United℠ Business Card Review [2024]: Why It's My Go-To for United Flights

Card basics

Who should get the United℠ Business Card?

The United℠ Business Card is tailor-made for business owners who frequently fly United Airlines. If you're a consultant, sales representative, or event planner who's constantly jetting off to client meetings and conferences, you'd find this card a real asset. The perks of this card make a big difference for anyone taking at least a few United flights per year and can quickly outweigh the annual fee of $99 (waived first year).

For instance, the free first checked bag benefit has saved me at least $35 on baggage fees per flight, which amounted to more than $200 saved since I qualified for the card. And let's not forget about the two United Club passes per year. Each United Club pass typically costs $59, so that’s a value of $118 in lounge access every year.

The United Business doesn’t only reward United purchases. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; plus 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. In my experience, these categories cover a good portion of any business spending, which can help you accumulate United miles.

Who should skip?

The rewards and perks of the United Business are naturally United-centric, so you won't get much value if you prefer other carriers. If United isn't your go-to airline, you might want to go for a business travel card that offers more flexible rewards that you can use at more than one airline. One of my favorite flexible rewards business cards in my wallet is the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card.

Depending on your business needs, you might prefer a card with $0 annual fee like the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card. While this card doesn’t provide a ton of travel-specific benefits, it helps you accumulate cash back on common business purchases without worrying about an annual fee.

What should you know before applying?

Before you apply for the United℠ Business Card, it's important to understand how the United MileagePlus program works and how it can benefit your business. This knowledge can significantly impact the value you get from the card.

United’s dynamic pricing

United MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing for award flights, which means the number of miles required for a flight can vary based on demand, route, and other factors. In my experience, this system can work both for and against you.

On one hand, you might find some great deals during off-peak times or on less popular routes. I've snagged some surprisingly affordable award flights. One example was a one-way business ticket from Mexico City to Miami for 27,000 miles.

On the other hand, popular routes during peak travel times can require many more miles. For instance, this business class flight from Miami to Chicago is a lot more affordable on a Tuesday compared to a Friday.

Star alliance

Another key point is that United is part of the Star Alliance, which includes 26 member airlines. This means you can use your United miles to book flights on partner airlines like Lufthansa, ANA, or Singapore Airlines. I've found this particularly useful for international travel, as it greatly expands my options beyond United's own routes.

That’s how I managed to use my United miles to book flights on Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and more. However, keep in mind that the availability of these partner award tickets can be finicky. For example, I’ve had to speak to a representative to book my Turkish Airlines ticket since the online system wasn’t going through with the booking.

Here's a closer look at this card's top benefits

Generous welcome offer

The United℠ Business Card starts you off with a bang. You can earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

When I first considered this card for my business, I found this offer incredibly appealing. With these miles, I could potentially book multiple domestic round-trip flights or even a business class ticket to Europe, depending on the route and dates.

I used portions of these welcome offer miles to book a one-way business ticket from Mexico City to Miami, a round trip between Tampa and Chicago, and I still have more left. If you often travel domestically or internationally, this welcome offer can provide you significant value soon after qualifying for the card and completing the spend requirement.

Free first checked bag

This perk is a real money-saver, especially for those of us who can't quite master the art of packing light. You and one traveling companion on the same reservation each get your first standard checked bag free on United-operated flights when you use your card to purchase tickets.

I've found this benefit particularly useful when traveling for longer trips or when I need to bring equipment. On a recent week-long trip to Chicago, this saved me $70 round-trip. Over the course of my card membership, I estimate I've saved over $200 just on baggage fees.

Priority boarding

There's something satisfying about breezing past the long lines and boarding early. With this card, you get priority boarding on United-operated flights. This means more time to settle in, find overhead bin space for your carry-on, and maybe even catch up on a few emails before takeoff.

I especially appreciate this perk when I'm rushing between connecting flights since priority placement means I get to get off the airplane sooner upon landing. For example, this perk allowed me to make a tight connection at Newark international airport in New Jersey.

Rewards on common business expenses

Earning 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; plus 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases aligns well with typical business spending patterns. I've found this particularly beneficial for my photography business. Last month, I earned over 5,000 miles just from regular business expenses like dining out and gas purchases.

What I appreciate most is that I'm earning miles on purchases I'd be making anyway. It feels like I'm constantly working towards my next trip, even when I'm just restocking printer paper.

Two United Club one-time passes each year

Airport lounges can be a sanctuary during long layovers or delayed flights. Each year, you receive two one-time United Club passes, which typically cost $59 each. I've used these passes to freshen up before important meetings, enjoy a complimentary meal, or simply find a quiet space to work between flights.

$100 United travel credit

Here's a perk that rewards loyalty: if you make seven United flight purchases of $100 or more with your card in an account anniversary year, you'll receive a $100 United travel credit. If you earn this credit, you effectively offset this card’s annual fee, making it even easier to justify keeping the card in your wallet.

Coverage and protections

The United℠ Business Card comes packed with a suite of travel protections and benefits that can provide significant value for business travelers. If your trip gets canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, you could get up to $1,500 back per person, up to $6,000 per trip – a potential lifesaver for those expensive last-minute cancellations.

