United and Chase Introduce Enhanced Credit Card Welcome Offers

Elevated Welcome Bonuses Across United Card Portfolio

United Airlines, in collaboration with Chase, has introduced enhanced welcome bonus offers across its full range of six co-branded credit cards. As of early November 2026, these time-limited promotions provide travellers with increased opportunities to accumulate MileagePlus miles and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).

Notably, the entry-level and mid-tier personal cards are currently featuring their highest-ever welcome bonuses, making this a particularly opportune period for prospective applicants. The offers span cards tailored for various travel preferences, from those seeking basic rewards to frequent flyers desiring premium benefits.

Record-High Offers for Personal Cardholders

Among the current promotions, the United Explorer Card and United Gateway Card stand out with their most substantial welcome bonuses seen to date.

New United Explorer Card members can earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: 70,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus an additional 10,000 miles for adding an authorised user in the same period. This offer holds a value of up to $960, based on The Points Guy's November 2026 valuations.

The United Gateway Card, which carries no annual fee, provides up to 50,000 bonus miles: 40,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months, and 10,000 miles for an authorised user within the same timeframe. This bonus is valued at up to $600.

Benefits for Business and Premium Travellers

High-tier and business travellers also benefit from considerable offers. The United Club Card provides up to 100,000 bonus miles: 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months, and 10,000 miles for an authorised user. This bonus is valued at up to $1,200, according to The Points Guy.

Similarly, the United Business Card and United Club Business Card both offer up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs under similar spending conditions. The United Quest Card extends up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs, including 500 PQPs after the first purchase and 80,000 miles after spending $4,000 in three months.

Annual fees for these cards range from $150 for the United Business Card to $695 for the United Club Card and United Club Business Card.

Implications for Global and Asian Travellers

These elevated welcome offers from United and Chase provide a compelling incentive for global travellers to accrue significant rewards for future flights. For those who frequently fly United or utilise its extensive network, including routes connecting to major Asian hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore, these bonuses can substantially reduce the cost of future travel.

While these specific credit cards are issued for the United States market, the trend of enhanced co-branded card benefits could influence similar strategies by Asian airlines and financial institutions.

Travellers in Asia who are eligible for US-issued credit products, such as expatriates or those with established US credit histories, may consider these offers to maximise their travel points accumulation for trips within Asia or globally.