United Business Card: Overview

APR

• Intro: N/A
• Purchase: 21.74%–28.74% variable
• Balance transfer: 21.74%–28.74% variable, with a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash advance: 29.99% variable (plus a fee of either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater)
• Default: up to 29.99%

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $99)

Foreign transaction fee: 0%

The United℠ Business Card is a solid travel credit card for business owners who want modest rewards on various spending categories, no foreign transaction fees, and a decent welcome bonus. 

This card does have an annual fee of $99, so it’s not the most affordable business credit card option, but it could be worth it for some—especially those who frequently fly with United. Cardholders get 2x miles on United Airlines purchases (including tickets, inflight food, Wi-Fi, and other charges), receive their first checked bag on United flights for free, and get priority boarding, among other United-related perks. 

When redeeming your miles, your rewards will go further if you purchase United flights versus gift cards or other goods. You’ll also receive many travel-related protections. If your baggage or trip is delayed or canceled, United will reimburse you if you used the card to make the purchases.

United Business Card: Rewards

The United Business Card offers a decent rewards structure, providing cardholders with a slightly higher rewards rate on select categories: 

• 2x miles on United Airlines purchases (including tickets, inflight food, Wi-Fi, and other charges)
• 2x miles at gas stations
• 2x miles on dining and eligible delivery services
• 2x miles at office supply stores
• 2x miles on local transit (includes ride-share services, taxis, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit)
• 1x miles on all other purchases

Cardholders can receive 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months of card opening—and your United MileagePlus miles never expire.

How to redeem United MileagePlus miles

Redeem for airfare

Your MileagePlus miles (and cash) can be used to buy United flights, though redemption values vary by flight. Plus, United is a member of the Star Alliance network, so cardholders can use their miles for reward travel on all 25 member airlines.

Use for shopping

If you’re in the market for a new pair of AirPods or even a bottle of wine, you can use miles toward your purchase through the MileagePlus Merchandise Rewards website. 

Book hotel stays, cruises, and rental cars

You can use MileagePlus miles to pay for all types of travel expenses, including hotel stays, Avis and Budget rental cars, and cruises on Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean.

Upgrade your travel 

When you’re flying United, you can use your miles to improve your travel experience, whether you’re using them to purchase seat upgrades, buy inflight Wi-Fi, or pay for your TSA PreCheck® application.

Purchase gift cards

You can use your miles to purchase gift cards for retailers like JCPenney, West Elm, and Lyft, but this redemption method doesn’t have a great return on investment compared to travel rewards.

Buy experiences

You can purchase tickets to experiences such as Broadway shows, opera, and sporting events through MileagePlus Event Awards.

Donate your miles

Cardholders can donate their miles to partner charities, including Special Olympics and Make-A-Wish America, through Miles on a Mission.

Additional benefits

• Anniversary bonus (only available if you have a personal United credit card, too). On each card anniversary, cardholders will receive 5,000 bonus miles.
• First checked bag free on United. Cardholders and one travel companion (if the tickets are on the same reservation) can receive their first checked bags for free. Though checked bag prices vary by destination and ticket type, domestic economy fliers generally pay $35 for the first checked bag. If you check your bag more than twice, you save more in checked bag fees than you spend on the annual fee.
• Limited United Club access. Cardholders get two one-time passes to United Club—United’s airport lounge—each year.
• Priority boarding. Cardholders and guests can receive priority boarding if the primary cardholder uses their MileagePlus® number on the reservation.
• $100 travel credit. If cardholders make more than seven United flight travel-related purchases, each totaling more than $100, they’ll receive a $100 statement credit on their card anniversary. Travel-related purchases include seat upgrades, inflight food and drinks, baggage service charges, and more.
• 25% back on inflight United food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases. Cardholders 25% back in the form of a statement credit when paying with their United Business Card.
• Travel protections. Cardholders receive baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation insurance, and more. 
• One-year complimentary DashPass membership if you activate before 12/31/24. DashPass from DoorDash offers $0 delivery and lower service fees on eligible orders.

Is the United Business Card right for you?

The United℠ Business Card could be a good fit for small business owners who fly with United regularly and want a travel credit card that earns higher rewards on various spending categories, such as gas stations, dining, and local transit. 

Credit cards similar to the United Business Card

Consider the United℠ Explorer Card if you want similar perks and reward structures but don’t need a business card—or are okay with using a personal credit card exclusively for business expenses.  

United Business Card vs. United Explorer Card

Unlike the United Business Card, the United Explorer is a personal card. With it, you’ll receive a slightly higher welcome bonus but similar rewards, perks, and annual fees.

For example, the United Explorer card offers two United Club one-time passes per year plus the first free checked bag benefit. Cardholders get 2x miles back on select United inflight purchases, dining (and eligible delivery services), hotel stays booked directly with the hotel, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases. 

The United Explorer card also offers a more generous welcome bonus: Cardholders receive 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of card opening. The annual fees, however, are almost the same. The United Business Card’s annual fee is $99 versus $95 for the United Explorer card, and both waive the annual fee for the first year. 

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chase United Business Card worth it?

The United Business Card may be worth it if you regularly fly with United. The annual fee more than pays for itself if you check a bag three times or more, thanks to the first checked bag free perk. Additionally, you can score priority boarding, United Club passes, and discounts on United inflight food and Wi-Fi. 

What credit score do you need for a United business card?

Typically, you’ll need at least a “good” FICO score of 670 or above to qualify for the United Business Card. However, card issuers also consider other factors, such as income and credit history.

Does the United card get you into the lounge?

The United Business Card offers limited United Club access—cardholders get two one-time passes each year but not unlimited access to United’s lounges. 

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Before applying, please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits.