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The United℠ Business Card is a great value for anyone with a small business who flies with United at least a few times per year. Benefits include a first free checked bag free, priority boarding, United Club passes, access to extra award space typically only for United elites, and 5,000 bonus miles every account anniversary if you also hold a United personal card.
Let's take a closer look at this card to see if it's worth your consideration.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
- Member FDIC
- 2x on United® purchases
- 2x on local transit and commuting- including train tickets, taxicabs, mass transit, tolls and ride share services
- 2x at gas stations, restaurants and office supply stores
- 1x on all other purchases
Page Contents
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles
- United Business Card Feature Benefits
- Unlock Extra United Award Availability
- Free First Checked Bag
- 2 United Club One-Time Passes Per Year
- Priority Boarding on United
- 25% Back on Food, Beverage, and Wi-Fi Purchases
- 5,000 Bonus Miles If You Also Hold a Personal United Card
- Spend to Earn a $100 Statement Credit
- Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets
- Earn Premier Qualifying Points Toward United Elite Status
- Primary Auto Rental Insurance and Roadside Assistance
- Points Earning Potential and Category Bonuses
- Best Uses of United MileagePlus Miles
- Application Restrictions
- United Business Card Application Strategy
- Final Thoughts
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles
The United℠ Business Card is currently offering a bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. This is a solid bonus for a card that offers some great benefits and has such a reasonable annual fee.
United Business Card Feature Benefits
Unlock Extra United Award Availability
Holding the United Business Card allows you to book award tickets with your miles that otherwise wouldn’t be available unless you hold United elite status. United markets this benefit as “no blackout dates” in the marketing materials for this card.
“No blackout dates” generally means you can use miles to grab the last seat available on a flight — usually at a high mileage rate.
However, what isn’t mentioned in the marketing materials is that United cardholders also get access to additional saver-level award space typically reserved for United Premier elite status members. Eligible members will see this extra award space flagged as “special member pricing.”
Exclusively available to you as a valued MileagePlus Premier® member and/or United MileagePlus Cardmember, you are receiving a lower mileage rate than non-Premier members and non-United Cardmembers.
This extra award space can come in clutch for finding availability on hard-to-find routes — such as from Newark to Honolulu:
Free First Checked Bag
If you fly just one round-trip flight per year with a companion, this perk alone could recoup the United Business Card‘s annual fee. United now charges up to $35 each way for the first checked bag on domestic flights. That means a couple would save up to $140 per round-trip.
The catch is that you need to pay for the flight using your United Business Card. So, you'll have to forgo the additional points you can earn on other cards. In this case, we think the up to $140 in savings provided by the checked bags almost always outweigh the extra points you could earn by using another card.
2 United Club One-Time Passes Per Year
Another great perk is the two one-time United Club passes cardholders receive each account anniversary. United otherwise sells day passes for $59 each, so this perk alone can provide over $100 in value each year.
These passes used to be issued as paper vouchers that never seemed to be with you when you needed them. Fortunately, United Club passes are now digital. So, you can easily access them from your account or the mobile app as soon as they are credited.
Priority Boarding on United
The primary cardholder and any travel companions on the same reservation can board United-operated flights in Group 2 (of 5).
25% Back on Food, Beverage, and Wi-Fi Purchases
Get 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases made with your United Business Card on United- and United Express-operated flights.
5,000 Bonus Miles If You Also Hold a Personal United Card
United Business Card holders will receive 5,000 bonus miles every account anniversary year if you also hold a personal United co-brand card. The personal card must be in your name for you to receive the bonus of 5,000 miles.
Spend to Earn a $100 Statement Credit
Yet another card perk that can offset the card's annual fee is the “$100 United annual travel credit.” To earn this, make seven or more United travel-related purchases of $100 or more with your United Business Card in an account anniversary year. Once you do, you'll receive a $100 statement credit.
United travel-related purchases include seat upgrades; Economy Plus; inflight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi; baggage service charges; and other United fees. However, each purchase needs to be over $100 to qualify.
