UA Launches MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card that Earns Miles for Spending & Saving
Nov 4, 2025 | 8:38 am
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UA Launches MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card that Earns Miles for Spending & Saving
United Airlines Launches MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card that Earns Miles for Spending and Saving
Photos(1)
This new card allows MileagePlus members to earn miles through everyday purchases and qualifying account balances
Available now with no monthly fees with an average daily account balance of $2,000 or greater, MileagePlus members can open the debit rewards card at UnitedDebitRewards.com
CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced a new MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card that offers cardmembers additional ways to earn miles through spending and saving – designed to make flying the world's largest airline* even more rewarding.
As part of the launch, for a limited time, new MileagePlus Debit Rewards cardmembers can earn a 10,000-mile bonus after approval and making qualifying purchases.** Powered by Galileo, SoFi's Tech Platform, the new Visa debit card combines the convenience of debit payments with the benefits of MileagePlus. Miles may be earned on dining, retail, groceries and more, with additional miles earned on United purchases such as flights, bags, onboard snacks, and more.
"We're constantly looking for new ways to add value and optionality for our members, and a debit card is a natural next step," said Bob Daly, United's Managing Director of Global Co-Brand Cards. "The United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card offers customers an additional way to earn miles whether they're spending on United flights and everyday purchases or saving and making plans for the future."
"We're proud to partner with United to bring this innovative debit rewards card to market," said Bill Kennedy, Interim CEO and CFO of Galileo Financial Technologies. "It's a great example of how leading brands can use Galileo's modern platform to move quickly, meet customer demand, and create differentiated loyalty experiences."
Benefits for Cardmembers
For travelers looking to earn through saving and spending, the United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card gives them the flexibility to do both.
MileagePlus Program Benefits
MileagePlus is free to join and was rated the world's best airline loyalty program.*** It offers 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 and more.
Additional Details on Card Benefits and Terms
Designed for MileagePlus members who prefer the control and ease of a debit card without sacrificing travel rewards – the United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card is available to eligible program members and doesn't require a credit check so applying will not impact your credit score.
This new payment product reflects United's ongoing commitment to loyalty innovation that brings value to every member, and was developed in collaboration with Galileo Financial Technologies, SoFi's Technology Platform. The card is issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A. and is backed by Visa as the payments network. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,0000 through Sunrise Banks, N.A. Member FDIC
For more information on the card and its benefits, including how to open an account, visit UnitedDebitRewards.com.
*As measured by available seat miles
**Terms apply - for more details see here
***Study conducted by Good Travel Management
Photos(1)
This new card allows MileagePlus members to earn miles through everyday purchases and qualifying account balances
Available now with no monthly fees with an average daily account balance of $2,000 or greater, MileagePlus members can open the debit rewards card at UnitedDebitRewards.com
CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced a new MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card that offers cardmembers additional ways to earn miles through spending and saving – designed to make flying the world's largest airline* even more rewarding.
As part of the launch, for a limited time, new MileagePlus Debit Rewards cardmembers can earn a 10,000-mile bonus after approval and making qualifying purchases.** Powered by Galileo, SoFi's Tech Platform, the new Visa debit card combines the convenience of debit payments with the benefits of MileagePlus. Miles may be earned on dining, retail, groceries and more, with additional miles earned on United purchases such as flights, bags, onboard snacks, and more.
"We're constantly looking for new ways to add value and optionality for our members, and a debit card is a natural next step," said Bob Daly, United's Managing Director of Global Co-Brand Cards. "The United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card offers customers an additional way to earn miles whether they're spending on United flights and everyday purchases or saving and making plans for the future."
"We're proud to partner with United to bring this innovative debit rewards card to market," said Bill Kennedy, Interim CEO and CFO of Galileo Financial Technologies. "It's a great example of how leading brands can use Galileo's modern platform to move quickly, meet customer demand, and create differentiated loyalty experiences."
