United Airlines is fundamentally reshaping its MileagePlus loyalty program, prioritizing cardholders and significantly altering the value proposition for those without a United co-branded credit or debit card. The changes, set to take effect April 2, 2026, represent a substantial shift toward a revenue-based earning model and a clear incentive for customers to adopt United financial products.
While United frames the updates as enhancements, including new award discounts, the core impact is a tiered system where mileage accrual is directly linked to card ownership and elite status. Members without a United card will see reduced earning rates on most fares, and those flying Basic Economy will earn no miles at all unless they hold a United credit card.
The new earning structure, detailed by United, introduces a significant disparity. General members currently earn 5 miles per dollar spent. Under the new system, non-cardholders will earn only 3 miles per dollar, while cardholders will receive 6 miles per dollar. This pattern continues across all status tiers: Premier Silver (5 vs. 7 vs. 8 miles), Premier Gold (6 vs. 8 vs. 9 miles), Premier Platinum (7 vs. 9 vs. 10 miles), and Premier 1K (9 vs. 11 vs. 12 miles).
The impact of these changes is substantial. A MileagePlus member without a United card could see their mileage earnings reduced by as much as 40% on the same ticket, according to analysis of the new rates. Conversely, existing cardholders will experience increased earnings, and crucially, do not need to use their United card to make a purchase to benefit.
The changes extend to Basic Economy fares, a popular option for cost-conscious travelers. United is eliminating mileage earning on Basic Economy tickets for non-elite members who do not have a United credit card. This effectively mandates card ownership for any mileage accrual on the lowest fare class.
Alongside the earning adjustments, United is introducing automatic award discounts of at least 10% for MileagePlus members holding a United credit or debit card. For example, a business class Polaris seat currently priced at 80,000 miles will be available for as little as 72,000 miles for cardholders with General status, and 68,000 miles for those with Premier status. These discounts, previously reserved for top-tier Premier Platinum and 1K members, further devalue those status levels.
Recognizing that not all customers have access to traditional credit, United is also extending the benefits to its debit card offering. However, both the United Gateway℠ Card and the United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card require $10,000 in annual spending to unlock the enhanced earning rates and award discounts.
Industry analysts view these changes as a strategic financial maneuver, designed to drive credit card adoption and increase spending on United-branded financial products. The MileagePlus program generates significant revenue through partnerships with Chase Bank, and cardholders are demonstrably more profitable than flyers alone. This move aligns United with Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program, which similarly prioritizes cardholder benefits.
United’s decision reflects a broader trend in airline loyalty programs, where earning miles through flying is becoming less lucrative, and financial product integration is taking center stage. The program is evolving from a reward for travel to a financial product in its own right, and United is openly acknowledging that shift.
