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In a bold and somewhat nostalgic move, United Airlines has re-entered the debit rewards space, a segment that virtually disappeared more than a decade ago following the introduction of interchange-fee regulations under the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act. At a time when credit-card bonuses and aggressive spend thresholds fuel the industry, United’s new MileagePlus® Debit Rewards Card feels refreshingly different. And for a generation grappling with rising debt ratios and the seductive pull of “buy-now-pay-later” programs, a debit card that encourages saving and rewards travel is an unexpected but welcome addition.
United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card
To kick off the launch, new cardholders can earn a 10,000-mile bonus after approval and making $500 in qualifying purchases within the first four months. This offer, while modest compared to the eye-popping bonuses seen on co-branded credit cards, is notable for a debit product. Particularly, one that doesn’t require a credit check and therefore has no impact on the applicant’s credit score. In that sense, the card isn’t competing with the high-stakes credit-card ecosystem but instead carving out a space for members who value travel but prefer the transparency and control of debit spending.
United MileagePlus Debit Card
The United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card earns miles on everyday purchases and qualifying account balances. The earn rates on the card are as follows;
- 1x per dollar spent on United purchases, including flights, checked bags, and onboard snacks.
- 1x per $2 on other eligible spending categories, such as groceries, dining, and retail.
- Members who meet a $10,000 annual spend threshold receive an additional 2,500-mile yearly bonus.
The savings-linked reward structure for cardmembers is based on their average daily account balances.
| Average Daily Balance | Annualized Bonus Miles | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | $4 |
| $2,000 – $2,499.99 | N/A | Waived |
| $2,500 – $4,999.99 | 2,500 miles | Waived |
| $5,000 – $9,999.99 | 5,000 miles | Waived |
| $10,000 – $24,999.99 | 15,000 miles | Waived |
| $25,000 – $49,999.99 | 30,000 miles | Waived |
| $50,000 + | 70,000 miles | Waived |
Takeaway
In a world dominated by premium credit card sign-up bonuses and complex spend requirements, United’s MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card is built for members who want to participate in loyalty programs without the risk of revolving credit, or for those rebuilding financial discipline while still pursuing their travel goals.
For United, it’s also a clever way to extend the MileagePlus brand into everyday financial habits. If the uptake for this product is strong, it could set a precedent for other airlines and travel brands to rethink how they engage younger, credit-averse audiences. Imagine an ecosystem where saving, budgeting, and travelling are all part of the same rewards conversation.
1 comment
Yeah – It’s $48 per year if you do no spend the amount per month. I can get the United Explorer Card for $150 per year with two United Club passes plus the other benefits.