Premier Upgrades on Award Tickets
If you are traveling on an award ticket as a MileagePlus Premier member, and you also hold the United Business Card, you can take advantage of complimentary Premier upgrades on United-operated flights if there are seats available.
Earn Premier Qualifying Points Toward United Elite Status
Seeking United elite status? You can get a boost toward United elite status by spending on the United Business Card. You'll earn 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for spending $12,000 on the card in a calendar year. Spend a total of $24,000 on the card to earn a total of 1,000 PQPs.
Primary Auto Rental Insurance and Roadside Assistance
While these perks don’t typically fall under the feature benefits umbrella, the United Business Card stands out from similar business cards because it offers primary auto rental insurance when renting a vehicle for business purposes.
You can also receive roadside assistance up to the value of $50 when driving a car you own or lease (no rentals). You can only claim one service event for the same cause during any consecutive 7-day period.
Points Earning Potential and Category Bonuses
The United Business Card features a slew of bonus categories, earning 2 miles per $1 spent on United, local transit and commuting and at gas stations, office supply stores and restaurants. Plus, earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Still, the United Business Card is not a card we recommend putting a lot of spend on. The only time it really makes sense to swipe the card is when paying for United tickets to take advantage of the free first checked bag benefit.
We regularly review the best rewards cards for each spending category (Best Rewards Cards for Dining & Restaurants, Gas & Fuel, Office Supplies, and Travel Purchases). Each of the United Business Card‘s bonus categories is bested by another option on the list — even when paying for United revenue flights.
If you have a large card portfolio, the United Business Card is a card you hold for the perks and benefits. But if you're looking to keep your card strategy simple, the card's bonus categories will help you earn bonus United miles in several categories.
Best Uses of United MileagePlus Miles
One of the best aspects of the MileagePlus program is the lack of carrier-imposed surcharges on award tickets. United often charges more miles than its Star Alliance counterparts for the same itinerary. However, your out-of-pocket costs are likely to be far less.
For example, many Star Alliance programs charge as much as $250-$300 in taxes and fees on a one-way ticket. MileagePlus redemptions tend to fall in the $5.60-$50 range.
Many other frequent flyer programs have let these taxes and fees creep higher year after year. United has held its ground and become an industry standout for reasonable out-of-pocket costs. For small business owners who can generate plenty of miles through everyday spending, that feature alone makes MileagePlus a great program.
Which MileagePlus Redemptions Provide the Most Value?
Thanks to United's dynamic award pricing, domestic United awards start at just 5,000 miles each way. And there are plenty of options for travel within the U.S. on United miles.
That said, the best return for your United miles will likely be premium cabin international awards, which typically provide a much higher cent-per-mile value than domestic or economy tickets. Some of our favorite United award redemptions include:
- United Excursionist Perk: When booking a round-trip itinerary, the Excursionist Perk lets you add on a free flight. The rules can be complicated — but they are worth navigating to score a free flight.
- Lufthansa first-class to Europe from 121K: One of the most aspirational hard products flying from the U.S. You can fly transatlantic in Lufthansa first-class for 121,000 United MileagePlus and tick off a bucket-list experience in the process.
For more details about how to maximize United's frequent flyer program, check out our complete guide to United MileagePlus.
Application Restrictions
The United Business Card is a business card, so you may need to prove you have a legitimate business to apply. The card is also subject to Chase’s 5/24 policy. That means you likely won't be approved for this card if you’ve opened 5 or more consumer (personal) credit cards within the last 24 months.
As with all of Chase’s co-brand cards, if you currently hold the United Business Card, or you’ve received a signup bonus for it in the previous 24 months, you will not be eligible to receive a new cardmember bonus.
However, if you currently hold another United co-brand card, you are still eligible to receive the bonus on the United Business Card, including if you hold this card's predecessor, the United℠ Explorer Business Card, as these are considered separate products.
“This new Cardmember bonus offer is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of this business credit card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of this business credit card who received a new Cardmember bonus for this business credit card within the last 24 months.”
