Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Can anyone summarize in one line the cheapest United card with a decent sign up bonus that will earn the extra points plus the award discounts, without a minimum annual spend?
I’ve terminated all of my Chase credit cards and am loath to get another one just to avoid being ripped off
I have the same question. My cursory research is:
NO: United Gateway (free) and a United debit card. Those are among the cheapest cards. They have a $10,000 minimum yearly spend
YES: United Explorer (1st year free then $150) and United Business ($150)
YES and expensive cards: United Quest and United Club cards
I need to digest the news more but I think United is basically ending its Mileage Plus unless you are elite or have a mid-level to expensive United credit card. If so, I wonder if they are leaving those semi-frequent business travelers who will one day become a road warrior, college students who can be brainwashed into loyalty in 3-6 years but now only travel 3 times a year. If there is no loyalty among passengers, that might cause them to become basic economy passengers because they will feel that the miles they might get are not worth much. So United might be trying to give fewer miles while Delta Skypesos are legendary for higher award levels.
EDIT: "Yes" and "No" refers to bocastephen's question: cheapest United card with a decent sign up bonus that will earn the extra points plus the award discounts, without a minimum annual spend?