United Gateway℠ Credit Card Review

In the vast sea of credit card offerings, the United Gateway℠ Credit Card from Chase stands out, especially for frequent travelers and United Airlines enthusiasts. This card promises a robust rewards system, appealing travel benefits, and a no-annual-fee structure. As a financial expert, I’ve dissected the nuances of this card to provide you with a comprehensive review that will help you determine if it aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.

United Gateway℠ Credit Card Key Takeaways

Rewards Structure

– 2x Miles Per $1 Spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi, baggage service charges, and other United purchases.
– 2x Miles Per $1 Spent at gas stations.
– 2x Miles Per $1 Spent on local transit and commuting, including ride share services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.
– 1x Mile Per $1 Spent on all other purchases.

Introductory Offer

– 20,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Fees and APR

– Annual Fee: $0
– Purchase Intro APR: 0% for the first 12 months.
– Standard Purchase APR: 21.99% – 28.99% Variable.
– Balance Transfer APR: 21.99% – 28.99% Variable.
– Cash Advance APR: 29.99% Variable.

Travel Perks

– 25% Back as a Statement Credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees.
– Access to The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
– United Card Events from Chase and United MileagePlus Events.

Insurance & Protection

– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
– Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance.
– Visa Concierge Service.

United Gateway℠ Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Annual Fee: This card doesn’t charge an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning miles.
2. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as it eliminates the extra cost of making purchases abroad.
3. Generous Rewards on United Purchases: Earning 2x miles on United-related expenses can significantly boost your mileage accumulation, especially if you frequently fly with United.
4. Introductory APR: The 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases provides financial flexibility for new cardholders.
5. Travel Protection: Comprehensive travel insurance and protections offer peace of mind during trips.

Cons

1. High Standard APR: With a variable APR ranging from 21.99% to 28.99%, carrying a balance can become expensive if not managed properly.
2. No Intro APR on Balance Transfers: This card doesn’t offer an introductory APR on balance transfers, which may be a drawback for those looking to consolidate existing debt.
3. Limited High Rewards Categories: While the card offers 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit, other spending categories only earn 1x mile per dollar.

United Gateway℠ Credit Card Benefits

Miles Accumulation

The United Gateway℠ Credit Card is designed to make earning miles straightforward and rewarding, especially for those who frequently spend on travel and commuting. Here’s a deeper dive into the earning potential:
– 2x Miles on United Purchases: This includes a wide array of United-related expenses such as tickets, Economy Plus®, inflight food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and baggage service charges. If you’re a frequent flyer with United, these miles can accumulate quickly, translating into free flights or upgrades in no time.
– 2x Miles at Gas Stations: This category is particularly beneficial for those who drive frequently. Whether it’s for daily commutes or long road trips, you’ll see your miles add up with every fill-up.
– 2x Miles on Local Transit and Commuting: In today’s urban environment, spending on ride shares, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit is quite common. This card rewards you for these everyday expenses, making it a practical choice for city dwellers.

Travel Perks

The United Gateway℠ Credit Card shines when it comes to travel benefits, making it an excellent companion for both domestic and international travelers.
– 25% Back as a Statement Credit: When you use your card to purchase food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights, you receive a 25% rebate as a statement credit. This can make in-flight purchases significantly more affordable.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Traveling abroad often comes with the hidden cost of foreign transaction fees. This card eliminates those fees, allowing you to use your card worry-free on international trips.
– The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection: Cardholders gain access to a curated selection of over 1,000 luxury properties worldwide. This includes complimentary benefits such as room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and late checkout, enhancing your travel experience.
– United Card Events from Chase: These exclusive events offer unique experiences such as private dining, wine tastings, and meet-and-greets with sports legends. It’s a great way to use your card for memorable experiences beyond just earning miles.

Insurance and Protection

Travel can be unpredictable, so the insurance and protection features of the United Gateway℠ Credit Card are designed to provide peace of mind.
– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. This secondary coverage protects you against theft and collision damage, both in the U.S. and abroad.
– Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by covered situations such as sickness or injury, you can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares.
– Visa Concierge Service: Available 24/7, this service can assist with a variety of tasks, from restaurant reservations to event tickets, making your life a bit easier.

Conclusion

The United Gateway℠ Credit Card from Chase is tailored for the frequent traveler, especially those with a penchant for flying United Airlines. Its no-annual-fee structure, robust rewards on travel and commuting expenses, and comprehensive travel perks make it a compelling choice.

Is It Right for You?

If you are a frequent flyer with United, this card can offer substantial value through its generous rewards and travel benefits. The 20,000 bonus miles for meeting the initial spending requirement can provide a quick boost to your mileage balance, making it easier to book that next trip.
However, the high standard APR could be a drawback for those who tend to carry a balance. It’s also less appealing for those who want an introductory APR on balance transfers. But if you pay off your balance in full each month and want a card that rewards you handsomely for travel and commuting expenses, the United Gateway℠ Credit Card is worth considering.

Final Thoughts

The United Gateway℠ Credit Card combines valuable rewards with practical travel benefits, all without an annual fee. It’s a great card for those who want to maximize their miles and enjoy added travel protections. As with any credit card, it’s essential to consider your spending habits and financial goals to determine if this card is the best fit for you. For United Airlines loyalists and frequent commuters, the United Gateway℠ Credit Card offers a compelling mix of rewards, benefits, and cost savings.
In the ever-evolving landscape of credit cards, the United Gateway℠ Credit Card holds its own by providing substantial value without the burden of an annual fee. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone looking to dip their toes into the world of travel rewards, this card is a worthy contender. Evaluate your travel habits, spending patterns, and financial needs to make an informed decision. Happy travels!