United Airlines’ loyalty program, MileagePlus, has been a popular choice among frequent flyers for many years. It offers various benefits, including free flights, upgrades, and exclusive access to airport lounges. However, many people wonder whether they can have MileagePlus without having a mileage credit card. The short answer is yes, but there are some things to consider before making a decision.
What is MileagePlus?
MileagePlus is United Airlines’ frequent flyer program, which rewards members for flying with United or its partner airlines. Members earn miles for each flight they take, which can then be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other benefits. MileagePlus also offers elite status levels, which come with additional perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.
How to Join MileagePlus?
Joining MileagePlus is free and easy. You can sign up online by visiting the United Airlines website and providing your personal information. Once you have a MileagePlus account, you can start earning miles by booking flights with United or its partners, using a MileagePlus credit card, or shopping with MileagePlus partners.
Can You Have MileagePlus Without a Credit Card?
Yes, you can be a member of MileagePlus without having a MileagePlus credit card. The credit card is not a requirement for joining the program or earning miles. You can earn miles by flying with United or its partners, shopping with MileagePlus partners, or transferring points from other loyalty programs.
Benefits of a Mileage Credit Card?
While a MileagePlus credit card is not necessary to earn miles, it does offer some additional benefits. Most MileagePlus credit cards come with a sign-up bonus, which can be a significant amount of miles that you can use for free flights or other rewards. Additionally, some MileagePlus credit cards offer extra miles for certain purchases, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, or dining out.
How to Choose the Right Mileage Credit Card?
If you decide to get a MileagePlus credit card, there are several options to choose from. It’s essential to compare the features of each card to determine which one is right for you. Some factors to consider include the annual fee, interest rate, sign-up bonus, earning rate, and benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding.
Alternatives to Mileage Credit Cards?
If you don’t want to get a MileagePlus credit card, there are still other ways to earn miles. You can earn miles by flying with United or its partners, using MileagePlus partners for your everyday purchases, or transferring points from other loyalty programs. Additionally, United sometimes offers promotions or bonus miles for specific routes or purchases.
Conclusion
In summary, you can have MileagePlus without a MileagePlus credit card. However, if you want to earn more miles or take advantage of additional benefits, a credit card might be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision to get a credit card or not depends on your travel habits and preferences. Regardless of whether you have a credit card or not, MileagePlus offers many opportunities to earn and redeem miles for valuable rewards.