Feb 6, 2015, 2:30 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
NEW as of 11/9/18:
App now includes MP Dining and MP Shopping in addition to eGift cards.
Dining: Once you log in and enable location sharing the app will tell you what MP Dining restaurant options are in your area. The app appears to know if you are a base or VIP dining member, and shows the appropriate earn rate you can expect (3 for base member or 5 miles per $ for VIP). Restaurants show in an incomplete "Nearby" list or are further visible under the "Cuisine Types" tab.
Shopping: You can browse the same list of stores you'd find on the main MileagePlus shopping website. There are tabs to show which stores are offering elevated offers as well as another with a searchable list of all stores who participated in the program. Tapping on the store will give you the option take you to that store's site so you can shop in your device's browser just as you would on a laptop or desktop.
Maximizing this app opp:
As per the app, you can double or triple dip. You get the UA miles from the app (+25% bonus if the app is attached to a MP acct), you get the miles (or CB, or whatever the deal is with your CC) from the CC attached to the app (via .bomb), and if you use the GC that is generated by the App and apply it online to a purchase via the MP shopping portal, you get the UA miles for that as well.
Ex: Buy $50 Staples MP-X credit with the app and get:
A. 2x on the app at Staples=100 UA (if you have a MP CC attached to the app, you get 25% more = 125 UA), PLUS
B. 2% CB with your BA+ card for example = $1 CB (but then no extra 25% bonus shown in A., above), PLUS
C. 1x on MP portal = 50 UA
Total would be 150 UA + $1CB in the example above (a UA double dip, e.g. A and C, but a non-UA dip added).
More scenarios:
-If you used a 1x UA MP card in the above example, it would be 125 UA+50 UA+50 UA=225 UA (a UA triple dip, e.g. A, B, and C).
-If you used a 5x INK card in the above example, it would be 100UA+*MAYBE 250UR+50UA = 150U+*MAYBE 250UR (a UA double dip, e.g. A and C, but a non-UA dip added and IMHO the best value: effectively 8x! *assuming the INK codes correctly as office supplies**).
**This is probably not the case, see post 513- no triple dipping
Conversions
Some MPX merchants allow for the purchase of a gift card with a gift card. This may allow you to use MPX to indirectly purchase a gift card to shop at a merchant otherwise not offered on MPX. As always, YMMV as you may encounter some merchants that may not allow this practice, rogue cashiers/managers who think it might not be allowed, or POS systems that are designed to not allow this (understandable as they make little to no money on the sale).
These merchants *may* include:
Best Buy - Does not allow purchase of Visa/Amex/MC gift cards, other merchant GCs OK.
GameStop
Sears
MPX Merchants that sell other merchants' GCs, but do not allow the purchase of GC with GC (MPX or otherwise):
Staples - Not allowed per policy, but may go through on their POS if cashier ignores prompt.
Barnes and Noble - No official policy - cashiers are trained that it's not allowed although it will go through on their POS
Office Depot
Lowes
eBay
Note: There appears to be a $3000.00 per 24 hours spend limit
MPX only works within the US - as per T&Cs! If you try to use the app outside the US, error code 126 will pop up.
Your MPX account name and password are the same as the united.com / MP account name and password. And your mile earned are locked to that MP account.
If using MPX to get a few miles to prevent mileage expiration, you need to be logged in as that account whose miles are approaching expiration.
In your account info is "Member since " date
customer service email address, [email protected]
Archived posts - MileagePlus X – Shopping App to Earn Additional Award Miles [ARCHIVE]
App now includes MP Dining and MP Shopping in addition to eGift cards.
Dining: Once you log in and enable location sharing the app will tell you what MP Dining restaurant options are in your area. The app appears to know if you are a base or VIP dining member, and shows the appropriate earn rate you can expect (3 for base member or 5 miles per $ for VIP). Restaurants show in an incomplete "Nearby" list or are further visible under the "Cuisine Types" tab.
Shopping: You can browse the same list of stores you'd find on the main MileagePlus shopping website. There are tabs to show which stores are offering elevated offers as well as another with a searchable list of all stores who participated in the program. Tapping on the store will give you the option take you to that store's site so you can shop in your device's browser just as you would on a laptop or desktop.
Maximizing this app opp:
As per the app, you can double or triple dip. You get the UA miles from the app (+25% bonus if the app is attached to a MP acct), you get the miles (or CB, or whatever the deal is with your CC) from the CC attached to the app (via .bomb), and if you use the GC that is generated by the App and apply it online to a purchase via the MP shopping portal, you get the UA miles for that as well.