The card also offers an auto rental collision damage waiver, which could save you a headache (and money) if you accidentally ding a rental car on the way to a client meeting. Plus, for your business purchases, the card extends eligible warranties by one year, offering extra protection for your important equipment.

Additional benefits

The benefits don't stop there. You can get free cards for your employees, allowing you to streamline expense management and rack up miles faster across your entire team.

For those aiming to level up their United loyalty status, the card lets you earn 25 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $500 spent, up to 1,000 PQP per calendar year. This could be the boost you need to reach that next elite status level.

Drawbacks: Why you may want a different card

Annual fee of $99 (waived first year)

While the United℠ Business Card offers valuable benefits, the annual fee of $99 (waived first year) might be a hurdle for some business owners, especially those just starting out or with lower spending. If you're not a frequent United flyer or your business expenses don't align well with the bonus categories, you might struggle to offset this fee.

If you're looking for a business card with $0 annual fee, consider the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card. It offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a solid choice for businesses with diverse spending needs.

Rewards and perks are limited to United

The card's rewards structure and benefits are all geared toward United Airlines. If United isn't your preferred airline or if your business requires you to fly with various carriers, you might find the rewards and perks limiting.

For more flexibility, consider the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card. It earns 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to multiple Chase airline and hotel partners, giving you more options for your business travel. Plus, you get a 25% boost in value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠, making your rewards even more valuable.

No intro APR offer

Unlike some business cards, the United℠ Business Card doesn't offer an introductory APR period on purchases or balance transfers. This could be a drawback if you're looking to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance without accruing interest.

If you need an intro APR offer, the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card provides 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 18.49% - 24.49% Variable). This could be helpful for businesses looking to manage cash flow or make a large purchase.

Earning and redeeming United MileagePlus miles

Best ways to earn

There are several ways to earn United MileagePlus miles with the United Business Card. You can earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; plus 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. You can also build up miles quickly by supplying your employees with United Business Cards.

Maximizing your redemptions

The MileagePlus program through United Airlines offers many redemption options for cardmembers to enjoy. The main draw of having an airline credit card is to earn award tickets, which is possible with the United Business Card. You can redeem your miles for United flights and upgrades, as well as flights on more than 35 partner airlines through Star Alliance and MileagePlus.

Domestic one-way award flights typically start at 12,500 miles, but you can occasionally find United Saver Award flights as low as 5,000 points for a one-way economy fare. Domestic business and first-class flights start at 25,000 miles.

In addition to award flights, you can also redeem MileagePlus miles for hotel stays, cruises, and car rentals. You can even redeem points for credit on TSA PreCheck fees.

Outside of travel, other redemption options include:

• Merchandise
• Apple purchases
• Gift cards
• Exclusive experiences

Redemption values vary, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting good value for your miles when redeeming through MileagePlus.

United Business Card transfer partners

If you have a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you can transfer those points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are instant, so if you need more United miles in a pinch, this is a decent way to boost your balance.

You can also use your MileagePlus miles for flights on more than 35 partner airlines in the Star Alliance and MileagePlus programs. Plus, United has partnered with several hotel rewards programs. You can earn MileagePlus miles for qualifying stays at a variety of properties.

FAQ

Alternatives that might be better for you

The United℠ Business Card has some limitations that might not work for every business owner. Its rewards are tied specifically to United Airlines, it lacks an intro APR offer, and its perks are mainly valuable for frequent United flyers. If these drawbacks are holding you back, here are two alternatives that could address these issues and better suit your business needs.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

If you're looking for more flexibility in your rewards program, the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card could be a better option. Here's why:

• Versatile rewards: You'll earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases. This broader range of bonus categories could be more beneficial if your business spending isn't heavily focused on United purchases.
• Flexible redemption: Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners, not just United. This gives you more options for your business travel.
• Better value through Chase Travel: When you redeem points through Chase Travel℠, you get 25% more value. This means 100,000 points are worth $1,250 for travel, potentially offering better value than United miles in some cases.
• Welcome offer: You can earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This could potentially offer more value than the United card's welcome bonus, depending on how you redeem the points.

Learn more in our Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card review.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

For businesses that want to earn travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business could be a great choice. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Simple earning structure: You can earn 5X miles on rental cars, vacation rentals and hotels booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on every purchase, every day. This flat-rate earning on all purchases could be more beneficial if your spending doesn't align well with the United card's bonus categories.
• Flexible redemption: Capital One miles can be redeemed for statement credits on travel purchases or transferred to travel partners, giving you more flexibility than United miles.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit: The card offers up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees every four years, a perk not offered by the United Business Card.
• Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. This could potentially offer more value than the United card's welcome bonus, depending on your redemption choices.

Learn more in our Capital One Spark Miles for Business review.

Great value for a low fee!

United℠ Business Card

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

United℠ Business Card

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Current Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; plus 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Generous welcome offer
• Free first checked bag
• 2 miles per dollar miles on United purchases
• Priority boarding
• Two United Club passes per year

Drawbacks

• Annual fee of $99 (waived first year)
• Perks are limited to United Airlines
• No intro APR offer

Card Details

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
• Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
• Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
• $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
• Member FDIC