Benefits for Cardmembers
For travelers looking to earn through saving and spending, the United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card gives them the flexibility to do both.
- Limited-time Launch Offer: Earn 10,000 bonus miles when you open an account and spend $500 within the first four months of card membership.**
- Everyday Earning: Earn one mile per $1 spent on United purchases and earn one mile per $2 spent on all other eligible purchases - designed specifically for MileagePlus members who value travel rewards.**
- 2,500-Mile Annual Bonus: Earn 2,500 bonus miles each calendar year after you spend $10,000 with your debit card.**
- Waived Monthly Fee: No monthly fee for average daily account balances of $2,000 or more. A $4 monthly fee will apply for accounts with balances under $2,000.**
- Built-In Card Controls: Conveniently lock or unlock your card and set spending limits.
- Easily Track Miles: Watch your rewards grow with every eligible purchase.
- Earn Miles by Saving: MileagePlus members can earn additional miles based on qualifying account balances, reinforcing this card's role as an extension of the MileagePlus loyalty program rather than just a traditional debit account. See below for a full breakdown of the annual miles that can be earned based on a cardmember's average daily account balance.**
MileagePlus Program Benefits
MileagePlus is free to join and was rated the world's best airline loyalty program.*** It offers 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 and more.
Additional Details on Card Benefits and Terms
Designed for MileagePlus members who prefer the control and ease of a debit card without sacrificing travel rewards – the United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card is available to eligible program members and doesn't require a credit check so applying will not impact your credit score.
This new payment product reflects United's ongoing commitment to loyalty innovation that brings value to every member, and was developed in collaboration with Galileo Financial Technologies, SoFi's Technology Platform. The card is issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A. and is backed by Visa as the payments network. Funds are FDIC insured up to $250,0000 through Sunrise Banks, N.A. Member FDIC
For more information on the card and its benefits, including how to open an account, visit UnitedDebitRewards.com.
*As measured by available seat miles
**Terms apply - for more details see here
***Study conducted by Good Travel Management
Nov 4, 2025 | 9:27 am
#2
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As someone who finds value in UA credit cards - and probably has too many of them - I am trying to find a use case for this?
I know people love debt cards over credit cards, but credit cards have so many more legal protections - but I am not an expert on that.....
I know people love debt cards over credit cards, but credit cards have so many more legal protections - but I am not an expert on that.....
Nov 4, 2025 | 9:34 am
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Nov 4, 2025 | 9:43 am
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mahasamatman - yup...so, I agree that it is "nice" that UA can/will offer something for them.... "I dont have a use case" - unless I can use my debit card to pay off my Club card?
Nov 4, 2025 | 11:05 am
#7
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I can see a use case for this.
Nov 4, 2025 | 11:27 am
#8
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Nov 4, 2025 | 11:56 am
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Nov 4, 2025 | 11:58 am
#11
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The use of debit cards is likely to rise as more and more merchants tack on credit card processing fees. I see no reason to demean anyone just for choosing debit over credit.
Nov 4, 2025 | 12:07 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,752
I was wondering the same. Also, in our suburb, water, sewer, gas and electric are all billed separately and I pay them with ACH transfers though I know a few do accept debit...but none credit. Have been spending thousands $$ in utilities and leaving potential rewards on the table each year. Might be worth looking into to at least get something out of those otherwise non-rewarding transactions. Something is better than nothing.
I can see a use case for this.
I can see a use case for this.