Ex: Buy $50 Staples MP-X credit with the app and get:
A. 2x on the app at Staples=100 UA (if you have a MP CC attached to the app, you get 25% more = 125 UA), PLUS
B. 2% CB with your BA+ card for example = $1 CB (but then no extra 25% bonus shown in A., above), PLUS
C. 1x on MP portal = 50 UA
Total would be 150 UA + $1CB in the example above (a UA double dip, e.g. A and C, but a non-UA dip added).
More scenarios:
-If you used a 1x UA MP card in the above example, it would be 125 UA+50 UA+50 UA=225 UA (a UA triple dip, e.g. A, B, and C).
-If you used a 5x INK card in the above example, it would be 100UA+*MAYBE 250UR+50UA = 150U+*MAYBE 250UR (a UA double dip, e.g. A and C, but a non-UA dip added and IMHO the best value: effectively 8x! *assuming the INK codes correctly as office supplies**).
**This is probably not the case, see post 513- no triple dipping
Conversions
Some MPX merchants allow for the purchase of a gift card with a gift card. This may allow you to use MPX to indirectly purchase a gift card to shop at a merchant otherwise not offered on MPX. As always, YMMV as you may encounter some merchants that may not allow this practice, rogue cashiers/managers who think it might not be allowed, or POS systems that are designed to not allow this (understandable as they make little to no money on the sale).
These merchants *may* include:
Best Buy - Does not allow purchase of Visa/Amex/MC gift cards, other merchant GCs OK.
GameStop
Sears
MPX Merchants that sell other merchants' GCs, but do not allow the purchase of GC with GC (MPX or otherwise):
Staples - Not allowed per policy, but may go through on their POS if cashier ignores prompt.
Barnes and Noble - No official policy - cashiers are trained that it's not allowed although it will go through on their POS
Office Depot
Lowes
eBay
Note: There appears to be a $3000.00 per 24 hours spend limit
MPX only works within the US - as per T&Cs! If you try to use the app outside the US, error code 126 will pop up.
Your MPX account name and password are the same as the united.com / MP account name and password. And your mile earned are locked to that MP account.
If using MPX to get a few miles to prevent mileage expiration, you need to be logged in as that account whose miles are approaching expiration.
In your account info is "Member since " date
customer service email address, [email protected]
Archived posts - MileagePlus X – Shopping App to Earn Additional Award Miles [ARCHIVE]
MileagePlus X – Shopping App to Earn Additional Award Miles
May 24, 2021, 9:21 pm
#61
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Delaware
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 1,393
May 24, 2021, 9:30 pm
#62
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NGS
Programs: UA Silver, ANA MC, HH Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Bonvoy Plat, IHG Plat, Shangri-La GC, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,234
I'm well aware of that but until recently there was a work-around that enabled MPX users to buy GCs using a VPN but with a 3-day delay in delivery (I wrote about it further upthread). Now, it doesn't work and I believe it is because United has found a way to block it.
May 24, 2021, 9:50 pm
#63
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
Programs: UA*G, NW, AA-G. WR-P, HH-G, IHG-S, ALL. TT-GE.
Posts: 2,911
I'm not physically in the US but I have a US account address. I used to be able to buy GCs with the MPX app using a VPN but it took 3 days to receive them. Now, it doesn't work anymore. I emailed mileageplusx-agent as United requested. It took a few days to get a reply that said "MilagePlux X gift cards can only be purchased or redeemed when the user is physically located in the 50 United States (or District of Columbia). To process an online gift card purchase also requires a domestic US account address." It appears that United is now able to determine if you are using a VPN and will not let you purchase a GC if you use one. If you are physically located in the US, you shouldn't have a problem.
May 24, 2021, 10:22 pm
#64
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NGS
Programs: UA Silver, ANA MC, HH Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Bonvoy Plat, IHG Plat, Shangri-La GC, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,234
There is a way to use the app from outside the US. I discovered this recently and have been using it to buy numerous gift cards while traveling outside the US since. I do it from my desktop PC, but there should be no problem doing it from your mobile phone. Here's the solution:
1. Go to this website: https://giftcards.mileageplus.com/
2. At "Payment type" near the top, select "credit card"
3. Every card available with the earn rate will display
4. You can filter by "earn/redemption rate" to find the highest earn rate. You can also filter by category if you are looking only for restaurant GCs, etc.
5. You will need to sign in to make the purchase.
6. Click on the desired card
7. Enter gift card value
8. Select form of payment (if you have multiple cards registered)
9. Click Yes or No next to "Is this a gift?"
10. Click "Next"
11. Click "Purchase" (You will see a message saying that it will take three days for the purchase to process).
12. On the next screen you will see "Purchase is being processed" and "Transaction summary" showing miles earned for purchase, 25% Chase bonus, and total award miles earned.
It takes three days for these purchases to process and after three days the GCs will show up in the MPX app.
