Feb 19, 2026, 10:26 am

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Press Release:United Gives MileagePlus Credit Cardholders More Miles, Exclusive Flight Discounts

New earning rates starting April 2, 2026 provide preferred rates to the primary cardmember on certain United-branded credit cards and their minor children. Headline rates do not require booking with the card, and are in addition to any miles earned from the card spend.

Effective change is -2 miles per dollar, minus an additional 3 for Basic Economy, and plus 3 for holding a card.

Details follow:

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Quote:

United Gives MileagePlus Credit Cardholders More Miles, Exclusive Flight Discounts
Photos(1)

MileagePlus members with a credit, debit or Chase co-branded card can soon earn up to twice as many miles for United flights as non-cardholders, get at least 10% off award tickets and access to exclusive Saver Award fares

United now offers its most loyal members who have a United card some of the richest rewards among airline or travel credit card programs

CHICAGO, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is giving travelers three new reasons to hold and use a United MileagePlus® credit or debit card: the ability to earn up to twice as many miles as non-cardholders, at least 10% off United award tickets and access to special inventory of its lowest-priced award seats.

Starting with tickets purchased on or after April 2, primary United MileagePlus cardholders will earn up to twice as many miles per dollar from United for United flights than non-cardholders and earn even more miles when they use their United card to buy their ticket.* For example, MileagePlus® 1K® members will earn 17 total miles per dollar when buying eligible United flights with their United Club℠ card - which is among the most of any airline or credit card travel rewards program. United cardholders also get at least 10% off every United flight award ticket they book, and cardholders who are MileagePlus Premier® members save at least 15%.

United is also giving general MileagePlus members who have a United credit or debit card access to Saver Award inventory in United Polaris® Business Class that was previously only available to Platinum and 1K members. And when paired with the new award discounts for cardholders, United Polaris Saver Award seats will be priced as low as 72,000 miles (10% less) for general members with a card, or as low as 68,000 miles (15% less) for cardholders with Premier status.

"The most rewarding way to fly United is as a MileagePlus member, and the best way to get the most value from the MileagePlus program is to have one of our credit or debit cards. MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry," said Andrew Nocella, United's Chief Commercial Officer. "MileagePlus members can now earn more miles faster with a United card – and every one of those miles will go further with our always-on award ticket discounts and expanded access to Saver Award fares."

Three New Reasons to get and use a United MileagePlus debit or credit card

Earn more miles: United is recalibrating how MileagePlus members earn miles to better reward the airline's most loyal members. MileagePlus primary cardholders will earn more miles on standard United tickets – and get additional miles when they pay for their flight with an eligible United card.

For example, a MileagePlus Gold member buying a ticket using their United Quest℠ card will now earn 13 total miles per dollar – a more than double the miles earn compared to MileagePlus Gold members who do not hold a card. General United MileagePlus members who buy a ticket using a United℠ Explorer card will earn 9 total miles per dollar – three times as many miles compared to General non-cardholders – and if they use a United Club card, they'll earn 11 total miles per dollar – nearly four times as many miles as a non-cardholder.

MileagePlus members who don't have a United card will earn fewer miles for United flights than members who have one, and general members now must hold a United card to earn miles when traveling on a Basic Economy ticket.

Customers can go to united.com/mpnews to see details of the new mileage accrual rates and use the United mile calculator to see how many miles they can earn on their future flights based on status – and how many more miles they could earn by being a United cardholder.
Discounts on every award flight: United cardholders now save at least 10% on every United award flight they book – and Premier® members with a United card will save at least 15%. Primary cardholders can see their savings called out on United's app and website, and soon United will show the discounted prices to everyone so customers can see exactly how much having a United card could save them on their travel.

For example, an award in United Economy® priced at 15,000 miles will now cost 13,500 miles – 10% less – for primary cardholders without Premier status. A United Polaris business class seat priced at 200,000 miles will now cost 170,000 miles – 15% less – for primary cardholders with Premier status.
Expanded Saver Awards: United offers additional inventory of Saver Award seats in United Polaris business class as a special way to recognize cardholders.

