Who Is the United Gateway℠ Card For?

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Occasional United Airlines Flyers

The United Gateway℠ Card is ideal for travelers who fly United occasionally but not frequently enough to justify a premium card with an annual fee. It allows you to accumulate MileagePlus miles through everyday spending without the ongoing cost of a higher-tier card.

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Credit Card Beginners

As an entry-level travel rewards card, the United Gateway℠ Card is well-suited for those new to travel rewards. The card's straightforward earning structure, manageable welcome bonus, and no annual fee make it accessible for beginners building their credit journey.

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Budget-Conscious Travelers

If you're looking to earn travel rewards without annual fees, this card offers solid value. The combination of no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees makes it particularly appealing for international travelers on a budget.

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Existing Chase Customers

The United Gateway℠ Card integrates with the Chase security center and other Chase products, making it convenient for current Chase customers. You can manage your account alongside other Chase cards and utilize features like Chase Pay Over Time for flexibility with larger purchases.

Comparing the United Gateway℠ Card With Other Credit Cards

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When considering the United Gateway℠ Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:

• Annual fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
• Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
• Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel^SM

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:

• Annual fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
• Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners

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American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:

• Annual fee: $325
• Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
• Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
• Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.

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Key Takeaways:

• United Gateway℠ Card excels in offering everyday earning opportunities with bonus mileage on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
• Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
• American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards

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Consider Using Kudos to Maximize Your Rewards

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While the United Gateway℠ Card offers solid value for United Airlines flyers, savvy cardholders can enhance their rewards strategy by pairing it with Kudos, a free AI-powered smart wallet. Kudos automatically recommends the best credit card to use for each purchase, ensuring you maximize rewards across all your cards.

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For example, when shopping online, Kudos can instantly identify whether your United Gateway℠ Card or another card in your wallet will earn the most rewards for that specific purchase. This intelligent recommendation engine helps you earn more MileagePlus miles when it makes sense, and other rewards when different cards offer better value.

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Kudos works with over 15,000 stores and can even multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events. By integrating Kudos with your United Gateway℠ Card strategy, you'll ensure you're always using the right card at the right time without having to manually track bonus categories or special promotions.

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If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.

Our Expert Takeaway

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The United Gateway℠ Card delivers solid value for occasional United flyers who want to earn MileagePlus miles without paying an annual fee. While it lacks the premium benefits of higher-tier United cards, its combination of a welcome bonus, everyday earning opportunities, and basic travel protections makes it a worthy consideration for budget-conscious travelers.

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The card's standout features include the absence of foreign transaction fees, which saves money on international purchases, and the 0% intro APR offer for the first 12 months, providing flexibility for larger purchases. The auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption coverage add meaningful travel protections that enhance the card's overall value.

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For those just starting their relationship with United Airlines or building their credit journey, the Gateway Card offers an accessible entry point to the MileagePlus program without a significant financial commitment. As your travel needs evolve, you can potentially upgrade to a higher-tier United card or add complementary cards to your wallet for a more comprehensive rewards strategy.

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Ultimately, the United Gateway℠ Card succeeds at what it aims to be — a no-annual-fee option for earning United miles with basic travel benefits. When paired with tools like Kudos to optimize your overall credit card strategy, it can play a valuable role in your broader approach to travel rewards.

United Gateway℠ Card FAQ

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How do I qualify for the 20,000 mile sign-up bonus?

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To earn the 20,000 mile sign-up bonus, you must make eligible purchases totaling the minimum spending requirement (typically $1,000) within the first 3 months from account opening. Balance transfers, cash advances, and annual fees don't count toward this requirement.

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Can I add an authorized user to my United Gateway℠ Card?

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Yes, you can add an authorized user to your United Gateway℠ Card at no additional cost. Authorized users can make purchases that earn MileagePlus miles, which are added to the primary cardholder's account.

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Are there any foreign transaction fees with this card?

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No, the United Gateway℠ Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel. This can save you the typical 3% fee that many other cards charge on purchases made outside the United States.

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How does the auto rental collision damage waiver work?

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The auto rental coverage provides reimbursement for damage due to collision or theft when you decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your United Gateway℠ Card. This coverage is secondary in the U.S. (meaning it applies after your personal auto insurance) but primary in most countries outside the U.S.

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What purchase protections are included with the card?

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The United Gateway℠ Card includes purchase protection that covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days (up to $500 per claim) and extended warranty protection that adds one additional year to eligible U.S. manufacturers' warranties of three years or less.

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Can I use a digital wallet with my United Gateway℠ Card?

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Yes, the United Gateway℠ Card is compatible with major digital wallet services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, allowing for secure contactless payments at compatible terminals.

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How do I access the Chase security center for my card?

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You can access the Chase security center through your online account at chase.com or via the Chase mobile app. The security center allows you to monitor account activity, set up fraud alerts, and report unauthorized transactions.

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What types of emergency services are available with this card?

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As a Visa Signature card, the United Gateway℠ Card provides access to emergency services including emergency card replacement, emergency cash disbursement, and travel and emergency assistance services which can help arrange medical assistance or legal referrals when traveling.

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Can I transfer my MileagePlus miles to other loyalty programs?

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MileagePlus miles earned with the United Gateway℠ Card cannot be transferred to other airline or hotel loyalty programs. However, they can be used for award travel on United and its Star Alliance partners, as well as for upgrades, merchandise, gift cards, and experiences through the MileagePlus program.

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Is there a way to refer friends to apply for the card?

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Yes, Chase offers a "refer friends" program where you can earn bonus miles for successfully referring friends who are approved for the United Gateway℠ Card. Referral offers are subject to change and may not always be available.