How United’s Mileage Plus Changes Can Fast-Track Your Elite Status
The updates will reward customers who spend more on co-branded Chase credit cards with a larger boost towards elite status next year
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines
United Airlines is adjusting its loyalty program to reward big spenders with a bigger boost towards elite status next year by spending on co-branded Chase credit cards.
For the first time since the pandemic, United isn’t tweaking the requirements for elite tiers on its MileagePlus frequent flyer program. In 2024, for status valid through 2025:
- Premier Silver requires 12 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), or just 5,000 PQPs
- Premier Gold requires 24 PQFs and 8,000 PQPs, or just 10,000 PQPs
- Premier Platinum requires 36 PQFs and 12,000 PQPs, or just 15,000 PQPs
- Premier 1K requires 54 PQFs and 18,000 PQPs, or just 24,000 PQPs
United MileagePlus Chase credit card holders will now find it easier to earn the required PQPs for elite status. Instead of earning 500 PQPs for every $12,000 in qualifying purchases on the card, they’ll earn 25 PQPs for every $500 spent. That’s 20% faster and in smaller increments.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines
For example, cardmembers can earn Premier Silver by spending $80,000 a year, compared to the $96,000 required in 2023.
Additionally, PQPs earned through credit card spending will count toward all tiers, including Premier 1K.
Cardmembers can earn up to 10,000 PQPs annually with the United Club Infinite Card, 20% more than the previous cap of 8,0000 PQPs.
United is removing the cap on the number of PQPs earned across all co-branded cards, previously set at 15,000 PQPs per year.
Current elites will also get a jump start on earning. In early 2024, anyone with earned status, except those on a trial or status challenge, will see PQPs deposited into their accounts based on their elite status in 2023:
- Premier Silver members will receive 250 PQPs
- Premier Gold members will receive 500 PQPs
- Premier Platinum members will receive 750 PQPs
- Premier 1K members will receive 1,250 PQPs
Additionally, United and Chase offer welcome bonuses to people who open co-branded credit cards between now and January 24, 2024.
Customers who spend $5,000 on a new United Club Infinite Card in their first three months will see a bonus of 90,000 MileagePlus miles.
Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines
Spend $4,000 on a United Quest card in the first three months, and you’ll see a welcome bonus of 70,000 MileagePlus miles plus 500 PQPs.
The welcome bonus on the United Explorer Card is 60,000 miles, handed out to customers spending $3,000 in their first three months.
Finally, if you open a free, entry-level United Gateway Card and spend $1,000 in the first three months, you’ll be rewarded with a bonus of 30,000 miles.
