The United Gateway™ Card is a solid entry-level option for earning United miles without an annual fee. It's a strategic choice for those looking to accumulate miles for future United flights or to get a foot in the door with Chase's co-branded airline cards.
Current Welcome Bonus & Value
As of June 2026, the United Gateway™ Card offers a welcome bonus of 40,000 United miles.
This bonus is estimated to be worth $520 in travel value, providing a significant boost to your United MileagePlus account.
Minimum Spend to Earn It
To earn the full welcome bonus, you must meet two conditions:
- Spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Add an authorized user to your account within the first 90 days to earn an additional 10,000 miles on top of the initial 30,000 miles earned from spending.
Who's Eligible?
Applying for the United Gateway™ Card requires careful consideration of Chase's application rules:
- Chase 5/24 Rule: You will generally not be approved for this card if you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any issuer) in the last 24 months.
- United Card Bonus Rule: You are not eligible for this bonus if you have received a new cardmember bonus for any United credit card within the past 24 months.
- Credit Score: An excellent credit score is typically required for approval.
Is It Worth It? (Pros/Cons)
Pros
- $0 Annual Fee: Enjoy United miles without any recurring annual cost.
- Solid Welcome Bonus: A 40,000-mile bonus for a no-annual-fee card is a strong offer, providing significant value for future United flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel, as you won't incur extra charges on purchases made abroad.
Cons
- Limited Perks: As a no-annual-fee card, it lacks premium benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or United Club lounge access, which are common on higher-tier United cards.
- Basic Earning Structure: While it earns United miles, the earning multipliers are not as robust as those found on cards with annual fees.
How to Apply
To apply for the United Gateway™ Card, visit the official Chase website or a trusted financial product comparison site. Ensure you review the most current offer details before submitting your application.
Alternatives
If the United Gateway™ Card doesn't perfectly align with your travel goals, or if you're looking for more premium benefits, consider these related cards:
- United Explorer Card
- United Quest Card
- United Club Card
- IHG Premier
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card