Dec 3, 2020, 5:44 pm
Last edit by: Boraxo
United Travel Bank is an online account in which funds can be stored for future purchase of United or United express flights, as well as certain subscription products on United.com and the United mobile app. Other types of purchases (e.g. certain upgrades, inflight purchases) are not currently eligible. If you have an available Travel Bank balance and are making an eligible purchase, the option to use Travel Bank will appear at checkout. Travel Bank funds can be used in combination with another commercial payment method (i.e., not including FFCs or ETCs) in an amount of the users choosing. User-purchased funds expire 5 years after deposit; funds received through credit cards and other promotions may expire earlier. Purchases as need to be in USD $ and point of sale USA.
See TravelBank Terms and Conditions
History
The United Travel Bank has been around for many years. UA had a program where purchasing a ticket on united.com would receive a $5 Travel Bank bonus. This was called united.com Club and had an annual $25 subscription fee. This ended in early 2020. But funds are still accessible for 18 months after earning. Also at one time the Travel Bank had a Gift Registry pre-2018. For more on those prior Travel Bank Programs, see "TravelBank"- United.com Club & Gift Registry Q&A - No new/renewals as of 23 Apr 2019 Then for a period of time, Chase / UA offered a 1.5% cash-back Travel Bank credit card where the cash-back went into the Travel Bank, that ended Sept 2020 Chase United TravelBank Card becoming non-cashback Chase MP Gateway Card 21 Sept 2020
In July 2020, the Travel Bank was recasted as a cash pre-funding option that might have a short term bonus offering -- cash or miles or both.
Potential Uses
TravelBank purchases can be used to assist in meeting credit card spend requirements and accumulating points/miles (including on United co-branded cards). Additionally, TravelBank can be used for bank credit card travel reimbursement funds (e.g. AMEX). As of 2022, certain IHG credit cards provide users with a $50 deposit of TravelBank funds every six months for short-term use. New Chase IHG Credit Card Options
Q&A
What can I use Travel Bank funds for?
1. Although the rules state that Travel Bank may only be used for an all UA-operated itinerary, there is at least one report that an telephone agent applied the funds to a Star Alliance-operated flight: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/36829385-post376.html
2. Most United subscriptions (E+, baggage, wifi, etc.) -- reports this may not work
3. Not for in-flight purchases, post-purchase E+ access or upgrades
4. Cannot be used to pay just taxes on flights or other purchases, per the current T&Cs
5. But, T&Cs do mention "TravelBank Awards" as eligible purchases -- miles & cash co-payments???? Unclear what this is referring to
6. Including a Travel Bundle may block TB usage
Technical Limitations
- Sometimes the app is more reliable than the website. It may sometimes still fail to show as a payment option and you may need to use an phone/twitter/FB/... agent.
- There have been reports that the Travel Bank option may not appear if doing Advance Flight Searches with options selected such as upgrade availability. Also, may not show TB as a payment when coming from Google flight.
- For those with "Business Travel" option, when your account is linked to a UA corporate account, TravelBank may not be available. It does seems to be available for "Break from Business" usage
- TB may not show as an option when you want to purchase a ticket for a farelock reservation. It appears the only solution is to call UA and ask the agent to convert your travelbank funds to FFC and then use to purchase the ticket.
Do Travel Bank funds expire?
They could per T&Cs
- Older methods for funding -- united.com, travel bank card cash back .... have 18 month expiration from last deposit
- New cash funds have a 5 years expiration from deposit
- Bonus from cash deposit -- depends on promo T&Cs but recent terms have been 4 months
- Each $1 TravelBank Cash issued as Chase purchase bonus is valid through June 30, 2022
- CLEAR signup $100 TravelBank credits will be valid for 9 months (late Aug/early Sept 2021) after the credit is deposited into members accounts.
Where can I see my Travel Bank balance / expiration?
