United Airlines Introduces MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card Offering New Ways to Earn Miles Through Everyday Spending and Saving

Published on November 4, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled an all-new MileagePlus® Debit Rewards Card, a financial product designed to reward travelers every time they spend or save. The new card brings together the ease of debit payments and the powerful benefits of United’s MileagePlus loyalty program, offering members a seamless way to accumulate miles across a wide range of purchases.

Built on SoFi’s Galileo technology platform, the Visa-backed card goes beyond standard debit functions by allowing users to earn United MileagePlus miles not only from travel-related purchases but also from everyday spending categories such as dining, retail, and groceries. The innovative debit product aims to redefine how travelers engage with their loyalty programs, turning routine transactions into opportunities for travel rewards.

Launch Offer Rewards New Cardholders

To celebrate the launch, United is offering an exclusive limited-time bonus: new cardmembers can earn 10,000 bonus miles after account approval and completing qualifying purchases within the first four months. This promotional incentive gives travelers a quick boost toward their next trip, whether they’re planning a cross-country getaway or an international adventure.

Reward Structure Encourages Everyday Use

The MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card offers a unique earning model that caters to both frequent flyers and casual spenders. Cardholders earn:

• 1 mile for every $1 spent on United purchases, including flights, baggage, and onboard services
• 1 mile for every $2 spent on other eligible purchases, such as dining, shopping, or groceries
• An annual 2,500-mile bonus for cardholders who spend at least $10,000 per calendar year

This combination of everyday earning potential and bonus opportunities makes it one of the most travel-oriented debit cards in the market.

Savings That Earn Miles

Unlike traditional debit cards that simply manage cash flow, the MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card also rewards savers. Members can earn additional miles annually based on their average daily balance, creating a system where maintaining higher balances leads to greater rewards.
The structure is as follows:

This innovative balance-based reward system positions the card as both a spending tool and a travel investment option. The monthly maintenance fee is automatically waived for accounts maintaining a daily balance of at least $2,000, adding to the program’s overall value.

Additional Features for Cardmembers

The new card offers several user-friendly controls and benefits that enhance security and flexibility:

• Ability to lock and unlock the card instantly for safety
• Spending limits that can be customized to suit individual preferences
• A built-in system to track earned miles and monitor rewards in real time

These digital management tools ensure that members remain in control of their finances while earning travel rewards effortlessly.

MileagePlus Loyalty Program Integration

The MileagePlus program remains at the core of United’s customer loyalty initiatives, offering free membership, miles that never expire, no blackout dates, and the flexibility to pay with miles or a mix of miles and cash. Additional benefits such as no change fees on award tickets and miles pooling further enhance the program’s value, allowing members to combine miles with friends or family toward shared travel goals.

Expanding Accessibility and Innovation

Unlike traditional credit-based reward cards, the MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card does not require a credit check, ensuring that applying does not impact the applicant’s credit score. This accessibility broadens the program’s reach, inviting more United customers to participate in the loyalty ecosystem without the barriers typically associated with credit products.

United’s decision to introduce this hybrid debit-rewards product highlights its broader commitment to innovation in customer loyalty. By leveraging Galileo Financial Technologies and partnering with Sunrise Banks, N.A., United ensures secure, FDIC-insured accounts backed by Visa’s trusted payment infrastructure.

A New Era of Earning for Travelers

The United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card marks a forward-thinking approach to travel rewards, giving passengers a practical way to build their mileage balance through both spending and saving. With powerful incentives, no credit requirement, and integration into one of the world’s most recognized airline loyalty programs, United continues to expand its reputation as a leader in traveler benefits and financial flexibility.