Dreaming of free flights without paying an annual fee? The United Gateway Card is Chase's no-fee entry point into the United MileagePlus world, and it can be a smart pick for occasional flyers. But this card asks for good credit, so it is not the right starting point for everyone. This review covers the United Gateway Card's fees, miles, and APR, plus what to do if you need to build credit first. Every fact below is current as of June 2026.
Firstcard is a credit-building app for people with no, low, or bad credit. We review cards through one lens: does this fit your situation, and if not, what will get you there?
Key Facts at a Glance
| Issuer | Chase (JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.) |
| Network | Visa, usable anywhere Visa is accepted |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for 12 months, then about 19.74% to 28.24% variable |
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 2x miles on United, gas, and local transit/commuting; 1x on everything else |
| Welcome bonus | Recent: 30,000 miles after $1,000 spend in 3 months, plus 10,000 for adding an authorized user |
| Credit limit | Reported common around $2,000 (averages run higher) |
| Credit score | Typically 700+ (good to excellent; some approvals near 670) |
| Reports to | Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax |
What Is the United Gateway Card?
The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee travel card from Chase, tied to United Airlines and the MileagePlus program. It is the entry-level option in United's card lineup, sitting below the Explorer and premium cards. As a Visa, it works anywhere Visa is accepted, not just with United.
It suits people who fly United now and then and want to earn miles without paying for benefits they will not use. Because it is a Chase rewards card, approval generally requires good to excellent credit. If your score is still growing, this card may be out of reach for now.
United Gateway Card Fees, Miles, and APR
As of June 2026, the United Gateway Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. It offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then a variable APR of about 19.74% to 28.24%. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and terms and conditions apply. If you are unsure how APR works, read up before you carry a balance past the intro window.
On rewards, the card earns 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit and commuting, plus 1x miles on everything else. Miles do not expire while the account is open. A recent welcome offer included 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, with an extra 10,000 miles for adding an authorized user. New for 2026, the card requires $10,000 in annual spending to unlock certain discounted award redemptions. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current promo with Chase before you apply.
Approval, Credit Score, and Limit
As a Chase rewards card, the United Gateway typically requires good to excellent credit, often a score around 700 or higher, though some approvals are reported near 670. Chase also applies its 5/24 rule (it generally declines applicants who have opened five or more cards in 24 months). Reported credit limits commonly start near $2,000, with averages running higher for strong profiles. The card reports to all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). If your score is below the good range, a Chase travel card application will likely be denied; for a sense of where you stand, our guide on a 600 credit score explains what that range means for approvals.
Alternatives to Qualify First or Earn More
If the United Gateway Card is out of reach today, or you want an everyday card alongside it, these options can help. The first is the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard, an unsecured card with no security deposit, prequalification up to a $1,000 limit, up to 3% cash back, and reports to all three bureaus. It is one of the more accessible everyday cards if you are still working toward a Chase travel card, and a useful step up from a basic no-deposit unsecured card. See it below.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Prefer to build credit from a steady paycheck instead of a deposit? Perpay is powered by your paycheck — no security deposit, shop and pay over time while it reports to all three bureaus, members see an average 32-point increase. With no credit check to get started, it is a low-pressure way to establish a track record before applying for a Chase rewards card. See it below.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
Already in the good-to-excellent range and shopping for everyday rewards alongside a travel card? The Robinhood Gold Card is a premium-rewards alternative for good-credit applicants, offering up to 3% cash back for Robinhood Gold members. It is worth a look for strong-credit applicants who want flat cash back on all spending rather than airline-specific miles. See it below.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
How These Compare
The United Gateway Card is a rewards card for people who already have good credit. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard and the paycheck-powered Perpay are for people who want an accessible everyday card or need to build credit before they can qualify, while the Robinhood Gold Card targets strong-credit applicants who want flat cash back rather than miles.
Think of it as a two-step plan: build first, then upgrade to a travel or rewards card once your credit is strong. Firstcard's credit-building tools can help you follow that path. A monitoring tool like Creditship.ai can help you track your progress and timing. If you are not sure which starter card fits, our list of the best credit cards for beginners is a good place to look.
Is the United Gateway Card Worth It?
For occasional United flyers with good credit, the United Gateway Card is a solid no-fee way to earn miles. If your credit is still growing, it is worth building toward rather than applying now. Start with an accessible everyday card, then graduate to this one when you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the United Gateway Card have an annual fee?
No, as of June 2026 the United Gateway Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. That makes it a low-cost way to earn United miles. Approval generally requires good to excellent credit.
What credit score and limit can I expect?
As a Chase rewards card, it typically requires a score around 700 or higher, though some approvals are reported near 670. Chase's 5/24 rule also applies. Reported limits commonly start near $2,000, with higher averages for strong profiles. It reports to all three bureaus.
How many miles does the United Gateway Card earn?
As of June 2026, it earns 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit and commuting, and 1x miles on all other purchases. A recent welcome offer was 30,000 miles after $1,000 spend in 3 months. Welcome bonuses change, so check Chase for the current offer.
Can I get the United Gateway Card with bad credit?
It is unlikely, since Chase travel cards generally require good credit or better. If you have bad or limited credit, an accessible everyday card like the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard or the paycheck-powered Perpay is a smarter first step. Build your score, then apply once you are in range.
