United Gateway℠ Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 19.74%-28.24% variable
• Rewards: 4X on United, 2X on dining/gas/transit, 1X everything else
• Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Best For: Occasional United flyers who want airline miles with no annual fee and 0% intro APR
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The United Gateway Card is Chase's no-annual-fee entry into the United MileagePlus program, delivering surprisingly strong earning rates for a free card. With 4X miles on United purchases, 2X on dining, gas, and transit, and 1X on everything else, it actually outearns the pricier Explorer card in the United-specific category while covering key everyday spending.

The 20,000-mile welcome bonus after spending just $1,000 in three months is easy to hit and worth approximately $260-$300. The standout feature for a travel card is the 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, which is rare among airline co-branded cards. This makes the Gateway an excellent choice for someone who wants to earn United miles while financing a large purchase.

While the Gateway card lacks the checked bag benefit, priority boarding, and United Club passes found on the Explorer and higher-tier cards, its zero annual fee and strong earning rates make it a valuable mile-earning companion. For infrequent United flyers or those who want to pair it with a premium travel card, the Gateway earns its keep every day without costing a cent.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 19.74%-28.24% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 19.74%-28.24% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases. After that, your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

Benefits Overview

Earning Structure

• 4X miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases
• 2X miles on dining, gas stations, and transit/commuting
• 1X mile on all other purchases
• No caps on mile earning in any category

Introductory Offer

• 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
• 20,000-mile welcome bonus with low $1,000 spending requirement
• No annual fee ever
• No foreign transaction fees

United Benefits

• Miles earn toward MileagePlus Premier qualifying status
• Access to United's MileagePlus shopping portal for bonus miles
• Ability to pool miles with household members
• Auto rental collision damage waiver

Rewards & Points

• 4X miles on United Airlines purchases
• 2X miles on dining, gas stations, and transit
• 1X mile on all other purchases

United MileagePlus miles are worth approximately 1.3-1.5 cents each. Miles can be redeemed for flights on United and Star Alliance partner airlines. The 4X rate on United purchases is the highest among no-annual-fee United cards and helps accumulate miles quickly for award flights.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 20,000 bonus MileagePlus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. At average valuations, 20,000 miles are worth approximately $260-$300 and can be used toward a one-way domestic economy flight on United.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5)
• Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min $10)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Occasional United flyers who fly United a few times a year and want to earn miles at no cost
• Large purchase planners who want 0% intro APR for 12 months while earning airline miles
• Gas and transit spenders who spend frequently on fuel and commuting and want 2X miles
• No-fee card seekers who want airline miles without paying any annual fee

Not Good For

• Frequent United flyers who check bags regularly and need the free checked bag from the Explorer card
• Premium seekers who want priority boarding, lounge access, or travel credits
• High-value bonus seekers who want a larger welcome bonus worth $500 or more

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee makes it a zero-cost United mile-earning card
• 4X on United purchases is the highest United earning rate among free cards
• 2X on dining, gas, and transit covers high-frequency daily spending
• 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases is rare for an airline card
• Low $1,000 spending requirement for the welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fees for international travel
• Strong everyday earning structure for a no-fee card
• Miles are redeemable across United and Star Alliance partners
• Good companion card to pair with a premium travel card

Cons

• No free checked bag benefit like the Explorer or Quest cards
• No priority boarding on United flights
• 20,000-mile welcome bonus is modest compared to higher-tier options
• No United Club passes or lounge access
• No travel insurance or trip delay protection
• 1X base rate on non-bonus spending is low
• No expanded award seat availability

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $773 including the welcome bonus (valued at $280 at 1.4 cents per mile). Ongoing annual value is approximately $493 with no fee.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You fly United occasionally and want a free way to earn MileagePlus miles
• You want a 0% intro APR on purchases while earning airline miles
• You spend regularly on dining, gas, and transit and want 2X earning
• You want a no-fee companion card to pair with a premium travel card
• You do not check bags and do not need the Explorer card's bag benefit
• You want to start accumulating United miles with a low spending requirement

You Should Skip It If...

• You fly United frequently and need the free checked bag benefit
• You want priority boarding and expanded award availability
• You are looking for a large welcome bonus worth $500 or more
• You want United Club lounge access with your card
• You prefer a flat-rate cash back card over airline miles

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.