Chase has refreshed the welcome bonuses across all six United MileagePlus credit cards, and two of the personal cards are now at the highest offers TPG has ever recorded. If a United-backed trip is on your horizon, this is one of those limited windows worth paying attention to.
The headline news is at the entry level. The no-fee United Gateway Card is offering up to 50,000 bonus miles: 40,000 after spending $1,000 in the first three months, plus another 10,000 for adding an authorized user. Meanwhile, the United Explorer Card (no annual fee the first year, then $150) matches its record high of up to 80,000 miles — 70,000 after $3,000 of spend, plus 10,000 for an authorized user. TPG values that package at roughly $960.
Higher tiers come with status sweeteners. The United Quest Card ($350 annual fee) pays 500 Premier Qualifying Points after your first purchase, then 80,000 bonus miles after $4,000 of spend in three months, and 10,000 more for an authorized user — up to 90,000 miles plus a meaningful head start on Premier elite status. Since Premier Silver for 2026 requires either 5,000 PQPs with 15 qualifying flights or 6,000 PQPs alone, that bonus alone covers a decent chunk of the requirement.
On the premium side, the United Club Card ($695) offers 90,000 miles after $5,000 of spend, plus 10,000 for an authorized user, and includes a full United Club membership, free checked bags, Premier Access services, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, and complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum status. Both business cards — the United Business Card ($150) and the United Club Business Card ($695) — are also offering 90,000 miles plus 2,000 PQPs after $5,000 of spend, with the cheaper Business Card notably carrying the status boost at a fraction of the fee.
Why does this matter for a regular traveller? Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to build an award balance, and United miles can stretch well beyond flights to the US — think Star Alliance redemptions across Europe, Asia and beyond. The catch is timing: these are elevated, limited-time offers, and Chase's application rules (like the 5/24 rule) mean you should check your eligibility before applying. If you fly United even a couple of times a year, the Explorer or Quest bonuses essentially fund a long-haul award ticket for everyday spending you'd do anyway. Just remember most offers require adding an authorized user within three months to unlock the full bonus, and spending thresholds range from $1,000 to $5,000 — pick the card that matches your realistic spend, not the biggest headline number.