Saver Awards are United's lowest priced award tickets, and currently about a third of flights that have Saver Award fares available, have exclusive inventory just for cardholders and Premier members. This includes flights to places like London, Hawaii, Florida, Cancun and Tokyo. Saver Award seats in United Polaris business class available to cardholders and Premier members currently are priced as low as 80,000 miles – with new award discounts for cardholders, these seats will now price as low as 72,000 miles (10% less) for cardholders with General status, or as low as 68,000 miles (15% less) for cardholders with Premier status.

On average, cardholders save about 30% when booking Saver Award flights under the 'Cardmembers Save' banner on united.com and the United app compared to standard award pricing. With expanded Saver Award access and the new award discount, cardholders will have the opportunity to combine these savings and will consistently need fewer miles to book the same trips, while also having access to more Saver Award fares.

United's Card Portfolio
Cardholders can take advantage of earning even more miles and the new discounts with eligible cards including The United Explorer Card, The United Quest Card, The United Club Card, The United℠ Business Card, The United Club Business Card, The United Gateway℠ Card and The MileagePlus® Debit Rewards Card. United also offers eligible cards in U.S. territories and international locations including Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Panama and Saipan. This spring, the airline plans to introduce new cards in Brazil, Canada and the U.K. Cardholders can track their rewards and earnings throughout the year with these cards in United's Member Benefits Center. More details can be found here.

Benefits of United MileagePlus
MileagePlus is free to join and was recently rated one of the best airline travel rewards programs.** It offers program members benefits including miles that never expire, no blackout dates, ticket purchasing with miles or a combination of miles and cash, no change fees on flight award tickets, miles pooling allowing travelers to combine their miles in a joint account, the ability to use miles through the Blue Sky loyalty collaboration and more. As United flies to more than 380 destinations around the globe, MileagePlus helps make it easier for travelers to reach their dream destinations and cardholders unlock the most value when flying United.

For more information, visit united.com/mpnews.

* Eligible cards can be found at: united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus/whats-new.html
** 9 Best Airline Rewards Programs for 2025-2026 | U.S. News Travel

Website: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/mil...whats-new.html

Quote:

New mile earn rates

{varies based on MP status and credit card}

Posted: February 19, 2026
Learn about the changes to earning and using miles in 2026.

Starting April 2, 2026 (12 a.m. CST), MileagePlus® members will earn miles at new rates on tickets booked and operated on eligible United® flights†. Miles earned are based on the eligible fare and include all flights operated by United, United Express, Star Alliance, and MileagePlus partner airline tickets issued by United. Earn rates will vary based on Premier® status and whether or not you are a United Cardmember.

Eligible primary Cardmembers have the opportunity to earn miles at a higher rate on their fares, and even more miles when using their card to book eligible United flights. That's a plus.

Base MileagePlus Member earning

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United Explorer primary cardholder earning

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United Quest primary cardholder earning

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United Club primary cardholder earning

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United Gateway primary cardholder earning

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United MP Debit Rewards primary cardholder earning

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{Other cards - Business card, PresPlus, older cards ....}

UnitedSM Business Cardmembers, UnitedSM Club Business Cardmembers, UnitedSM Presidential PlusSM Cardmembers, UnitedSM Presidential PlusSM Business Cardmembers, UnitedSM Awards Cardmembers, UnitedSM Select Cardmembers will continue to earn additional miles at the same rate when they use their card.

International credit cards
Eligible international MileagePlus co-branded Cardmembers will continue to earn additional miles at the same rate when they use their card. Learn more.

Basic Economy fares

As of April 2, 2026, mileage accrual for eligible United Cardmembers and Premier members on Basic Economy and JetBlue® Blue Basic fares will reflect a lower earn rate. General members without an eligible United card will not be eligible to earn miles on these fares.

Total miles earned per dollar on Basic Economy fares on eligible United flights

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Future earnings calculator

If you’re curious about exactly how these changes will impact you, check out our United flight mile calculator.
United flight Mile Calculator
Find out how much you could earn on your next United flight
Estimates are for members in the U.S., excluding territories, who book United and United Express flights on or after April 2, 2026 only. Members can earn a maximum of 75,000 miles per ticket. Accrual may vary, and you will not earn miles on taxes and fees. Full terms and conditions.

New: Unlock extra savings when booking with miles

Starting April 2, eligible United Cardmembers will be able to enjoy at least 10% savings on United flights booked with miles, and Premier members who have an eligible card get at least 15% savings. That’s a plus. This Cardmember award pricing is valid on United or United Express® award flights only, not Money + Miles tickets. Taxes and fees are not included.

Share your eligible Cardmember benefits

Children of United Cardmembers can earn more miles per dollar on tickets issued by United, including flights operated by United, United Express, Star Alliance and MileagePlus partner airline tickets issued by United. Starting April 2, link your child’s MileagePlus account to share your Cardmember earn rate and Cardmember discount award flight pricing.*

Become a Cardmember

Eligible United Cardmembers* get a range of benefits that make every trip more rewarding, including the opportunity to earn miles at a higher rate, plus even more miles when using their card to book eligible United flights. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn more miles on United flights. Apply today!

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MP Earnings Rate Changes (eff April 2, 2026), higher rates for CC holders

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Feb 20, 2026 | 9:47 pm

#196

username

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: May 2001

Posts: 11,695

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacee

More UA's game, UA's rules. If you want to play, makes sense to have a card. I already gave in and acquired the Club card last year. The benefits are significant if you fly UA and will now increase a bit more. We don't have to like it, just the way it is. And it's kind of true across US programs now. Free agency as always remains a viable and potentially appealing option but all the carriers want you to have their card and are doing their best to make that very clear.

Written in the air on UA SFO-TPE (with TPE-BKK on BR). I could have flown BR all the way for about $250 cheaper, but the PQP and RDM earnings were less than half what I'll get on a UA ticketed itinerary. Is BR a more pleasant long-haul experience? Yes. Do I regret the choice? Sort of but I'm going to rack up a bunch more PQP and RDM. So UA wins.

I am curious....for TPE, one big reason I am sticking with UA is, as Gold, I have access to EconomyPlus. With BR, it seems the base fares are not cheaper than UA to start with and by the time you pay for seat assignment, it ends up more expensive than UA.

Maybe it is because you are going to BKK instead of TPE?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bocastephen

I may have a second look at the card one tier below - which includes two club passes I can use on domestic itineraries where *G access won't apply. I am surprised it's not included with the Quest card.

Need to make sure you are not flying during peak times when they put out the "No Pass" banner at the door...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ContinentalFan

Congratulations United: you’ve finally given me a reason to get one of your branded cards.

I can see UA executives starting to think - what else we can do to get more money? Maybe do similar to get MP Members to sign up for Amazon Prime? Netflix?

oldnerdguy likes this.

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 20, 2026 at 10:59 pm Reason: Merged consecutive posts by same member

Feb 20, 2026 | 9:59 pm

#197

JackTripper

Join Date: Dec 2013

Posts: 264

Quote:

Originally Posted by username

I can see UA executives starting to think - what else we can do to get more money? Maybe do similar to get MP Members to sign up for Amazon Prime? Netflix?

Unlike others this earnings change is a disincentive for me. It makes me reconsider the status chase and look into free agency even though I’m based at a UA hub.

If the UA/Chase people are looking to stand out their CC, offer something like a ChatGPT or Gemini Pro subscription as a benefit that no one’s done yet.

Last edited by JackTripper; Feb 20, 2026 at 10:21 pm

Feb 21, 2026 | 3:48 am

#198

arshi007

Join Date: Dec 2015

Location: Rockies

Programs: UA Platinum, HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy occasionally Bonvoyed Mostly

Posts: 488

This seems like a serious devaluation of the MileagePlus program in general. The real title and news headlines here should be that United is slashing the base earning rate by 40% which is significant. Previously it was 5 miles per PQP for united flights and now it is 3 miles per PQP. I do have a United elite status and credit card so, technically I earn 1 more mile per PQP but none of my family members have elite status or credit card, which means that now each of the family member traveling with me will get 40% less miles (consequently getting that many miles less in the family pool). That is a serious devaluation.
For family members to earn better rates, United is "encouraging" getting a credit card but the cheapest credit card available comes with a $150 annual fee (technically the Gateway card is there but it requires $10k spend on that one). With this change it seems like there is not much value in crediting the non-elite/non-carded family member's miles to United and instead better off crediting it to JetBlue or Avianca or Aeroplan

dw, oldnerdguy, e_chappy and 1 others like this.

