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United Airlines has shaken up its MileagePlus rewards program in a way that benefits credit card holders and lets other travelers earn fewer miles.
The Chicago-based airline announced Thursday that travelers with United’s co-branded credit or debit cards will earn significantly more miles when they book flights starting April 2. Meanwhile, customers without a United card will have a lower accrual rate.
Under the new structure, cardholders can earn up to twice as many miles per dollar spent on United flights compared to non-cardholders.
For United’s most frequent flyers – such as top 1K members who also use a United Club card – rewards can be as high as 17 miles per dollar on eligible flights.
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A United Airlines commercial aircraft takes off from Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California on November 6, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)
Meanwhile, general members without a United credit card earn just 3 miles per dollar on most tickets.
United also said that cardless customers will no longer earn miles when purchasing basic economy tickets.
“MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s chief commercial officer, in a statement.
In addition to earning more miles, cardholders also receive other benefits.
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A traveler speaks with an agent at the United Airlines counter at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on November 25, 2025. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)
Cardholders get at least 10% off when booking flights using miles, and Premier members with a United card get at least 15% off award flights.
They will also receive expanded access to “Saver Award” seats, including spots in United’s Polaris business class.
The announcement quickly sparked discussion online.
“Wow, that sounds like a big change,” wrote one user on X. “I wonder how many people will switch just because of the mileage boost.”
“Getting 10% back on flights will be so sick,” another added.
“For 90% of people who travel, airline miles and points are a scam,” wrote a third user.
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A United Airlines Boeing 777 lands at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on January 29, 2026. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
The changes apply to United’s co-branded lineup, including the Explorer, Quest and Club cards.
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Loyalty programs have become key profit drivers for airlines, generating billions of dollars annually through partnerships with banks that issue co-branded credit cards, according to Reuters.