It’s a great card to apply for if you’re holding off on personal card applications to get back under 5/24 as applying for the United Business Card won’t add to your 5/24 count.
United Business Card Application Strategy
Where does the United Business Card fit into your overall application strategy? A lot depends on your 5/24 status.
If you are well over 5/24, it likely won’t fit into your application strategy at all. The opportunity cost of getting back under 5/24 is too high with so many great offers from other issuers.
However, the United Business Card is a top card to consider if you are just starting in your points and miles journey, you’ve recently dropped back under 5/24, or you and a partner plan your application strategy in two-player mode.
Here’s why:
- While the United Business Card is subject to 5/24, it won’t count toward your 5/24 total. That makes it ideal if you are currently at 4/24 and looking to earn a sign-up bonus without locking yourself out of getting a personal Chase card in the future.
- Affordable annual fee. When building out your rewards-card portfolio, limiting yearly fees is essential in maximizing the value of your points and miles. This is why one great aspect of the United Business Card is that your first year is free. After that, the card has an ongoing cost of just $99, which allows you to hang onto this card for the long haul without the overhead of a premium rewards card.
Final Thoughts
The current offer on the United Business Card of 50,000 miles offers plenty of value for United fans.
Cardholders can take advantage of extra award availability, free United Club passes, a first checked bag free, bonus miles, and plenty of other perks. We see this card as a long-term keeper whose benefits more than account for the annual fee.
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Are there any chase cards that are NOT subject to 5/24?
I’m not aware of any Chase cards that aren’t subject to 5/24 at this time
In a normal year, I’d be all over this. But…2020. As I’m rarely traveling now, probably not worth the time and effort.
I have just not been able to understand the rationale behind the $100 travel credit after 7 transactions of $100 or more in travel related expenses. They specifically exclude the actual airfare. Between all the other expenses, it seems like an economy plus purchase and baggage fees are the only expenses that would cross the $100 barrier. I don’t see anyone being able to spend $100 in a single transaction on wi-fi, inflight food & bev or anything else (maybe pet fees). It almost feels like this credit was designed to “NOT” be used by most people (especially someone with elite status is going to have a hard time)
Yes, this new cardmember bonus offer is not available to either: current cardmembers of this business credit card, or previous cardmembers of this business credit card who received a new Cardmember bonus for this business credit card within the last 24 months.
The checked bag fees are simply way too high, sorry.
While I don’t love flying on United, the fact that Chase keeps issuing new versions of the United cards keeps sucking me back in. Just had both personal and biz United cards last year and can already cycle them.
Considering this as United will be starting nonstop service to JNB/Africa from EWR in the spring.
I’d much rather sign up for this card and get the 75k points for free then downgrade at the end of the year than pay $1400+ for 40k points as noted in the other post on buying points
It would be really hard for me to justify being a business to Chase. Especially today when banks are hesitant to extend credit.
However, I agree that spreading your spend over several offers would likely yield a better return.
It just appears these points are getting harder to use every day
I wish they offered 100K for this card.
75K is just a little too little IMHO.
What are the requirements to apply for a United Business Card?
Chase doesn’t publish specific criteria for what qualifies. Chase can be tougher than other issuers about requiring business income, but it’s still possible to get a small business card with a fairly small business. We discuss some tips and myths vs. truth on getting a business card in this post: https://awardwallet.com/blog/how-you-can-get-a-business-credit-card/
Trying to find biz seats for travel in Feb. with ability to use Excursionist is ridiculous. Miles required have certainly increased!
Ít hard to find 100K deals and while the threshold is high I believe it is doable. Thanks for sharing!
Before jumping, you should look a little more because these pandemic days, 100k or even larger deals are around.
Hmmm. Might be time to pull the trigger on this one. Do you also earn additional miles by having this card and using the MPX app? (25% bonus)
The free leg you get on international flights with United really makes this bonus huge. I did Louisville to Naples, Venice to Oslo, and London to DC for 3 people for 180,000(60,000/person) miles last year. What a trip!
That’s really good. How much did you pay in taxes and fees?
Can you get this if you recently cancelled a Sapphire Reserve?
