The United Gateway Card is the newest addition to Chase’s line of United Airlines credit cards. Unlike most of its siblings, this card has no annual fee. The bonus categories are beneficial for frequent United flyers or commuters, as cardholders can get two MileagePlus miles per $1 spent on purchases at United Airlines, gas stations and local transit. All other purchases get one mile for every $1 spent. There’s no limit to the rate or how many miles you can get in a year.
MoneyGeek’s Take
United Gateway Card Review
Updated: June 14, 2024
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United Gateway Card
Rewards Rate
Earn 2 miles per dollar on United Airlines purchas...APR
21.99% - 28.99% VariableAnnual Fee
$0Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)- This rewards card is great because it lets you earn one mile per $1 across all categories. Besides, spending across different categories gives you the ability to double the miles you earn.When you use this card to pay for in-flight purchases on board a United flight, you earn 25% back, which amounts to a 25% discount.It makes sense to use this card outside of the U.S. because it does not charge international transaction fees. Complimentary travel covers provide additional safety.
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United Gateway Card Overview
Despite its simplicity, the United Gateway Card is packed with value that any type of traveler can benefit from.
>>MORE: CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS: PROGRAM GUIDE
Quick Take
- Limited-time offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles
- No annual fee
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- Member FDIC
Important Card Details
While the United Gateway Card has no annual fees, it still comes with a number of potential charges to keep in mind prior to applying.
Purchase and Balance Transfer APR
Purchases and balance transfers get a considerably high variable APR of 21.99% - 28.99%. This can change based on your creditworthiness and the market’s prime rate. Note that balance transfers also have a fee of $5 or 5% of the amount that’s transferred, whichever is greater. This means that if you transfer a balance of $1,000, you will get charged $50.
Cash Advance APR and Fees
If you plan to use the cash advance feature, anticipate an APR of 29.99%, which also varies based on the market prime rate. This is relatively high, which does not make the United Gateway an ideal card for cash advances. Additionally, a fee of $10 or 5%, whichever is greater, applies to the amount of each transaction. This means that it costs $25 to get a cash advance of $500.
Penalty Fees and APRs
For late or returned payments, an APR of 29.99% applies. This can remain in effect indefinitely but will depend on your unique circumstance. Both late payments and returned payments also have a fee of $40.
Annual Fee
There is no annual fee for the United Gateway Card.
Additional Benefits
Apart from the rewards rate and sign-up bonus, the United Gateway Card has additional features that cardholders can appreciate.
- 24/7 customer service: Chase offers 24/7 customer service through their phone line. They also accept operator relay calls for those who are deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech disability.
- Account security: To protect your account, Chase has multiple authentication checks and uses 128-bit encryption technology to keep your details secure when you’re using their site. They also monitor your account for suspicious activity and alert you in case anything is unusual.
- Contactless tap-to-pay: If there is a contactless symbol wherever you are making a purchase, you can simply tap to pay for an easy and secure checkout.
- Travel insurance: United Gateway cardholders get trip cancellation and interruption insurance, which can reimburse you up to $1,500 per person or up to $6,000 per trip. There is also secondary car rental insurance, which protects against theft or collision.
- Purchase protection:: Get 120-day coverage for new purchases against damage or theft up to $500 per claim with a $50,000 limit per account.
How the United Gateway Card Compares To Other Cards
The United Gateway Card is a beginner’s travel card. However, it does not offer the best rewards. Its lack of annual fees can be enticing, but a careful evaluation of the rewards that come with other travel cards may make their annual fees worth it. Ultimately, how the United Gateway Card weighs up against other cards depends on what you’re looking for.
In-Depth Credit Card Comparisons:
How the United Gateway Card Compares
United Gateway Card
- Regular APR: 21.99% - 28.99% variable
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards Rate: Two miles per $1 for United Airlines purchases, gas station purchases and any transit expenses such as taxis, trains or ridesharing
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
- Mini Verdict: Best for occasional travelers who spend a lot on gas or transit
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit
- Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% variable
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards Rate: Earn 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles on the first $4000 spent within three months upon account opening
- Mini Verdict: Best for earning miles on everyday purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average credit score needed to get approved for the United Gateway Card?
To qualify for the United Gateway Card, a credit score above 690 is needed.
Does the United Gateway Card report to all three credit bureaus?
Yes, Chase sends your account information to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
Is the United Gateway Card application process lengthy? Can you prequalify?
Getting rejected or approved for Chase credit cards is usually instantaneous when you apply online. However, depending on your history, you may end up having to wait eight to 15 business days. While you can no longer prequalify for Chase cards online, you can still visit their brands to see if they have any offers.
What information is needed to apply for the United Gateway Card?
To apply for Chase credit cards, you need to register for an account using their online portal. You will have to provide your personal information such as your name, birth date and Social Security Number. You will also be asked to provide your contact information, such as your phone or email address.
Does the United Gateway Card raise credit limits automatically or charge for limit increases?
Like most banks, Chase can increase your credit limit automatically if you practice good financial habits. You can also request an increase by calling the number on the back of your card. Online requests are not available at this time.
Does the United Gateway Card offer the option to freeze your credit/account or have other security features?
Chase’s security features are geared towards protecting your account from fraud. If Chase detects suspicious activity and cannot reach you, they may temporarily suspend your online activity. You can also lock or unlock your card through your online account.
Does Chase offer other credit cards besides the United Gateway Card?
Yes, Chase offers a suite of credit cards for travel, cash back or business. They currently have 24 personal cards and six business cards.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Chase. "Chase Customer Service." Accessed September 7, 2021.
- Chase. "Chase Mobile Banking." Accessed September 7, 2021.
- Chase. "Common questions about credit reporting." Accessed September 7, 2021.
- Chase. "How we protect you." Accessed September 7, 2021.
- Chase. "Pricing and Terms: United Gateway Card." Accessed September 7, 2021.
- J.D. Power. "Capital One Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction in J.D. Power National Banking Study." Accessed September 7, 2021.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.