United MileagePlus Guide (2025): Best Transfer & Award Options
United Airlines' MileagePlus program is one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs for U.
United MileagePlus Guide
Your complete guide to maximizing credit card transfers and finding exceptional flight redemptions with one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs.
Introduction to United MileagePlus
United Airlines' MileagePlus program is one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs for U.S.-based travelers. With a vast network covering over 350 destinations worldwide and partnerships with all 25+ Star Alliance airlines, MileagePlus offers unparalleled flexibility and global reach.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
United MileagePlus has a more limited set of transfer partners than some other programs, but the exceptional value of its award chart more than makes up for this limitation.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | No recent transfer bonuses |
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 | Up to 24 hours | Monthly 25% transfer bonus on 1st of month (1-5 minutes) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1.1 (plus 5,500 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) | 3-5 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: Always check for transfer bonuses before transferring points. A 20% bonus effectively makes your points worth 20% more, significantly increasing your redemption value.
How to Earn Points
Credit Card Spending & Bonuses
- Apply for United co-branded credit cards (Quest, Explorer, Club)
- Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards cards (Sapphire Preferred, Reserve)
- Take advantage of spending bonuses in rotating categories
Flying & Partners
- Fly on United and earn based on ticket fare and elite status
- Credit Star Alliance partner flights to MileagePlus
- Shop through MileagePlus Shopping portal for bonus miles
For most U.S.-based travelers, credit card transfers represent the fastest and most efficient way to accumulate a substantial balance of points, especially when taking advantage of welcome bonuses and transfer promotions.
Key Program Features
Excursionist Perk
Get a free one-way flight within a single region when booking a round-trip or multi-city itinerary between two different regions.
No Expiration Policy
United miles don't expire, giving you peace of mind and flexibility in planning future redemptions.
Mixed Cabin Booking
Easily book different classes of service for different segments of your journey.
Important Note: United MileagePlus miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity, so be sure to use your miles before they expire.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
United MileagePlus offers several exceptional sweet spot redemptions that provide outsized value for your points, particularly for premium cabin travel.
| Route | Economy | Business | First | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Europe | 30,000-33,000 miles (one-way) | 60,000-77,000 miles (one-way) | 90,000-121,000 miles (one-way) | Best availability on United's own flights and partners like Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian |
| US to Japan | 35,000-38,500 miles (one-way) | 70,000-82,500 miles (one-way) | 110,000-121,000 miles (one-way) | Good value on ANA, especially for business class |
Spotlight: The Excursionist Perk
United's unique Excursionist Perk allows you to add a free one-way flight within a single region when booking a round-trip or multi-city itinerary between two different regions.
Example
- New York (EWR) to London (LHR) - 60,000 miles in business class
- London (LHR) to Paris (CDG) - FREE with Excursionist Perk
- Paris (CDG) to New York (EWR) - 60,000 miles in business class
- Total cost: 120,000 miles for what would normally cost 140,000+ miles
Best Credit Cards for United MileagePlus
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn points that can be transferred to United MileagePlus.
United Quest℠ Card
Chase
$250
Up to 80,000 United miles
3X on United purchases, 2X on travel, dining, and streaming services; 1X on everything else
- First and second checked bags free on United flights
- Up to $125 annual United credit
- 10,000 miles back when you redeem for flights (up to twice per year)
- 25% back on United in-flight purchases
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
- Book exactly 330-337 days in advance for best partner availability
- Search for partner awards segment-by-segment when United.com shows no availability
- United co-branded cardholders get expanded award availability on United flights
- Search for 1 seat at a time to find better availability in premium cabins
Start Your United MileagePlus Journey
With some of the most competitive redemption rates in the industry, particularly for round-trip premium cabin awards, ANA Mileage Club offers exceptional value for travelers planning trips to Japan, across Asia, and even around the world.Whether you're planning a simple trip or a complex multi-destination journey, United MileagePlus offers exceptional redemption opportunities.