United Airlines has unveiled the MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card, its first loyalty-program debit card designed for mileage accumulation through spending and savings. Available now to United’s MileagePlus members in the U.S., the card is issued by Sunrise Banks (Member FDIC) in partnership with banking-tech platform Galileo Financial Technologies.
Everyday Banking with MileagePlus Perks
The card allows users to earn one MileagePlus mile for every $1 spent on United purchases and one mile for every $2 on all other eligible purchases. New cardmembers can earn a 10,000-mile bonus after making $500 in purchases within the first four months.
It also offers annual bonus miles – ranging from 2,500 to 70,000 – based on average daily account balances from $2,500 upward. Accounts maintaining an average daily balance of $2,000 or more enjoy a waived monthly fee ($4 for balances below the threshold). No credit check is required for card approval.
United says the card targets loyalty-program members who prefer debit-card simplicity over credit offerings, emphasizing that the product is ‘a natural next step’ in loyalty expansion. The move positions United alongside the few U.S. airlines now offering co-branded debit rewards options.
What It Means for Travelers and Savers
For frequent flyers and savings-minded members, the new debit card opens additional mileage-earning routes: not just spending but also holding balances. The savings-based bonus structure allows members to convert cash holdings into miles an uncommon pairing in aviation loyalty.
However, the rate of return is modest compared to many co-branded credit cards, so the new product appeals best to those seeking mileage rewards without credit-card qualification or annual-fee burdens.
For many card-eligible consumers who lack credit-card access, this debit-based rewards option may provide meaningful value. That said, the value-comparison needs scrutiny – some savings accounts or travel credit cards may yield higher effective returns for certain users.
