If you’re looking for a travel card that doesn’t come with strings attached, the United Gateway Credit Card offers a no-annual-fee introduction to earning airline rewards.
Backed by Chase and United Airlines, this card is built for everyday users and occasional travelers who want to collect miles without overthinking points systems or travel restrictions.
Unlike many travel cards that require a significant upfront investment or high monthly spending to break even, the Gateway card is accessible to nearly everyone.
Whether you’re fueling your car, taking the subway, or making United Airlines purchases, you’ll earn valuable rewards on every transaction.
For those testing the waters of airline loyalty programs, this card gives you access to the United MileagePlus program in a low-pressure, user-friendly way. It’s also a solid choice for keeping your miles active, especially if you don’t fly United often but want to retain your points for the future.
United Gateway Credit Card
No annual fee No priority boardingHow does United Gateway Credit Card work?
Once approved, your card earns 2X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit.
All other purchases earn 1X mile. Those miles are deposited into your MileagePlus account and can be redeemed for United flights, upgrades, or partner travel through Star Alliance.
There’s no cap on miles, and they never expire as long as your account remains open. That makes it easy to build up a balance over time, even with infrequent travel.
Plus, you receive 25% back on United in-flight purchases, making each trip a little more comfortable and affordable.
You can also take advantage of an intro APR period on balance transfers, helping you save money if you need to consolidate debt.
The card integrates with the Chase mobile app, so you can track your spending, view rewards, and manage your account from anywhere.
While it doesn’t offer travel insurance or global entry perks, the card is simple, effective, and focused on the essentials.
Main benefits for the United Gateway Credit Card
The no annual fee is the card’s standout feature, especially considering the value you get in return. Many airline cards come with hefty price tags and complex redemption systems, but the Gateway card keeps it clean and rewarding.
The 2X miles on gas and transit is an excellent addition, allowing you to earn travel rewards on your daily commute and fuel purchases—things you’re already spending on. And since miles don’t expire, you can save them up for bigger trips down the line.
Additionally, the 25% in-flight rebate enhances your United flight experience without costing you more. From snacks to Wi-Fi, you get a slice of comfort back in your wallet each time you fly.
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Cons for the United Gateway Credit Card
The biggest drawback of the United Gateway card is the lack of premium travel benefits. Unlike its bigger siblings, this version doesn’t offer free checked bags, priority boarding, or airport lounge access.
It also has fewer bonus categories, so your earning potential is limited to a few key areas. If you spend heavily in dining, groceries, or streaming services, this card won’t give you much back in those areas.
Lastly, while miles never expire, award availability can be limited, especially on popular travel dates or routes. That’s more a feature of the MileagePlus program than the card itself, but it’s something to consider when planning.
APR and Fees
The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, which makes it one of the most affordable ways to join the world of travel rewards. Its APR for purchases ranges from 21.99% to 28.99% variable, depending on your creditworthiness.
For balance transfers, the intro offer includes 0% APR for 15 months, followed by the same variable APR. There’s a balance transfer fee of 5% (or $5 minimum), and the foreign transaction fee is 0%, meaning it’s safe to use abroad.
There are late and returned payment fees of up to $40, which are standard across most credit cards. The bottom line: as long as you pay on time and avoid carrying a balance, this card remains a cost-effective option.
How to Apply for the United Gateway Credit Card
- Visit the Chase or United Airlines credit card application page
- Click “Apply Now” and fill out your personal and financial details
- Submit the form and receive a decision in minutes
- If approved, activate your card and start earning miles
- Link your card to your MileagePlus account
- Use the card regularly and pay on time to build rewards and stay fee-free
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