You can write convenience checks for up to $10,000/yr. ($50 fee) to receive 5,000 UA miles. I've had no problems with this card; seems like time to upgrade to gold. Other thoughts?

From ual.com:

Mileage Plus Gold Class Visa with Visa Signature Benefits

Two miles for every $1 charged on United purchases
One mile for every $1 charged on all other purchases
15,000 bonus miles after your first purchase
2,500 Anniversary Bonus miles each year
One mile for every $2 in balance transfers or convenience checks (up to 10,000 miles per year)
$25 United Discount Travel Certificate after your first purchase
One-way, 1,000 mile, One-class Upgrade Certificate after your first purchase
Up to 11 miles per $1 spent at participating Mileage Plus Dining restaurants
Visa Signature benefits
$85 annual fee


Visa Signature benefits:
No Pre-set Spending Limit*
Up to $1,000,000 Travel Accident Insurance
Up to $300 Trip Delay Reimbursement
Up to $3,000 Lost Luggage Insurance
24-hour Personal Concierge Service
Year-end Summary of Charges (upon request)
Online Account Management
Zero liability on all unauthorized purchases

http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webc...cont&mkid=6PL8