Look in your My Account section and click on Details. https://www.united.com/en/US/account/travelbank
Funds have to be used / trip booked by expiration. Travel can be after expiration
Where can I add funds?
https://www.united.com/offers/travelcash or https://www.united.com/en/US/account/travelbank
Do I get PQP credit for flight purchases with Travel Bank funds?
Yes, UA treats the Travel Bank funds just like a cash purchase
What if I refund a ticket purchased with Travel Bank funds?
When cancelling within 24 hours, the funds go back to original form of purchase, so the Travel Bank portion of the funds go back to the Travel Bank. (most likely with original expiration date and not a new date). FFCs will be issued for non-refundable tickets cancelled more than 24 hours after purchase.
For a refundable ticket purchased with Travel Bank or any ticket refunded in 24 hours of original purchase, funds should go back to Travel Bank, even when cancelled more than 24 hours after purchase. However, changing to a cheaper fare will result in the fare difference not crediting back to Travel Bank. Instead, cancel the ticket and rebook. Note return of TB refunds can takes multiple days or even up to 2 weeks. TB fund use may not be a good idea if a refundable cancellation is a high probability,
Can you use Travel Bank funds in conjunction with a Credit Card and/or ETCs?
Yes, you can select to pay in whole or in part with Travel Bank funds and then the remainder, if any, with the other forms of payment. There have been mixed reports about ETCs -- YMMV
Can you "deposit" your ETCs (or FFCs) into your Travel Bank?
No
Can I use the Travel Bank funds to purchase a ticket to someone else?
Yes but you have to be the purchaser
Can I transfer Travel Bank funds to someone else?
No
Can I cash out my Travel Bank funds?
No
What merchant category is Travel Bank?
It's treated as an airline purchase. American Express posts it as a ticketing fee while pending and then changes to just United Airlines.
Why does Travel Bank state "This offer has ended?"
This message appears during website maintenance.
Does Travel Bank count as a reimbursable incidental with American Express?
This topic is discussed in a separate thread. Do not contact Amex.
Does Travel Bank count as a reimbursable incidental for other credit cards? Post your experiences
Yes, for BoA cards
Archive: UA "TravelBank" Q&A {Archive}
See TravelBank Terms and Conditions
History
The United Travel Bank has been around for many years. UA had a program where purchasing a ticket on united.com would receive a $5 Travel Bank bonus. This was called united.com Club and had an annual $25 subscription fee. This ended in early 2020. But funds are still accessible for 18 months after earning. Also at one time the Travel Bank had a Gift Registry pre-2018. For more on those prior Travel Bank Programs, see "TravelBank"- United.com Club & Gift Registry Q&A - No new/renewals as of 23 Apr 2019 Then for a period of time, Chase / UA offered a 1.5% cash-back Travel Bank credit card where the cash-back went into the Travel Bank, that ended Sept 2020 Chase United TravelBank Card becoming non-cashback Chase MP Gateway Card 21 Sept 2020
In July 2020, the Travel Bank was recasted as a cash pre-funding option that might have a short term bonus offering -- cash or miles or both.
Potential Uses
TravelBank purchases can be used to assist in meeting credit card spend requirements and accumulating points/miles (including on United co-branded cards). Additionally, TravelBank can be used for bank credit card travel reimbursement funds (e.g. AMEX). As of 2022, certain IHG credit cards provide users with a $50 deposit of TravelBank funds every six months for short-term use. New Chase IHG Credit Card Options
Q&A
What can I use Travel Bank funds for?
1. Although the rules state that Travel Bank may only be used for an all UA-operated itinerary, there is at least one report that an telephone agent applied the funds to a Star Alliance-operated flight: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/36829385-post376.html
2. Most United subscriptions (E+, baggage, wifi, etc.) -- reports this may not work
3. Not for in-flight purchases, post-purchase E+ access or upgrades
4. Cannot be used to pay just taxes on flights or other purchases, per the current T&Cs
5. But, T&Cs do mention "TravelBank Awards" as eligible purchases -- miles & cash co-payments???? Unclear what this is referring to
6. Including a Travel Bundle may block TB usage
Technical Limitations
- Sometimes the app is more reliable than the website. It may sometimes still fail to show as a payment option and you may need to use an phone/twitter/FB/... agent.
