United Airlines, Chase Card Services Launch No-Fee Credit Card

United Airlines and Chase Card Services today launched a “United Gateway” credit card that carries no annual fee and offers new users who charge $1,000 within three months of enrolling 20,000 frequent-flier miles.

“United customers have asked for a credit card option with no annual fee that allows them to quickly earn miles that they can use for flights, upgrades and more on United and our partner airlines,” Luc Bondar, United’s vice president of marketing and loyalty, said in a prepared statement. “We know the world of travel has changed, but that hasn’t changed our customers’ aspirations to see the world with United. Our new Gateway Card offers even more ways for savvy customers to earn more miles that never expire on everyday purchases so when they are ready to travel again, they can book an award flight to hundreds of exciting destinations across the U.S. and around the world.”

The card’s rewards program includes 3 travel miles for every $1 spent on groceries through Sept. 30, 2021; 2 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases and 2 miles for every $1 spent on gasoline, local transit, mass transit fares and taxis.

According to today’s release, customers will get 1 mile for every dollar spent on other purchases.

Kristen Bowdoin, managing director and general manager of United Airlines co-brand cards at J.P. Morgan Chase, said in a prepared statement: “The new United Gateway Card will undoubtedly enhance the Chase United portfolio of cards, meeting the growing need of consumers who want to get the most out of their spending, while simultaneously earning miles. Whether it be buying groceries, gas or transportation, the United Gateway Card brings Cardmembers one step closer to creating their own vacation stories through everyday purchases, all with no annual fee.”

Some customers who hold other United Cards such as the TravelBank card will be automatically transitioned to the new card, according to today’s statement from United and Chase.

Loyalty programs run by airlines are proving to be especially valuable during the COVID-19 travel industry calamity because they can be counted as collateral linked to debt, PYMNTS reported in mid-September.

While valuable, many loyalty programs are undergoing, or will soon undergo, changes due to COVID-19, industry experts said.