1. Go to this website: https://giftcards.mileageplus.com/
2. At "Payment type" near the top, select "credit card"
3. Every card available with the earn rate will display
4. You can filter by "earn/redemption rate" to find the highest earn rate. You can also filter by category if you are looking only for restaurant GCs, etc.
5. You will need to sign in to make the purchase.
6. Click on the desired card
7. Enter gift card value
8. Select form of payment (if you have multiple cards registered)
9. Click Yes or No next to "Is this a gift?"
10. Click "Next"
11. Click "Purchase" (You will see a message saying that it will take three days for the purchase to process).
12. On the next screen you will see "Purchase is being processed" and "Transaction summary" showing miles earned for purchase, 25% Chase bonus, and total award miles earned.
It takes three days for these purchases to process and after three days the GCs will show up in the MPX app.
Last edited by Nagasaki Joe; May 25, 2021 at 2:33 am
May 25, 2021, 2:09 pm
#65
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP. Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,134
It really depends on your VPN. When outside of the US I have bought GCs when connected to a server back in the US though my company's Cisco based VPN. None of the basic consumer or freeware stuff like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or any of the like will work for you. UA or their provider has blocked those.
May 25, 2021, 7:44 pm
#66
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NGS
Programs: UA Silver, ANA MC, HH Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Bonvoy Plat, IHG Plat, Shangri-La GC, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,234
It really depends on your VPN. When outside of the US I have bought GCs when connected to a server back in the US though my company's Cisco based VPN. None of the basic consumer or freeware stuff like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or any of the like will work for you. UA or their provider has blocked those.
Jun 18, 2021, 2:52 pm
#67
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: The place where it gets so hot in the summer some planes can't take off.
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium, WoH Globalist, National EE, United Platinum
Posts: 1,446
Has anyone been denied MileagePlus Shopping miles when using an egift card purchased through MileagePlus X with the triple dip?
I made a purchase of just over $100 at UnderArmour for a memorial day promotion providing 12x miles per $, plus 500 miles when you spend $100. Nothing posted automatically for this or a purchase with another merchant a few days later (I almost always have to follow up).
MP Shopping customer service is trying to deny my MP Shopping miles due to using a gift card where the terms state "Purchases made with a gift card may be ineligible." It does not say they will be, but MAY be.
Triple Dip has been around for a very long time and I am amazed that they are trying to deny miles due to this... especially when the gift card is purchased from them. I would have paid by CC instead of gift card if this was now the case.
I made a purchase of just over $100 at UnderArmour for a memorial day promotion providing 12x miles per $, plus 500 miles when you spend $100. Nothing posted automatically for this or a purchase with another merchant a few days later (I almost always have to follow up).
MP Shopping customer service is trying to deny my MP Shopping miles due to using a gift card where the terms state "Purchases made with a gift card may be ineligible." It does not say they will be, but MAY be.
Triple Dip has been around for a very long time and I am amazed that they are trying to deny miles due to this... especially when the gift card is purchased from them. I would have paid by CC instead of gift card if this was now the case.
Aug 3, 2021, 1:14 pm
#68
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,946
I'm about to make a big purchase, and GCs through MileagePlusX are capped at $250 each. I successfully bought 2, but started getting error messages when I attempted to buy the 3rd. Is this typical (fraud prevention?), a bug, or something else?
I wrote this AM to the email address provided on the MileagePlusX app error message. How long does a reply usually take--a few hours, days, or weeks?
I wrote this AM to the email address provided on the MileagePlusX app error message. How long does a reply usually take--a few hours, days, or weeks?
Aug 3, 2021, 1:51 pm
#69
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
I have often bought 2 gift cards (Petco) at the same time but never tried more than that.
It's been a while, but the few times I had to email them they always did respond, I think within 3 to 5 days.
Make sure you have done your due diligence to ensure your purchase qualifies for miles. Things like the newest model electronics (especially iphones) are sometimes excluded.
It's been a while, but the few times I had to email them they always did respond, I think within 3 to 5 days.
Make sure you have done your due diligence to ensure your purchase qualifies for miles. Things like the newest model electronics (especially iphones) are sometimes excluded.
Aug 5, 2022, 10:42 am
#70
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, WF GoFar Rewards, AAdvantage, United MileagePlus
Posts: 1,663
I'm trying to purchase gift cards, and every single card gets declined. I tried it from both the MileagePlus X app as well as the gift card store in my browser on my laptop, and neither of them work.