Last edited by arshi007; Feb 21, 2026 at 4:13 am

Feb 21, 2026 | 4:12 am

#199

notquiteaff

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: Pacific Northwest

Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS Plat, AA EP, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glob, IHG Plat, ...

Posts: 21,463

Quote:

Originally Posted by e_chappy

I might consider either of the UA Chase Cards were the Trip Cancellation coverage on par with what I have with Sapphire Preferred.

But as things stand, the Trip Cancellation coverage on those cards ($1.5k/ traveler and $6k/ trip) pales in comparison to what CSP offers ($10k/ traveler and $20k/ trip). Don't think I'll go chase the extra reward miles (which usually takes forever to accumulate for a non-status peon like myself) and forgo the trip cancellation insurance coverage.

Remember, you can have the UA card to qualify for the benefits and use the CSP (or any other card you like) to book your UA tickets and get the trip coverage benefits.

boeingair, jcatman, Wyfind and 4 others like this.

Feb 21, 2026 | 7:17 am

#200

scubadu

Join Date: Sep 2008

Location: AUS

Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAC, AA, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat

Posts: 7,523

Quote:

Originally Posted by username

<snip>I can see UA executives starting to think - what else we can do to get more money?

Ummm... I mean that is pretty much what literally all executives, in every vocation are "thinking." It's literally what they are paid to think about

Regards

SPN Lifer, notquiteaff, Wyfind and 3 others like this.

Feb 21, 2026 | 7:38 am

#201

radonc1

Join Date: Mar 2005

Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA

Posts: 7,374

Quote:

Originally Posted by bocastephen

Thank you - I think I will follow your lead here. I didn't see any sign up bonus offers for this card - actually for any of the Chase/United cards - so perhaps Chase pulled all of the bonus offers in anticipation of widespread signups?

Look at your email from UA.Scroll down on the email. It has a link to all the cards and the bonuses range from 30K miles on the Gateway card to 90K on the Club card. It appears that all the other benefits remain including the PQPs, etc.

Feb 21, 2026 | 7:42 am

#202

hhdl

Join Date: Oct 2019

Programs: Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, Amtrak Guest Rewards

Posts: 3,638

Quote:

Originally Posted by radonc1

If my wife, who holds a UA card, made a redemption using miles for both of us, would she get the card's milage discount for both tickets, or only hers?

Both tickets.

SPN Lifer likes this.

Feb 21, 2026 | 7:44 am

#203

halls120

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jun 2005

Posts: 72,093

Quote:

Originally Posted by WineCountryUA

For those who have not received an email from UA yet, I have not either but my MM companion just received an email.

We both received an e-mail. Hit "delete" quickly. And when we get the breathless mail offers, they go in the trash immediately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arshi007

This seems like a serious devaluation of the MileagePlus program in general. The real title and news headlines here should be that United is slashing the base earning rate by 40% which is significant. Previously it was 5 miles per PQP for united flights and now it is 3 miles per PQP. I do have a United elite status and credit card so, technically I earn 1 more mile per PQP but none of my family members have elite status or credit card, which means that now each of the family member traveling with me will get 40% less miles (consequently getting that many miles less in the family pool). That is a serious devaluation.

I guess the UA C suite finally woke up to the reality that DL's treatment of their customers with skypesos wasn't hurting their bottom line, so they've jumped into the same pool.

It's kind of amazing that with all of the "excitement" over this change, that few are calling it out for what it really is - another devaluation of UA's MP.

CJ99, Boraxo, as219 and 2 others like this.

Feb 21, 2026 | 8:12 am

#204

oldnerdguy

Join Date: Dec 2019

Posts: 39

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadu

Ummm... I mean that is pretty much what literally all executives, in every vocation are "thinking." It's literally what they are paid to think about

Yes. Therefore, we can all happily look forward to paying extra fees for in-flight entertainment, toilet paper, and oxygen masks when needed. That's just the short list. There's also the life jackets, barf bags, garbage bins, lighting inside the bathrooms... come on, executives, do what you're paid to do! LOL

Feb 21, 2026 | 8:47 am

#205

scubadu

Join Date: Sep 2008

Location: AUS

Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAC, AA, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat

Posts: 7,523

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldnerdguy

You might not like it and you can make an attempt at sarcasm if desired, but anyone running a for profit company (and that is what these companies are) certainly has a fiduciary responsibility to owners/shareholders to increase revenue and profitability; that is the job. Whether we like/appreciate it as a consumers doesn't change what the job is.

