United Airlines has introduced its new MileagePlus Debit Rewards card, an offering that allows members of the program to accumulate miles for both their everyday spending and their savings. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Galileo Financial Technologies—SoFi’s technology platform—aims to expand loyalty options without the need for credit.
Initial Benefits and Earnings on Spending
The card, backed by Visa and issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A., offers a limited-time launch promotion: new cardholders can receive a 10,000-mile bonus after approval and by making qualified purchases totaling a minimum of $500 within the first four months of membership.
Furthermore, the earnings structure is designed to reward both United-related and general purchases:
- 1 mile per dollar spent on United products and services (flights, baggage, onboard snacks, among others).
- 1 mile per $2 spent on eligible purchases outside the United ecosystem.
Annual Bonus and Spending Controls
Users who reach an annual spending of $10,000 with the card will receive an additional bonus of 2,500 miles each calendar year. The card also includes built-in features to lock or unlock the card, set spending limits, and view the growth of accumulated miles in real time.
Earning Miles on Savings Too
One of the most notable features is the ability to earn miles for maintaining balances in the account, making this card an extension of the MileagePlus program beyond just spending. The following table details the benefits based on the average daily balance:
| Average Daily Balance | Annual Miles (1/12 credited monthly) | Monthly Fee |
| Less than $2,000 | Not applicable | $4 |
| $2,000 to $2,499 | Not applicable | Waived |
| $2,500 to $4,999.99 | 2,500 | Waived |
| $5,000 to $9,999.99 | 5,000 | Waived |
| $10,000 to $24,999.99 | 15,000 | Waived |
| $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 30,000 | Waived |
| $50,000 or more | 70,000 | Waived |
Access Without Credit Impact
The card is available to eligible MileagePlus program members and does not require a credit check, so the application does not affect the user’s credit score. Funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through Sunrise Banks, N.A.
MileagePlus: A Leading Loyalty Program
MileagePlus, which is free to join, has been recognized as the world’s best airline loyalty program. Among its advantages are:
- Miles do not expire.
- No blocked dates for redemption.
- Ability to pay for tickets with miles or by combining miles and cash.
- No change fees on award tickets.
- Option to pool miles between shared accounts.
This new product reinforces United Airlines’ commitment to innovation in loyalty, offering an accessible alternative for accumulating miles without resorting to credit, and aligning with the needs of modern travelers.
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