- There have been reports that the Travel Bank option may not appear if doing Advance Flight Searches with options selected such as upgrade availability. Also, may not show TB as a payment when coming from Google flight.
- For those with "Business Travel" option, when your account is linked to a UA corporate account, TravelBank may not be available. It does seems to be available for "Break from Business" usage
- TB may not show as an option when you want to purchase a ticket for a farelock reservation. It appears the only solution is to call UA and ask the agent to convert your travelbank funds to FFC and then use to purchase the ticket.
Do Travel Bank funds expire?
They could per T&Cs
- Older methods for funding -- united.com, travel bank card cash back .... have 18 month expiration from last deposit
- New cash funds have a 5 years expiration from deposit
- Bonus from cash deposit -- depends on promo T&Cs but recent terms have been 4 months
- Each $1 TravelBank Cash issued as Chase purchase bonus is valid through June 30, 2022
- CLEAR signup $100 TravelBank credits will be valid for 9 months (late Aug/early Sept 2021) after the credit is deposited into members accounts.
Where can I see my Travel Bank balance / expiration?
Look in your My Account section and click on Details. https://www.united.com/en/US/account/travelbank
Funds have to be used / trip booked by expiration. Travel can be after expiration
Where can I add funds?
https://www.united.com/offers/travelcash or https://www.united.com/en/US/account/travelbank
Members can choose from six purchase amount options and once purchased the value remains valid for five years from the date it is deposited in your TravelBank account. Purchases are not refundable and are limited to $5,000 per day per MileagePlus account. This purchase is also subject to all of the TravelBank terms and conditions.
Yes, UA treats the Travel Bank funds just like a cash purchase
What if I refund a ticket purchased with Travel Bank funds?
When cancelling within 24 hours, the funds go back to original form of purchase, so the Travel Bank portion of the funds go back to the Travel Bank. (most likely with original expiration date and not a new date). FFCs will be issued for non-refundable tickets cancelled more than 24 hours after purchase.
For a refundable ticket purchased with Travel Bank or any ticket refunded in 24 hours of original purchase, funds should go back to Travel Bank, even when cancelled more than 24 hours after purchase. However, changing to a cheaper fare will result in the fare difference not crediting back to Travel Bank. Instead, cancel the ticket and rebook. Note return of TB refunds can takes multiple days or even up to 2 weeks. TB fund use may not be a good idea if a refundable cancellation is a high probability,
Can you use Travel Bank funds in conjunction with a Credit Card and/or ETCs?
Yes, you can select to pay in whole or in part with Travel Bank funds and then the remainder, if any, with the other forms of payment. There have been mixed reports about ETCs -- YMMV
Can you "deposit" your ETCs (or FFCs) into your Travel Bank?
No
Can I use the Travel Bank funds to purchase a ticket to someone else?
Yes but you have to be the purchaser
Can I transfer Travel Bank funds to someone else?
No
Can I cash out my Travel Bank funds?
No
What merchant category is Travel Bank?
It's treated as an airline purchase. American Express posts it as a ticketing fee while pending and then changes to just United Airlines.
Why does Travel Bank state "This offer has ended?"
This message appears during website maintenance.
Does Travel Bank count as a reimbursable incidental with American Express?
This topic is discussed in a separate thread. Do not contact Amex.
Does Travel Bank count as a reimbursable incidental for other credit cards? Post your experiences
Yes, for BoA cards
Archive: UA "TravelBank" Q&A {Archive}
UA "TravelBank" Q&A , with option to deposit funds
Feb 7, 2025 | 12:32 pm
#391
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Hi all, can you please confirm if these steps work for converting TB to a FFC to be used on a non-UA (Air Canada) flight?
Book a UA refundable ticket and cancel after 24hrs. This will convert to a FFC. This credit be used to book for myself, wife and baby (all in same booking)?