The "uncomfortable truth" that many FTers are learning about travel today (myself included) is that the airlines, hotels, etc. were likely "giving away" much more than they needed to for many, many years. They have "de-valued" for years now and they are getting increasingly more profitable. There is a tiny segment of FTers who complain loudly with each and every devaluation, but alas, the predicted demise of this or that program or company never materializes. Planes are fuller than ever, hotels are fuller than ever, tourist sites are fuller that ever, etc. Unless/until there is a supply/demand reset, this is the world we now live in.

I suspect, like it or not, these changes will not harm UA's business at all (it will probably improve it) no matter how loudly a tiny minority of FTers gnash their teeth and tear their clothes about it.

Regards

dw, jsloan, SPN Lifer and 3 others like this.

Feb 21, 2026 | 9:00 am

#206

halls120

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jun 2005

Posts: 72,093

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadu

I suspect, like it or not, these changes will not harm UA's business at all (it will probably improve it) no matter how loudly a tiny minority of FTers gnash their teeth and tear their clothes about it.

I agree. But let's not overlook the reality that visits to the US by international travelers declined for the eighth straight month in December, and in 2025, visits to the US were down among 10 of the top 20 overseas tourist-generating countries, including India, Germany, and South Korea. Throw in another pandemic or massive economic crash, the travel industry will likely have to start incentivizing their products once again.

Feb 21, 2026 | 9:14 am

#207

Infinite1K

Join Date: Apr 2010

Programs: AA EP, UA 1K/MM, WoH Globalist, HH Diamond

Posts: 3,965

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadu

Ummm... I mean that is pretty much what literally all executives, in every vocation are "thinking." It's literally what they are paid to think about

Regards

While that maybe what appears to be going on, ideally I would think some CEOs try to figure out how to create great products and services and make a profit in doing so. And the more that are like that, the better off everyone is.

Feb 21, 2026 | 9:16 am

#208

lessthanzero

Join Date: Jun 2005

Programs: UA GS, *G, Bonvoy AMB & LTP, HH Diamond, Platinum Blockbuster, GameStop, several library cards

Posts: 1,358

Quote:

Originally Posted by hhdl

There's no D1 lounge at SLC and if there was, Amex wouldn't get you in. That would be a SkyClub.

OK, typos aside, the “old” Delta lounge @ SLC beat the pants out of the majority of UCs.

halls120 and hhdl like this.

Feb 21, 2026 | 9:31 am

#209

NJSwamplands

Join Date: Apr 2018

Posts: 1,202

New exciting feature being released on the IFE screens. Nonstop CC ads until you sign up.

Feb 21, 2026 | 9:54 am

#210

IAH-OIL-TRASH

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Sep 2003

Location: Honolulu Harbor

Programs: UA 2MM 1K

Posts: 16,568

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadu

….but alas, the predicted demise of this or that program or company never materializes. Planes are fuller than ever….

There’s almost 100 people on the upgrade waitlist (nor counting NRSAs) on tomorrow’s 2:40pm HNL-SFO. I can guarantee almost every Silver and their companions are not even getting E+ seats unless they paid for them, but they’re still bragging to others about having status on UA

About the only benefit some Silvers are getting are the miles they can occasionally redeem - they might be a susceptible audience for more miles a CC brings them. Now that WN are charging for bags, that Silver is worth a bit there, too.

SPN Lifer, Boraxo and zombietooth like this.

Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Feb 21, 2026 at 11:07 am

MP Earnings Rate Changes (eff April 2, 2026), higher rates for CC holders

New mile earn rates

Posted: February 19, 2026 Learn about the changes to earning and using miles in 2026.

Basic Economy fares

Future earnings calculator

New: Unlock extra savings when booking with miles

Share your eligible Cardmember benefits

Become a Cardmember

MP Earnings Rate Changes (eff April 2, 2026), higher rates for CC holders

Posted: February 19, 2026
Learn about the changes to earning and using miles in 2026.