United Gateway Credit Card

For those who travel occasionally or want to start earning airline miles without paying an annual fee, the United Gateway Credit Card brings an interesting proposition. 

Credit Card

United Gateway Credit Card

No annual fee No priority boarding

25% back on in-flight United purchases

How to Apply You will remain on this website.

Issued by Chase and part of the United Airlines family of cards, it’s designed for travelers who prefer low-maintenance perks and flexible rewards.

Instead of being packed with premium travel features, this card offers simple mile-earning potential and a few valuable benefits that make everyday purchases count. 

If you’re someone who flies United Airlines every now and then—or just wants to build up miles for a future trip—this card may be your ideal entry point.

One of the main draws is that it charges no annual fee, a rare trait among airline credit cards. 

That means you can dip your toes into the world of travel rewards without committing financially from the start. It’s also a good way to keep your United MileagePlus account active, allowing you to accumulate and preserve miles with ease.

As a travel companion for the casual or budget-minded flyer, the United Gateway Credit Card stands out for its practicality, accessibility, and straightforward benefits.

A No-Fee Travel Card with Real Airline Perks

While most travel credit cards hide their best features behind annual fees, the United Gateway breaks that mold. 

With this card, users can earn unlimited 2X miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit—including ride-shares and commuting services. All other purchases earn 1X miles.

Cardholders also enjoy 25% back on United in-flight purchases, including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. This may not be a first-class experience, but for frequent domestic flyers, it can add up to real savings.

Although it doesn’t include priority boarding or free checked bags like its premium siblings, it’s a perfect low-commitment tool for those easing into travel rewards. 

Plus, the fact that your miles never expire as long as your account remains open makes it easy to build them up over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
  
• 2X miles on United, gas stations, and local transit
  
• 25% back on in-flight United purchases
  
• Miles never expire
  
• Intro APR offer on balance transfers
  

Cons

• No free checked bags
  
• No priority boarding
  
• Limited travel protections
  
• No bonus categories beyond travel and gas
  
• Not ideal for luxury travelers
  

How do I know if the United Gateway Credit Card is the best credit card for me?

This card is for travelers who fly occasionally with United, prefer simplicity over luxury, and want to earn rewards without committing to an annual fee. 

If you’re not ready to pay $95 or more for premium cards, the Gateway version lets you stay in the MileagePlus ecosystem and start accumulating miles at your own pace.

It’s also a smart fit for young professionals or budget-conscious travelers who want to earn airline miles on gas and local transit, which are common spending categories. 

While you won’t find lavish perks here, the overall value per dollar spent is solid—especially when you’re saving on fees.

If you fly often, especially with checked bags or on international routes, you may want to look at United Explorer or other premium options. But for many, this card hits the perfect balance of travel functionality and everyday value.

Why do we like this card?

We like the United Gateway Credit Card because it opens up the world of travel rewards with zero annual cost. 

That’s a rare find in the airline credit card category, where most benefits come at a premium. Here, you’re getting a mix of relevant rewards, flexibility, and low commitment.

The mileage-earning structure is practical and covers both travel and local expenses like gas and transit, which aligns well with how most people spend. It’s ideal for new travelers or those just beginning to explore the MileagePlus program.

Overall, it’s a low-risk way to earn airline miles and benefit from basic travel perks—a win for anyone who wants to fly smarter without spending more.