If you searched for the United TravelBank credit card, here is the short answer: Chase discontinued this card in 2020 and is no longer accepting new applications for it. Existing cardholders were transitioned to the United Gateway Card. This review explains what the TravelBank card was, why Chase pulled it, and what your best options are today.
What Was the United TravelBank Card?
The United TravelBank card was a no-annual-fee credit card issued by Chase for United Airlines. It launched around 2017 and was one of the few airline-branded cards with no annual fee at the time.
The card earned in its own currency called TravelBank Cash, which could only be redeemed for United Airlines airfare. It did not earn United MileagePlus miles, which was an unusual choice that limited its appeal for frequent United flyers.
Key Facts (Historical, Card No Longer Issued)
| Feature | Details (When Active) |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Chase (for United Airlines) |
| Network | Visa (open loop) |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase APR | 15.99%–22.99% variable |
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 2% TravelBank Cash on United purchases; 1.5% on everything else |
| Sign-up bonus | $150 TravelBank Cash after $1,000 spend in first 3 months |
| Redemption | United airfare only |
| Travel protections | Trip cancellation/interruption insurance; rental car insurance |
| Welcome bonus | $150 after $1,000 spend |
All historical figures based on public card disclosures prior to discontinuation.
Why Did Chase Discontinue It?
Chase replaced the United TravelBank card with the United Gateway Card in 2020. The main reason was the currency: TravelBank Cash was confusing to consumers and less aspirational than MileagePlus miles. The Gateway Card earns actual MileagePlus miles, works on a more standard airline rewards structure, and fits better within Chase's broader United card lineup.
The United TravelBank card was closed to new applications and current cardholders were migrated to the Gateway Card or asked to choose another United card.
The United Gateway Card: Current No-Fee Alternative
The United Gateway Card is the direct replacement and Chase's only current no-annual-fee United option. It earns MileagePlus miles (not TravelBank Cash), which are considerably more flexible since miles can be redeemed for a broader range of flights and awards. For the full picture on what the Gateway Card offers today, see the United Gateway Card review.
As of 2026, the Gateway Card requires $10,000 in annual spending to unlock discounted award redemptions, a threshold not all cardholders will hit.
If you want a United Airlines card with no annual fee, the Gateway Card is your option. If you want perks like free checked bags or United Club lounge access, you would need to move to the United Explorer ($95/year) or higher-tier cards. The United Explorer vs United Quest Card comparison breaks down when upgrading from the no-fee tier pays off.
Is a Travel Card Right for You in 2026?
Before applying for any travel card, it helps to be clear on what tier of card fits your credit profile and spending. Travel rewards cards generally require good to excellent credit, and the most valuable redemptions come from cards with annual fees. A no-fee card like the Gateway Card is a reasonable entry point, but the rewards ceiling is lower.
If you are at a good-credit tier and want a card that earns flexible rewards rather than locking you into one airline, consider cards that earn transferable points or straightforward cash back. Comparing Chase vs Amex is a useful starting point for understanding which rewards ecosystem fits your travel habits. If you want full premium United benefits including lounge access, the United Club Card review explains what the top-tier card delivers.
The Aspire® Mastercard® is one option for consumers at this credit level looking for a rewards card with broad acceptance.
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.
The Perpay Credit Card is another option designed for consumers building their credit profile with real-world purchasing power and bureau reporting.
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
For consumers looking at the investing side of financial growth alongside their credit card spending, the Robinhood Gold card has become a notable option, combining a high cash back rate with Robinhood's brokerage ecosystem.
What Happened to TravelBank Cash After the Card Closed?
Existing TravelBank Cash balances were preserved for cardholders when Chase discontinued the card. Through early 2026, there were reports of Amex Platinum cardholders using a workaround to fund TravelBank accounts with Amex airline credits, but American Express closed that loophole in early 2026. Current TravelBank credits expire after 12 months and can only be used toward United airfare booked through united.com.
The Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Cards in 2026
If you are a United loyalist and want no annual fee, the United Gateway Card is your path. If you want to maximize rewards flexibility, look at cards that earn transferable points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards. These allow you to shift points to United (and other partners) when United awards are the best value, without being locked in. For a side-by-side look at the two biggest airline co-brand programs against each other, the United Explorer Card vs Delta Gold comparison is a helpful reference.
For business travelers, the Chase Ink Business Cash and similar no-fee business cards offer 5% back on categories like internet and phone services, which can fund travel indirectly through cash back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the United TravelBank credit card still available?
No. Chase discontinued the United TravelBank card in 2020 and stopped accepting new applications at that time. The replacement card is the United Gateway Card, which earns MileagePlus miles instead of TravelBank Cash and has no annual fee.
What replaced the United TravelBank card?
Chase launched the United Gateway Card as the direct replacement. The Gateway Card earns United MileagePlus miles on purchases, with higher earning rates on United purchases and gas stations. It remains the only no-annual-fee United card available from Chase as of June 2026.
Can I still redeem TravelBank Cash if I had the old card?
If you still have TravelBank Cash in your United account from the old card, you can redeem it for United airfare at united.com. TravelBank credits expire 12 months after issue. If your account was transitioned, check your TravelBank balance directly at united.com.
What credit score do I need for United Airlines credit cards from Chase?
Most Chase United cards, including the Gateway Card, typically require good to excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 670 or higher. Chase also applies its 5/24 rule, which means applicants who have opened five or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months are generally not approved regardless of credit score.
