United Overhauls MileagePlus Rewards Program

Airline boosts rewards for credit card holders, reduces miles for other travelers.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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United Airlines is making major changes to its MileagePlus rewards program, significantly increasing the number of miles that can be earned by customers with United co-branded credit or debit cards, while reducing the accrual rate for travelers without a United card. The changes take effect on April 2, 2026.

Why it matters

Loyalty programs are a major profit engine for airlines, generating billions annually through partnerships with banks that issue co-branded credit cards. These changes to United's MileagePlus program aim to incentivize more customers to sign up for United credit cards in order to maximize their rewards earnings.

The details

Under the new structure, United cardholders can earn up to twice as many miles per dollar spent on United flights compared to non-cardholders. For United's most frequent flyers who also use a United Club card, rewards can go as high as 17 miles per dollar on eligible flights. Meanwhile, general members without a United credit card will earn just 3 miles per dollar on most tickets and will no longer earn any miles when purchasing basic economy tickets.

  • The changes to United's MileagePlus program will take effect on April 2, 2026.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Andrew Nocella

United's Chief Commercial Officer.

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What they’re saying

“MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry.”

— Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, United Airlines (conservativeangle.com)

The takeaway

These changes to United's MileagePlus program highlight the growing importance of airline loyalty programs and co-branded credit cards as profit drivers for airlines. The move aims to incentivize more customers to sign up for United credit cards in order to maximize their rewards earnings, while reducing benefits for travelers without a United card.