United Airlines is rolling out one of the most significant changes to its loyalty strategy in years — and not everyone will benefit equally. United Airlines is scaling back perks for MileagePlus members who don’t carry its co-branded credit card as part of a loyalty program revamp, signaling a sharper focus on rewarding customers who deepen their relationship with the airline through its financial products.
Starting soon, travelers without a United credit card will find themselves earning fewer miles compared with those who do carry one. The move underscores a broader shift in the airline industry: loyalty isn’t just about flying frequently anymore — it’s about spending more and engaging with the brand across multiple channels.
A Major Shake-Up to MileagePlus
MileagePlus hasn’t seen a transformation of this scale in over a decade. The last big overhaul shifted the program from rewarding miles flown to rewarding dollars spent. Now, United is doubling down on that philosophy.
According to United executives, the airline has spent roughly 18 months designing the update, with the goal of delivering stronger incentives to its most engaged and highest-spending customers.
The biggest takeaway? Cardholders win — and non-cardholders earn less than they do today.
Why Credit Cards Matter More Than Ever
The competitive landscape for premium travel credit cards has exploded over the last decade. Today’s travelers can choose from products like:
American Express Platinum
Capital One Venture X
Chase Sapphire Reserve
To stand out in this crowded market, United is making its co-branded cards more compelling. The airline’s strategy is simple: make the United card the “top-of-wallet” choice for customers who frequently fly with the carrier.
The message is clear — if you regularly travel with United and dream of redeeming miles for trips to destinations like Tahiti or Rome, holding the airline’s credit card will now offer a meaningful advantage.
What’s Changing on April 2?
The new structure officially takes effect April 2, and the differences between cardholders and non-cardholders will be easy to see.
United plans to display discounted award pricing directly on its website so travelers can clearly compare how much they could save with a co-branded card.
Here’s how the earning rates will shift:
For Travelers Without a United Credit Card:
Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on tickets (down from 5 miles today).
No mileage earnings for basic economy fares.
Higher award redemption rates compared with cardholders.
For United Credit Cardholders:
Earn 6 miles per dollar on tickets — and potentially more if the ticket is purchased with the card.
Access to discounted award flights (at least 10% lower than non-cardholders).
Special inventory of discounted award seats, including premium cabins.
Enhanced earning potential when combining elite status and card usage.
Additionally, United debit cardholders who spend $10,000 annually will also see boosted mileage earnings.
Discounted Redemptions for Cardholders
One of the most impactful changes is in how miles are redeemed.
Cardholders will enjoy a minimum 10% discount when booking award tickets. For example:
An economy award previously priced at 15,000 miles could drop to 13,500 miles for eligible cardholders.
Premium cabins, including United’s long-haul Polaris business class seats, will have discounted inventory reserved specifically for cardholders.
This includes access to lower-tier “Saver Award” seats that were once primarily reserved for top-level elite members.
Elite Status Gets Even Better
United’s elite members, known as Premier status holders, will see additional advantages — especially if they also carry a United card.
Elites with a co-branded card can receive at least 15% off mileage tickets. In some cases:
A long-haul Polaris seat priced at 200,000 miles could drop to 170,000 miles for elite cardholders.
MileagePlus 1K members using their United Club credit card could earn up to 17 miles per dollar spent.
This stacking of benefits reinforces United’s strategy: reward the airline’s most loyal and highest-value customers at every touchpoint.
Basic Economy: A Tougher Road for Non-Cardholders
For travelers purchasing basic economy tickets, the changes are even more restrictive.
Customers without a United credit card will no longer earn miles on basic economy fares. Elite members remain exempt from this rule, but casual flyers will feel the impact.
This mirrors moves by competitors such as:
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Both carriers previously eliminated mileage earning for their lowest fare categories, further emphasizing revenue over distance flown.
What About Business Travelers?
Corporate travelers often book flights using company-issued credit cards, which can complicate personal rewards earning. However, United says individuals who personally hold a United credit or debit card will still receive enhanced earning rates — even if the ticket itself is purchased with a corporate card.
This approach ensures that frequent business travelers still have an incentive to sign up for the airline’s financial products.
The Bigger Industry Trend
United’s update reflects a broader transformation across the airline industry. Loyalty programs have evolved into billion-dollar businesses driven largely by credit card partnerships rather than airfare alone.
By prioritizing cardholders with better earning rates, lower redemption costs, and exclusive inventory access, United is aligning itself with an industry-wide pivot toward high-value customers who engage beyond just flying.
For travelers, the equation is becoming increasingly clear:
Fly occasionally and skip the card? Expect fewer miles.
Fly often and carry the card? Enjoy meaningful rewards.
Final Takeaway
With this overhaul, United is sending a strong message about where it sees the future of loyalty. United Airlines is scaling back perks for MileagePlus members who don’t carry its co-branded credit card as part of a loyalty program revamp, shifting benefits toward customers who commit more deeply to the brand.
