{"id":147139,"date":"2025-04-28T12:02:09","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T12:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=147139"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:14:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:14:39","slug":"premier-gold-status","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/premier-gold-status\/","title":{"rendered":"United Gold Status: Free Checked Bags, Upgrades, Lounge Access, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>United Gold status is where elite status with United Airlines starts to feel rewarding. From free checked bags and Economy Plus seating to Star Alliance Gold perks like lounge access, United Gold unlocks real value \u2014 especially for international travelers.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, we'll break down how to earn United Gold status, what benefits you\u2019ll enjoy once you have it, and whether it\u2019s worth aiming for based on your travel habits.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#How_To_Get_United_Gold_Status\">How To Get United Gold Status<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Fly_United_and_its_Star_Alliance_partners\">Fly United and its Star Alliance partners<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Spend_on_a_United_credit_card\">Spend on a United credit card<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Gold_Status_Benefits\">United Gold Status Benefits<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Earn_bonus_miles_on_flights\">Earn bonus miles on flights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Free_access_to_Economy_Plus_or_preferred_seats\">Free access to Economy Plus or preferred seats<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Complimentary_Premier_upgrades\">Complimentary Premier upgrades<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Free_checked_bags\">Free checked bags<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Priority_check-in_screening_and_early_boarding\">Priority check-in, screening, and early boarding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Complimentary_flight_changes\">Complimentary flight changes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Better_award_availability\">Better award availability<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Premier_priority_desk\">Premier priority desk<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Star_Alliance_Gold_status\">Star Alliance Gold status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Discounted_CLEAR_membership\">Discounted CLEAR membership<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Marriott_Bonvoy_Gold_Elite_status\">Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Avis_elite_status\">Avis elite status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_benefits\">Other benefits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Lifetime_Gold_Status\">United Lifetime Gold Status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Is_It_Worth_Earning_United_Gold_Status\">Is It Worth Earning United Gold Status?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Should_you_earn_United_Gold_status_or_get_a_co-branded_card\">Should you earn United Gold status or get a co-branded card?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"How_To_Get_United_Gold_Status\">How To Get United Gold Status<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Travelers have three ways to earn <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United MileagePlus<\/a> Premier Gold status: flying United and its Star Alliance partners, spending on a co-branded credit card, or a combination of the two.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Fly_United_and_its_Star_Alliance_partners\">Fly United and its Star Alliance partners<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Flying is the traditional, most straightforward way to achieve United's elite status. You can reach Premier Gold by earning 12,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) or by earning 10,000 PQPs and taking 30 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs). Either way, you'll need to fly at least four segments on United-operated flights.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136482\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136482 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view.jpeg\" alt=\"Looking up a United economy cabin, showing the backs of the seats. Imagine yourself here with United Gold status\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view-768x614.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-seatbacks-view-325x260.jpeg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>On United-issued tickets, you'll earn 1 PQP for every U.S. dollar spent on base fares and carrier-imposed surcharges.<\/p>\n<p>Partner-issued tickets earn PQPs differently. Earnings vary by partner and class of service and generally depend on the distance you fly rather than the price of the ticket. Keep in mind that some United partners do not earn Premier-qualifying credits, so be sure to check before booking.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, a handful of other United charges also net PQP, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economy Plus<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> seating or Economy Plus subscriptions<\/li>\n<li>Preferred seat purchases<\/li>\n<li>Paid upgrades on flights operated by United and United Express<\/li>\n<li>MileagePlus Upgrade Award co-pays<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/earn-elite-status-award-travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Award flights operated by United and United Express<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Premier Qualifying Flights are easier to digest. You'll earn one PQF for each flight segment you take on United (on award and cash fares) in all cabins except basic economy. On most partner flights, you will also earn 1 PQF per segment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/how-to-earn-premier-qualifying-points-pqp\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Strategies for Earning United Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) by Flying<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Spend_on_a_United_credit_card\">Spend on a United credit card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can also earn PQP with a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United credit card<\/a>. Here's a look at what you can earn by using your card for everyday purchases:<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1049\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1049 tablepress-responsive\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Card Name<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">PQP Earning Rate<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">PQPs Earning Cap<br \/>\n(per calendar year)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=2163d8f49228134b1c73f6a352fdeed1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1 PQP per $20 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a data-ccid=\"4048193\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedBusinessCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United\u2120 Business Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048193\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005111&type=3&u1=f31fa912ff44644d2b5392c978e3f292&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1 PQP per $20 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">4,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedQuestCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=ef9363fb314a6cd2d673d1cf64fa62b7&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1 PQP per $20 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">18,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a data-ccid=\"4\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedMileagePlusClubBusinessCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Club\u2120 Business Card<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1 PQP per $15 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">28,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedClubInfinite\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005115&type=3&u1=22e0b342600f2b604e884badfd44b3cb&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1 