for primary cardmember’s fare from United as a mileage plus member, plus 2x miles on United purchases)
2x miles on all other United purchases
2x miles on gas, local transit and commuting
1x miles on all other purchases
Additional Benefits
- Earn two checked bags each year after spending $10,000 on your card in a calendar year (Terms apply.)
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- NEW! Save 10% or more on flights booked with miles after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
- Member pricing on award redemptions after $10,000 in spend in a calendar year
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
- Rental car insurance
- Purchase protection
- Member FDIC
How to make the most of your United Gateway℠ Card
[.dontreco] We don’t recommend: Redeeming miles for non-flight rewards [.dontreco]
While you can use your United miles for things like gift cards, the value per mile is significantly lower compared to booking flights. Save your miles for flights to get the best value and enjoy those free trips.
[.alwaysreco] We always recommend: Booking through United's website [.alwaysreco]
Booking directly on the United Airlines website often unlocks promotional offers and ensures you earn miles on your fare. Just keep an eye on blackout dates and availability, as value can fluctuate depending on travel dates.
Transfer Partners
While United miles can’t be transferred to other airlines, they can be used to book Star Alliance flights, including: Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, ANA and more. This is where you'll get high-value award redemptions, particularly in premium cabins.
Offer History
Offer Dates
Offer Details
- Current Offer since Aug 2025Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
- Jul 2025 through Aug 2025Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- May 2025 through Jul 2025Limited-Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
- Mar 2025 through May 2025Earn 30,000 United MileagePlus Miles after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account, with 0% APR for the first 12 months.
- Jan 2025 through Mar 2025Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- Nov 2024 through Jan 2025Limited-time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- Aug 2024 through Nov 2024Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- Jun 2024 through Aug 2024Limited-time offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- Mar 2024 through Jun 2024Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
Who Should Get The United Gateway℠ Card?
1. The Airline Rewards Beginner
Are you new to the world of airline rewards? The United Gateway Card is a superb choice for those just getting started with United. With no annual fee, this card provides an easy way to earn miles on everyday spending categories — miles you can put towards award flights on United and its partners in the future.
2. The Occasional United Flyer
If you find yourself flying with United a couple of times a year, this card is a valuable option. With its 25% back in statement credits on United purchases, you'll find yourself saving money on inflight food and drinks, seat selection and even cash tickets. Plus, the new offering of two free checked bags a year is a great little perk!
3. The Budget-Conscious Traveler
Let’s be honest — not everyone can travel frequently, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your travel budget when you do. If you’re someone who takes a few trips a year and wants to stretch your dollars further, the United Gateway Card is worth considering thanks to its welcome offer which can be used to redeem for future award flights (and save you cash in the process).
Who Should Not Get The United Gateway℠ Card?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: You probably shouldn’t own a credit card if you: (1) have a bad credit score, (2) are a non-U.S. resident (for this particular card), and (3) cannot control your spending. If your credit score is low, you'll probably want to improve it before applying for travel credit cards, just to increase your odds of approval. Be honest with yourself: if a new credit card will tempt you to overspend, it's best to avoid it. Credit cards are crucial for earning miles and points, but they require responsible use.
Recommended Credit
A good to excellent credit score is recommended for this card. But again, if you’re in a solid place with your credit and feel you are ready for a new card, don’t let the fear of being rejected keep you from applying.
Daily Drop credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What credit score is needed for a United Gateway Card?
The minimum requirements for the United Gateway Card include being at least 18 years old, having a good credit score of 700 or better , and earning enough income to afford monthly bill payments. You also need to have a Social Security number or International Tax Identification Number.
What is the annual fee for the United Gateway Card?
You'll be happy to hear that the United Gateway card has no annual fee.
Do you get free checked bags with a United Gateway Card?
Yes, you now earn two free checked bags a year by spending $10,000 in a calendar year with the United Gateway Card.
What is the 5/24 rule for Chase?
The 5/24 rule means Chase will likely deny your application if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards from any bank in the past 24 months.
Our Experts
Editorial disclaimer: opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Information was last updated Jul 3, 2026.