Frequent flyers eyeing United flights have fresh incentive to act this month. Chase has lifted welcome offers on two of its personal United cobranded cards to the highest levels recorded for those products, while also refreshing bonuses across the full lineup of six United cards. The timing aligns with peak planning season for winter and spring travel. ([1])
Record Offers on the Personal Cards
The standout changes appear on the United Explorer Card and the United Gateway Card. Both now deliver their strongest-ever sign-up bonuses when an authorized user is added within the first three months. These personal cards carry lower or waived annual fees compared with premium options, making the elevated rewards especially accessible for occasional travelers. The Explorer Card currently offers up to 80,000 bonus miles after meeting a $3,000 spending requirement in three months plus the authorized-user addition. The Gateway Card reaches up to 50,000 bonus miles after just $1,000 in spending plus the same authorized-user step. Both figures represent the best promotions seen on these cards to date.
Explorer Card Perks and Value
Beyond the headline miles, the Explorer Card provides practical travel benefits that appeal to regular United passengers. Cardholders receive a free first checked bag on their own ticket, priority boarding, and credits for hotel, car rental, or ride-hailing services when they opt in each year. The card also includes a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees. Earning rates favor United purchases at nine miles per dollar, with solid returns on dining and hotel stays booked directly. The introductory annual fee waiver for the first year keeps costs low while the bonus miles are earned. Many travelers find the combination of miles and bag-fee savings offsets the $150 fee that begins in year two.
Gateway Card Perks and Value
The no-annual-fee Gateway Card targets lighter travelers who still want United miles without ongoing costs. Its current bonus requires only modest spending, yet it unlocks up to 50,000 miles when the authorized user is added. Additional benefits include free first and second checked bags after $10,000 in annual spend, plus an inflight discount and trip cancellation coverage. Earning is straightforward at five miles per dollar on United flights and two miles per dollar on gas, transit, and other United purchases. The card serves as an easy entry point for building a MileagePlus balance without premium pricing.
Application Timing and Rules
Applicants should review Chase’s 5/24 guideline before submitting requests, as five or more new accounts in the past 24 months can affect approval odds. The current offers carry no published end date, yet limited-time promotions of this type often shift without notice. Those who meet the spending thresholds comfortably may find the combined miles and perks deliver meaningful value toward upcoming United trips or Star Alliance redemptions.
