by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:15 AM ET, Fri February 20, 2026
United Airlines is offering United MileagePlus credit or debit card holders the opportunity to earn twice as many miles as non-cardholders, and at least ten percent off United award tickets in a new change to its loyalty reward program.
Beginning with tickets purchased on or after April 2, United MileagePlus cardholders will earn up to twice as many miles per dollar than non-cardholders, regardless of whether they use their loyalty branded card or not. Those who purchase tickets with their United credit card can earn even more—for example, MileagePlus 1K members will earn 17 miles on the dollar when buying eligible flights with their United Club card.
United cardholders also enjoy at least 10 percent off every United flight award ticket they book, and cardholders who are also MileagePlus members save at least 15 percent.
Card and loyalty members will also have access to Saver Award inventory in United Polaris Business Class, which was previously only available to Platinum and 1K members.
"The most rewarding way to fly United is as a MileagePlus member, and the best way to get the most value from the MileagePlus program is to have one of our credit or debit cards. MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry," said Andrew Nocella, United's Chief Commercial Officer. "MileagePlus members can now earn more miles faster with a United card – and every one of those miles will go further with our always-on award ticket discounts and expanded access to Saver Award fares."
According to the new miles earning structure, those who are just MileagePlus members but do not have a co-branded credit card will now earn 3 miles for every dollar spent, instead of 5 miles per dollar spent. Cardholders who are base-tier loyalty members will earn 6 miles for every dollar spent.
The rates differ by co-branded credit card, too: United Gateway cardholders will earn an additional two miles per dollar in addition to the six miles for being part of the loyalty rewards program, totaling eight miles per dollar.
The higher tiered credit card and loyalty status a traveler holds, the more opportunities for them to earn additional miles.
Cardmembers are also now the only ones who can earn miles when booking basic economy fares, too.
Yet not everyone’s going to be happy with the change, particularly non-cardholders.
The Points Guy noted in their coverage of the new change that, “Altogether, it's one of the most aggressive moves we've seen by a U.S. airline to give prime treatment to customers who carry a card or earn status rather than those who don't,” noting that this will make it harder for non-cardholder loyalty members to earn miles.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