Yes, there shouldn’t be any reason cancelling a CSR card would impact a new United Biz card application as long as you meet the 5/24 eligibility criteria.
The Sapphire is a whole different product line so as long as you didn’t do anything to get blacklisted from Chase, absolutely.
I feel like $10,000 minimum spend is more achievable for a small business as opposed to a mile-and-points gamer who claims they have a business to get the card.
Agreed, it’s do-able, but the 3 month window for the $10k spend really puts the crunch on, unless one has a large purchase or purchases already planned.
Oh boy, $10k spend is too much, esp that a lot of avenues for MS spending are probably no good.
Good to know that only higher level elites and cardholders get access to more award tickets. I thought it was anyone with elite status.
Well, they have come up with more “exclusive” member benefits over the years 🙂
Good bonus, but a high minimum spend requirement.
…ever bigger welcome bonuses for an ever smaller pool of qualified applicants.
The Premier Upgrades on award tickets is interesting though I’m not sure how often you would get to use them as those seats are usually all filled. I also have a question about the 100 dollar United Travel credit: is is required to use the card 7 times with purchases of 100 each time (So at least 700 dollars in purchases) or is 7 uses that make at least 100 dollars total for the 100 credit to be triggered?
The credit requires 7 “United” purchases of $100 or more, so the total spending would be at least $700. For most this would be flight purchases, so you’d probably find it hard to hit exactly $100 on each one.
Would 7 x $100 gift certificates be sufficient?
That is the $100 question! The Card Benefits summary says:
If anyone has experimented with this, please share your experience.
Seven uses of at least $100, but you can shoot for two one way tickets rather than a single round trip.
I’ve looked this deal over, and it seems to be a very workable option. I find the $99 fee doable. It is not always necessary to incur a large cash expenditure to realize good point acquisition. 100k points is a good value..
$10,000 is not a large cash expenditure? Maybe compared to the recent Cap One Biz card offers, but this one is definitely not peanuts.
not sure if I qualify as a business?
@Ron Do you sell things online at any of the popular marketplace websites or apps? Do you plan to? If so, you legitimately qualify as a sole-proprietorship. Remember, your business does not have to turn a profit as you start it up or operate it. In either instance, a biz cc is a good way to keep expenses separate so you can better track your business’ profitability.
Don’t see a lot of 100,000 points offers these days, though $10,000 in spend is pretty hefty. Too bad I’ve had this card before and I’m way above 5/24. I just used up almost all my UA miles, so I’d otherwise go for it. Thanks for the heads up.
$10k in spend could easily be three signup bonuses worth way more than 100,000 miles.
Exactly. Yes, 100k miles is understandably eyeopening at first. However, the large spend should have you pause and do a little math. How many miles are you getting per $1 of spend? Here, I agree that spreading your spend over several offers would very likely yield a better return.
A couple questions:
1. If I already booked flights yesterday on the Chase Portal and also using Singapore to fly UA, will getting this card now allow me to get free bags? I see it says you need to purchase with the card but there’s nothing to pay with the portal. Singapore I did have to pay the $5.60 so I wonder if I could try to get that refunded and pay with the UA card?
2. Is there a non AF card or would I need to go personal card? I don’t know if ill want to keep an AF card.
Thanks for posting, this is interesting! Although spend is a bit steep. Is 100k miles the all time best bonus offer?
Well, very simple math – for 100 K miles I can book 4 nights in my preferred hotel in London, each worth 169 pounds
For just 99 $ fee I can get more than 800 $ in hotel stay
You can book a hotel with United miles? I’m very confused. Booking with United would give at least $1,500 in value. How is only getting $800 from a hotel a good thing?
I do not think that booking hotel nights with miles is a good strategy.
That’s a really, really poor way to use the mailes goldena.
The miles required for overseas hotel bookings updated continuously and reflect the practically real-time foreign exchange rates.
Yes, it may be a poor way to use miles, but if a poor value redemption is still profitable relative to the annual fee paid, then that’s quite the compliment to the offer.