Aug 5, 2022, 1:01 pm
#71
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 261
Oct 4, 2022, 2:05 pm
#72
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA, but I play the field
Posts: 1,440
MPX spending / Chase UA CC Welcome Bonus
Hello: After a several-year hiatus, I am returning to both FlyerTalk and United MP, and have a bit of catching up to do. For example, I just learned of the MPX app this week, and am still trying to wrap my head around how it works. The following seems like a question that must have previously been answered somewhere on FT, but after searching the Chase forum, the MP forum (for Quest) and here I have not been able to find discussion of it, so I apologize if it has already been asked and answered, so to speak.
My question is whether the purchase of "eGift Cards" through MPX will count toward my $4000 "spend" requirement for receiving the initial bonus miles offered to new holders of a Chase UA-branded credit card (specifically, the Quest card). . I can see now that the MPX app has been out for a number of years, but my old-fashioned brain is trained to think of gift card purchases as being "iffy" in terms of both miles accumulation and welcome bonus spending. But MPX seems to turn that assumption on its head, by categorizing its eGift Cards as "intended for purchase of products and services.". I understand from this thread's Wiki that purchases made through MPX with a Chase UA card will accumulate miles, but am curious to know whether they will also qualify as part of the required bonus spend. And if so, does that apply equally to eGift cards that are purchased for spending in the future, without being followed by an immediate purchase from the merchant? E.g. if I purchase 4 $250 eGift Cards through MPX, will that count toward $1000 of spending toward the welcome bonus?
Per the terms and conditions (screenshot below) the definition of what's excluded for bonus spend purpose seems virtually identical to what's excluded from mileage accumulation (i.e. "other cash-like transactions"), so my assumption would be that a purchase that qualifies for one would qualify for the other. But I feel like I must be missing something . . .
Thanks in advance for any wisdom and data points you can share
ZF
My question is whether the purchase of "eGift Cards" through MPX will count toward my $4000 "spend" requirement for receiving the initial bonus miles offered to new holders of a Chase UA-branded credit card (specifically, the Quest card). . I can see now that the MPX app has been out for a number of years, but my old-fashioned brain is trained to think of gift card purchases as being "iffy" in terms of both miles accumulation and welcome bonus spending. But MPX seems to turn that assumption on its head, by categorizing its eGift Cards as "intended for purchase of products and services.". I understand from this thread's Wiki that purchases made through MPX with a Chase UA card will accumulate miles, but am curious to know whether they will also qualify as part of the required bonus spend. And if so, does that apply equally to eGift cards that are purchased for spending in the future, without being followed by an immediate purchase from the merchant? E.g. if I purchase 4 $250 eGift Cards through MPX, will that count toward $1000 of spending toward the welcome bonus?
Per the terms and conditions (screenshot below) the definition of what's excluded for bonus spend purpose seems virtually identical to what's excluded from mileage accumulation (i.e. "other cash-like transactions"), so my assumption would be that a purchase that qualifies for one would qualify for the other. But I feel like I must be missing something . . .
Thanks in advance for any wisdom and data points you can share
ZF
Last edited by ZenFlyer; Oct 6, 2022 at 4:04 pm
Oct 5, 2022, 3:26 pm
#73
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,311
IME, MPX spend counts as regular spend and it should count towards your sign-up bonus. Also, frequently the spend counts as spend towards the underlying merchant. Purchases usually post as MPX*merchant-name.
Since you have several months for the SUB spend, you can try for yourself and see how it posts. I don't remember if Chase has some sort of ticker for the sign-up bonus progress or not. If they do, you should see it advance if it's counting properly.
-David
Since you have several months for the SUB spend, you can try for yourself and see how it posts. I don't remember if Chase has some sort of ticker for the sign-up bonus progress or not. If they do, you should see it advance if it's counting properly.
-David
Oct 6, 2022, 2:23 pm
#74
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA, but I play the field
Posts: 1,440
IME, MPX spend counts as regular spend and it should count towards your sign-up bonus. Also, frequently the spend counts as spend towards the underlying merchant. Purchases usually post as MPX*merchant-name.
Since you have several months for the SUB spend, you can try for yourself and see how it posts. I don't remember if Chase has some sort of ticker for the sign-up bonus progress or not. If they do, you should see it advance if it's counting properly.
-David
Since you have several months for the SUB spend, you can try for yourself and see how it posts. I don't remember if Chase has some sort of ticker for the sign-up bonus progress or not. If they do, you should see it advance if it's counting properly.
-David
Thanks so much for the reply LIH Prem -- very helpful!
Oct 9, 2022, 8:23 pm
#75
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: AA, but I play the field
Posts: 1,440
Cardholder bonus before your physical card arrives
I don't yet know the answer to the question I posted about app purchases counting toward SUB spend on the Quest card, because the *bleep* *bleep* thing has yet to arrive in the mail. However, I discovered today that even though I haven't received or signed the physical card, the MileagePus X app "knows" that I am a cardholder, and gave me the 25% cardholder purchase. Happy days 