PQP per $15 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">28,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>United\u2120 Explorer Business Card<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">25 PQPs per $500 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>United MileagePlus<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Awards Card<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">25 PQPs per $500 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>United MileagePlus<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Select Card<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">25 PQPs per $500 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>United\u2120 Presidential Plus\u2120 Card<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">25 PQPs per $500 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">10,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong><b>United\u2120 Presidential Plus\u2120 Business Card<\/b><\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">25 PQPs per $500 spent<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">10,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-card-pqp\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Our Guide to Earning PQP with a United Credit Card<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Gold_Status_Benefits\">United Gold Status Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Premier Gold is where some of the best benefits of United and its Star Alliance partners start to shine \u2014 especially on international itineraries. Here's a look at the benefits United Gold status holders can enjoy.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Earn_bonus_miles_on_flights\">Earn bonus miles on flights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United Gold members earn a 60% Premier mileage bonus, which translates to earning 8X miles per dollar spent on United flights. On select partner flights, you'll earn 50% more redeemable award miles. And it should go without saying, but more award miles means more award flights.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Free_access_to_Economy_Plus_or_preferred_seats\">Free access to Economy Plus or preferred seats<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the best United Gold benefits is access to Economy Plus seating, free of charge, at the time of booking for yourself and one companion. Additionally, a maximum of eight companions on your reservation can select a preferred, non-Economy Plus seat at the time of booking.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206368\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/233\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-206368 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/economy-plus-united.png\" alt=\"United gold benefits include economy plus on United Flights\" width=\"600\" height=\"233\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/economy-plus-united.png 600w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/economy-plus-united-300x117.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Complimentary_Premier_upgrades\">Complimentary Premier upgrades<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Receive unlimited complimentary upgrades for yourself and one companion on select routes, beginning as early as 48 hours before departure. Currently, the following routes are eligible for upgrades, provided your original ticket is not booked in Basic Economy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Within the mainland U.S., except between New York\/Newark and Los Angeles, and San Francisco<\/li>\n<li>Between the mainland U.S. and Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador<\/li>\n<li>Between Hawaii and Los Angeles\/San Francisco<\/li>\n<li>Between Guam and Asia, Japan, and Micronesia<\/li>\n<li>Between Japan and the Philippines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you're booked in Y or B fare classes, you are also eligible for instant upgrades to United's premium cabins on economy tickets. Gold members who are also United co-branded cardholders can use premier upgrades on select award flights.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Free_checked_bags\">Free checked bags<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United Gold status allows you to check two bags (up to 70 pounds each) for free in economy\u2014or three if you're flying in a premium cabin. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-baggage-fees\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United bag fees<\/a> can add up if you're traveling with a group, so make sure everyone is booked on the same reservation.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Priority_check-in_screening_and_early_boarding\">Priority check-in, screening, and early boarding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Breeze through the airport with Premier perks like a dedicated check-in counter and expedited security. You'll also enjoy priority boarding in Group 1.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Complimentary_flight_changes\">Complimentary flight changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can change your flight for free within 24 hours of departure, as long as it\u2019s in the same fare class.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Better_award_availability\">Better award availability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United routinely makes more award space available to its Premier status holders on many flights, including those that are sold out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-card-award-space\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Find Extra Award Space on United Flights<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Premier_priority_desk\">Premier priority desk<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United Gold status offers access to a dedicated MileagePlus support line with a phone number just for you.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Star_Alliance_Gold_status\">Star Alliance Gold status<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the more noteworthy perks that Premier Gold members enjoy is reciprocal benefits on <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/airline-alliances-and-partnerships\/#Star_Alliance\" rel=\"noopener\">Star Alliance partner airlines<\/a>. Perks extended to United Gold include priority check-in, boarding, and security, plus complimentary standby, preferred seating, and free checked bags. Star Alliance Gold members also score access to business-class and frequent-flyer lounges on international flights.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_137003\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-137003 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub.jpg\" alt=\"2 people talk at the bar in the United Club lounge at San Francisco (SFO)\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Updated-UA-SFOClub-325x260.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>As a Premier Gold, you can access United Clubs on international itineraries, such as the United Club in San Francisco (SFO). Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Discounted_CLEAR_membership\">Discounted CLEAR membership<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United elites can subscribe to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/clear-plus-membership\/\" rel=\"noopener\">CLEAR Plus<\/a> for $159 per year (except for Premier 1K members, who can get a membership for $129).<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Marriott_Bonvoy_Gold_Elite_status\">Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Take advantage of a complimentary match to Gold Elite <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/elite-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott Bonvoy status<\/a> to enjoy bonus points on stays, space-available room upgrades, late checkout, and more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/marriott-united-rewardsplus-partnership\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn How to Get Perks From Both Programs With a\u00a0Marriott United Status Match<\/a><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Avis_elite_status\">Avis elite status<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Enroll in complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status, which offers bonus points on rental car reservations and expedited service.