Last edited by Caspavio; Nov 4, 2025 at 12:33 pm Reason: Merged consecutive posts by same member
Nov 4, 2025 | 1:43 pm
#13
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my internet provider gives a $10 discount every month for using autopay debit/bank transfer
im not sure. it seems there is no interest for the account. they do give you bonus miles, but the rates are poor, and you dont earn anything on a $2k balance anyway. so you lose out on about $4 a month after taxes compared to high yield savings. if you value UA miles at 1.3cpm, you need more than $600 monthly spend (excluding UA) on this debit card to make it worth it
im not sure. it seems there is no interest for the account. they do give you bonus miles, but the rates are poor, and you dont earn anything on a $2k balance anyway. so you lose out on about $4 a month after taxes compared to high yield savings. if you value UA miles at 1.3cpm, you need more than $600 monthly spend (excluding UA) on this debit card to make it worth it
I'm not defending this product, as I really don't have much interest in it other than its novelty. But I really don't know what you are going with taxes and your math. More simply, I think you are looking at this the wrong way. Money in->money spent->miles earned on money spent in debit transactions that wouldn't have otherwise earned miles. This is clearly not a place a park a sum of money, its not a worthwhile investment vehicle whatsoever. I mean really: a "savings account" that pays in depreciating miles that the bank bought in bulk for pennies? That in itself is almost joke worthy. But for some of the more hardcore miles collectors that like to squeeze a reward of some type out of every dollar they spend, or the people who may be able to convert larger or significant recurring ACH transactions to debit this may be worthwhile even if they have to eat some fees for a low balance. Some people may make it work, and others will sign up because they don't know better. I think UA and this issuing bank are hoping for the latter.
Nov 4, 2025 | 1:52 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,752
As does mine, AT&T fiber.
I'm not defending this product, as I really don't have much interest in it other than its novelty. But I really don't know what you are going with taxes and your math. More simply, I think you are looking at this the wrong way. Money in->money spent->miles earned on money spent in debit transactions that wouldn't have otherwise earned miles. This is clearly not a place a park a sum of money, its not a worthwhile investment vehicle whatsoever. I mean really: a "savings account" that pays in depreciating miles that the bank bought in bulk for pennies? That in itself is almost joke worthy. But for some of the more hardcore miles collectors that like to squeeze a reward of some type out of every dollar they spend, or the people who may be able to convert larger or significant recurring ACH transactions to debit this may be worthwhile even if they have to eat some fees for a low balance. Some people may make it work, and others will sign up because they don't know better. I think UA and this issuing bank are hoping for the latter.
I'm not defending this product, as I really don't have much interest in it other than its novelty. But I really don't know what you are going with taxes and your math. More simply, I think you are looking at this the wrong way. Money in->money spent->miles earned on money spent in debit transactions that wouldn't have otherwise earned miles. This is clearly not a place a park a sum of money, its not a worthwhile investment vehicle whatsoever. I mean really: a "savings account" that pays in depreciating miles that the bank bought in bulk for pennies? That in itself is almost joke worthy. But for some of the more hardcore miles collectors that like to squeeze a reward of some type out of every dollar they spend, or the people who may be able to convert larger or significant recurring ACH transactions to debit this may be worthwhile even if they have to eat some fees for a low balance. Some people may make it work, and others will sign up because they don't know better. I think UA and this issuing bank are hoping for the latter.
im not saying this is a good or bad product. the math is as such, and you need to have a certain spend every month to make the product worth it. i cant control what people do, i just post in hopes that someone read it and it helps them to decide if it is worth it or not
Last edited by Caspavio; Nov 4, 2025 at 2:10 pm
Nov 4, 2025 | 2:44 pm
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Is this somewhat back to the future?
cant really find anything on a [very quick, admittedly] google search, but didnt UA way back in the day - pre CO merger and pre-Durbin amendment used to have a mileage earning debit card. Pretty sure it was issued by Bank One, which was, IIRC Chicago-based, and merged into Chase. I remember because when I moved to Chicagoland in fall 2005, Bank One building was still in Evanston, at least, and changed to Chase not much longer after.
cant really find anything on a [very quick, admittedly] google search, but didnt UA way back in the day - pre CO merger and pre-Durbin amendment used to have a mileage earning debit card. Pretty sure it was issued by Bank One, which was, IIRC Chicago-based, and merged into Chase. I remember because when I moved to Chicagoland in fall 2005, Bank One building was still in Evanston, at least, and changed to Chase not much longer after.