Book a UA refundable ticket and cancel after 24hrs. This will convert to a FFC. This credit be used to book for myself, wife and baby (all in same booking)?
Feb 7, 2025 | 2:55 pm
#392
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 6,706
Hi all, can you please confirm if these steps work for converting TB to a FFC to be used on a non-UA (Air Canada) flight?
Book a UA refundable ticket and cancel after 24hrs. This will convert to a FFC. This credit be used to book for myself, wife and baby (all in same booking)?
Book a UA refundable ticket and cancel after 24hrs. This will convert to a FFC. This credit be used to book for myself, wife and baby (all in same booking)?
You need to book non refundable, non basic economy and cancel after 24 hours for FFC or just use the change flight feature (which is easier) right after booking and you'll be able to change to AC flight.
Note that an FFC can be used for the passenger named only. So you can book you and your wife on one itinerary but you need to do that to begin with on the initial booking. You cant book just for yourself and then use an FFC in your name for both of you. Baby can always be added to booking later if it's a lap infant. If you want a seat for baby you need to have them on the initial booking as well.
Last edited by friedablass; Feb 8, 2025 at 7:24 pm Reason: Fixed typo
Feb 7, 2025 | 9:22 pm
#393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .60 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 18,073
See generally Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC) .
Feb 8, 2025 | 9:30 am
#394
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Posts: 2,857
For example, if I make the cheapest non-refundable reservation I can find in order to use expiring IHG TravelBank funds and then cancel after 24 hours, I understand I'll get a FFC for the value of the ticket, presumably something around or under $100. You seem to be saying that I could not use that FFC for a reservation for two people, even if the new reservation is for more (probably much more) than double the FFC. Am I understanding this correctly?
If I'm understanding the situation correctly, then I would make two reservations, one for me (using the FFC) and one for P2, and make those reservations early enough that I could get two seats together. Is that correct? Thanks for any help.
Feb 8, 2025 | 2:10 pm
#395
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Japan
Programs: UA 1MM
Posts: 5,613
Is this an anomaly: I was able to use TB funds on a UA-booked and NH-operated flight.?
UA receipt says:
Method of Payment
Visa ending in XXX
Travel Certificate
Agent manually processed it.
Per Wiki, this seems to go against the rules that TB funds can only be used on UA-operated flight.
UA receipt says:
Method of Payment
Visa ending in XXX
Travel Certificate
Agent manually processed it.
Per Wiki, this seems to go against the rules that TB funds can only be used on UA-operated flight.
Feb 8, 2025 | 7:33 pm
#396
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 6,706
Is this true even if the single passenger fare is less than the FFC?
For example, if I make the cheapest non-refundable reservation I can find in order to use expiring IHG TravelBank funds and then cancel after 24 hours, I understand I'll get a FFC for the value of the ticket, presumably something around or under $100. You seem to be saying that I could not use that FFC for a reservation for two people, even if the new reservation is for more (probably much more) than double the FFC. Am I understanding this correctly?
If I'm understanding the situation correctly, then I would make two reservations, one for me (using the FFC) and one for P2, and make those reservations early enough that I could get two seats together. Is that correct? Thanks for any help.
For example, if I make the cheapest non-refundable reservation I can find in order to use expiring IHG TravelBank funds and then cancel after 24 hours, I understand I'll get a FFC for the value of the ticket, presumably something around or under $100. You seem to be saying that I could not use that FFC for a reservation for two people, even if the new reservation is for more (probably much more) than double the FFC. Am I understanding this correctly?
If I'm understanding the situation correctly, then I would make two reservations, one for me (using the FFC) and one for P2, and make those reservations early enough that I could get two seats together. Is that correct? Thanks for any help.
I was responding to the OP asking if they can use the FFC from a canceled reservation in his name for himself, wife, and baby. The answer to that is, no, you can't use the funds from an FFC to cover 2 (or 3 or more) passengers. He can use those funds to cover his own ticket and will need to pay cash/cc for the others. If he wants to have an FFC derived from TB funds to cover the wife's ticket, he needs to buy one in her name as well and convert to FFC.