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Other_benefits\">Other benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As a Premier Gold, you can also enjoy extra benefits when booking a VIP Access property with <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hotels.united.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Hotels<\/a> and pick up extra amenities on cruise reservations made through <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cruises.united.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Cruises<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Lifetime_Gold_Status\">United Lifetime Gold Status<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>United Gold is yours to keep forever after accruing 1 million miles flown on eligible paid flights operated by United or United Express. You won't earn miles towards <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-million-miler\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Million Miler<\/a> status on flights operated by partner airlines.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Is_It_Worth_Earning_United_Gold_Status\">Is It Worth Earning United Gold Status?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you frequently find yourself on a United Airlines flight, Premier Gold is an easy way to make your travels more rewarding, cost-effective, and comfortable. With <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/united-mileageplus\/united-card-portfolio-overhaul\/\" rel=\"noopener\">recent changes to United's co-branded credit cards<\/a>, you can now earn more PQPs with credit card spend, making United Gold an easier achievement for many United loyalists.<\/p>\n<p>However, the main draw to United Gold isn't the complimentary upgrades. Sure, upgrades are nice if you can get them. Flying up front is far preferable to flying in economy. But United Gold is the carrier's fourth-best status level, behind Global Services, Premier 1K, and Premier Platinum. So, the chances you'll find yourself lower on virtually every upgrade list are pretty high.<\/p>\n<p>If you're seeking upgrades, you'll need to set your sights higher.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_206372\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/254\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-206372 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/United-outside-of-airport.png\" alt=\"A photo of a woman on her phone outside of a United sign at an airport\" width=\"600\" height=\"254\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/United-outside-of-airport.png 600w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/United-outside-of-airport-300x127.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Some of the best perks of Gold status, however, are the ones that tend to fly under the radar. Free access to Economy Plus means you can snag a seat with more legroom, closer to the front of the plane, without paying extra. Free checked bags can save you serious money, especially on round-trip flights, where United normally charges $35\u2013$40 each way.<\/p>\n<p>Star Alliance Gold status adds even more value, from priority check-in to extra baggage allowance. And let\u2019s be honest: Lounge access on international trips is always a win, along with a handful of other handy perks that make travel a little smoother.<\/p>\n<p>And don't forget about the bonus award miles you'll earn just by flying. More miles earned means more award trips taken. And you'll find many high-value ways to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/best-way-to-use-united-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">redeem United miles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, pursuing United Gold isn't for everyone. It's not worth the investment in United if you don't fly enough, or internationally enough, to enjoy the benefits. There's something to be said about picking up Premier Gold organically. However, before committing yourself to earning PQPs, you'll want to weigh the benefits you like and their worth to you.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Should_you_earn_United_Gold_status_or_get_a_co-branded_card\">Should you earn United Gold status or get a co-branded card?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For some, carrying a low-annual-fee United credit card could replace status. Some cards like the <a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=_blank rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Explorer Card<\/a> offer free checked bags, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-card-award-space\/\" rel=\"noopener\">expanded United award availability<\/a>, and more. Even better, the annual fee for some of these cards is a fraction of the cost you'll spend to achieve Premier Gold.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048117\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/ff6d0beb-04a7-4cc5-9bf4-50bc3f5e5883.png\" alt=\"United\u2120 Explorer Card\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United\u2120 Explorer Card' data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=2163d8f49228134b1c73f6a352fdeed1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The United\u2120 Explorer Card is Chase's mid-tier United card, providing an excellent mix of functional benefits and value. Notable perks include a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, or NEXUS fees\u200b\u200b, priority boarding\u200b\u200b, and a free first checked bag for the cardmember and a traveling companion on the same reservation, offering up to $160 in savings\u200b\u200b. Additionally, cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights\u200b\u200b, and two one-time United Club\u2120 passes annually\u200b\u200b.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles<\/li><li>$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150<\/li><li>NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United&#xAE; purchases.<\/li><li>2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.<\/li><li>Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United&#xAE; flights.<\/li><li>2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value<\/li><li>Over $500 in partner credits each year<\/li><li>NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>*<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*9X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/UnitedExplorer\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-2415d7705b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you're a United loyalist, it's worth looking at Premier Gold. While it's not United Airlines' most valuable status, the tier still offers competitive benefits that will make your next journey more rewarding and cost-effective. That said, before you start chasing it, think about the benefits you value and look at other, cheaper ways to get them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>United Airlines Premier Gold status is where the perks of having United status really start to show. From bonus miles and complimentary upgrades to Star Alliance Gold benefits and more, there&#8217;s a lot to love about Premier Gold. From earning it for the first time to keeping it for a lifetime, here&#8217;s all you need to know about United Gold status and its many benefits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":142516,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12068],"tags":[12622,12772],"coauthors":[36432,36466],"class_list":["post-147139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-award-programs","tag-elite-status","tag-united-mileageplus"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=147139"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":256948,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147139\/revisions\/256948"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=147139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=147139"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=147139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}