United Gateway – How to Apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/10/2025

United Gateway offers Double miles on United Airlines purchases, helping travelers gain rewards.

The United Gateway Credit Card is a fantastic option for travelers who want to earn miles on their purchases without paying a high annual fee. 

Offering 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays, this card helps you earn rewards quickly for your travel-related expenses.

Whether you’re booking your next flight with United or dining out, the United Gateway Credit Card allows you to earn valuable miles that can be redeemed for travel and more.

The United Gateway Credit Card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus, which can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays. With no annual fee and access to valuable travel perks, this card is a great option for anyone who wants to earn rewards while traveling.

How does United Gateway work?

The United Gateway Credit Card works by offering 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

This straightforward rewards structure allows you to earn miles for the things you’re already buying, whether you’re booking flights, eating out, or paying for hotel accommodations.

In addition to earning miles on purchases, the United Gateway Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus after meeting the spending requirement. This bonus can be redeemed for flights or other travel rewards, helping you accumulate miles faster.

As a cardholder, you also receive priority boarding on United Airlines flights, which can make your travel experience more comfortable.

Main benefits for the United Gateway

• No annual fee, making it an accessible choice for those who want travel rewards.
• Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending 1,000 dollars in the first three months.
• Additional 5,000 bonus miles when adding an authorized user within the first 90 days.
• Double miles on United Airlines purchases, helping frequent travelers accumulate rewards faster.
• Double miles on gas stations and public transit, increasing mileage earnings on everyday expenses.
• Trip protection benefits, offering coverage for flight delays and other travel inconveniences.
• No foreign transaction fees, making it a good card for international travel.
• Discounts on in-flight purchases, providing extra savings for travelers.

Cons for the United Gateway

While the United Gateway Credit Card offers great rewards for United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, there are some drawbacks to consider.

One of the main cons is that the card doesn’t offer more premium travel benefits, such as free checked bags or airport lounge access, which are offered by higher-tier United cards.

Additionally, the card charges foreign transaction fees, which makes it less suitable for international travelers. If you travel abroad frequently, you may want to consider a card that does not charge these fees.

Finally, while the card earns 2 miles per dollar on specific categories, it only earns 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases, which is lower than some other rewards cards.

APR and Fees

The United Gateway Credit Card has a variable APR that ranges from 15.99% to 22.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.

This means that if you carry a balance, you could face significant interest charges, so it’s important to pay off your balance each month to avoid high APR rates.

The card has no annual fee, which makes it an affordable option for earning rewards. However, it does charge foreign transaction fees, which is something to keep in mind if you travel internationally.

The card also charges a late payment fee of up to $40, so it’s important to stay on top of your payments to avoid additional charges.

How to Apply for the United Gateway Credit Card

Applying for the United Gateway Credit Card is simple and can be done online. You will need to provide personal and financial information, including your income and employment status. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card and can start earning miles immediately.

When applying, make sure to meet the minimum spending requirement to receive the sign-up bonus. After that, you can start earning 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

It’s important to use the card responsibly and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Once you’ve earned enough miles, you can redeem them for flights, hotel stays, or even car rentals, making this card a great tool for frequent travelers.

Maximizing the United Gateway Card Benefits

To get the most value from the United Gateway Card, cardholders should focus on using the card for purchases that maximize mileage accumulation. Since it offers double miles on United Airlines transactions, gas stations, and transit expenses.

Additionally, keeping track of spending to meet the welcome bonus requirement is essential. Since 30,000 bonus miles are available after spending 1,000 dollars in the first 90 days, planning major purchases in this timeframe can accelerate rewards.

For those who travel frequently, redeeming miles efficiently is crucial. Booking flights well in advance and taking advantage of partner airlines can help maximize the value of accumulated miles.

Another strategy is combining this card with another rewards card that provides higher earnings on categories like dining or groceries. This approach ensures that cardholders are always maximizing their rewards on all types of spending.

Final Considerations

The United Gateway Card is an excellent choice for travelers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee. Its ability to accumulate miles on everyday purchases, combined with travel benefits, makes it a solid option for those who fly with United Airlines.

However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for general cashback rewards or broader travel perks. Since it lacks features like free checked baggage or priority boarding, frequent United travelers may find better value in premium travel cards.

For those looking for a no-fee travel rewards card with strong earning potential, the United Gateway Card is a great option. With proper use and strategic spending, it offers valuable rewards and savings for both occasional and frequent travelers.