Feb 8, 2025 | 9:47 pm
#397
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: HA, UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,820
I am in the same boat. United is useless to me out of HNL as I only travel to Japan and beyond. The NH flight is a codeshare of course, but it looks you were successful in applying the TB funds. Seems like you called an agent, correct? Obviously when trying to pay on the website the TB option doesn't pop up. Please let mw know how you did it. I really would like to get rid of my TB funds in a useful way.
Good Luck!
Feb 20, 2025 | 10:28 pm
#398
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 58
I made a mistake thinking I could use travelbank to book flights operated by partners, and at checkout travelbank was not an option. The flights are supposed to be for the whole family, and it is supposed to be $11,000. To solve this problem, I read that I could book a United operated flight that is nonrefundable and use travelbank, wait more than 24 hours, and then cancel it for future flight credits. How would that work for the kids? Would I get a cancellation email with codes for each of the kids for their future flight credits? Is there a travelbank daily limit of $5,000, so would I need to book flights 3 days in a row and cancel them to turn $11,000 travelbank into future flight credits? I read I can use multiple future flight credits, so would I be able to use 3 of them per kid at checkout?
Feb 20, 2025 | 10:39 pm
#399
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 58
Update:
Completed this task in an unexpected way and it was even easier. After booking friend and child using TB funds, I was able to modify their booking and select the AC codeshare by paying the difference of a few dollars. Now they can fly on the nonstop flight at the desired time, and no need to cancel and use the FFC to rebook.
Completed this task in an unexpected way and it was even easier. After booking friend and child using TB funds, I was able to modify their booking and select the AC codeshare by paying the difference of a few dollars. Now they can fly on the nonstop flight at the desired time, and no need to cancel and use the FFC to rebook.
Feb 20, 2025 | 11:12 pm
#400
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,219
$11,000 in travelbank funds???
Simplest approach is book the all UA itin using the TB funds (with all the individuals) and immediate do a flight change to the partner flight versus going thru the FFC process.
Simplest approach is book the all UA itin using the TB funds (with all the individuals) and immediate do a flight change to the partner flight versus going thru the FFC process.
Feb 20, 2025 | 11:41 pm
#401
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 58
If I can't change airports, then do I have to go through the FFC process?
Last edited by churns; Feb 21, 2025 at 12:10 am
Feb 21, 2025 | 12:21 am
#402
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,219
Yes,, you can always use an agent
Yes, that can be Plan B
Feb 21, 2025 | 3:25 am
#403
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 58
I booked UA flights that cost the exact same amount as the flights that I wanted on partners. I tried to change the flights online, but inexplicably the system wanted $800 more than what the cart ID indicated for the partner flights. It was the exact same amount so it should've been no extra charge. So I had to call in, and the very helpful agent requested approval to honor the cart ID price, got approval from the pricing desk, cancelled the reservation I made, and made a new reservation with the flights I wanted. The call was more than 30 minutes. I got to where I wanted and I'm very happy about it. I just wish United didn't make us jump through all these hoops to use travelbank for partners.
Yes, changing flights allowed adding legs, adding airports, changing airports, changing dates.
It took a few hours from the time I realized I couldn't use the travelbank for partners to figuring out what could be done to getting the flights I wanted, and it was well worth it. This is a great forum with great people.
Feb 21, 2025 | 12:33 pm
#404
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 6,706
Book United metal flight that is similarly priced with your TB funds and go into the reservation and use the "change flight" button to achieve these results.
Feb 21, 2025 | 1:36 pm
#405
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,219
Somewhat understandable UA prefers TB funds go to UA versus going to partners. UA did eventually give up that battle for ETCs but is still resisting for TB. UA wants the revenue. Yes, in some cases UA shares the revenue with partners either way but for most only the partner gets the revenue.