Best time to apply for United Chase cards based on offer history

Chase has an impressive roster of six United Airlines cards, each with its own set of perks and benefits to justify a place in your wallet. Like most travel rewards cards, each United card offers its own welcome bonus to freshly approved cardholders.

These welcome bonuses are the best way to reap a yield of many United miles at once. That's why it's very important to make sure you apply at the right time.

In this guide, we'll walk you through each United card's offer history and when to apply. (Keep in mind that offers can change at any time, and some of the offers on this page may no longer be available.)

Note that we'll only discuss publicly available welcome offers here. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus miles.

Best United welcome offers

Card	Best welcome offer we've seen	When to apply
United Gateway℠ Card	Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and receive a 0% APR on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening (then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.24%). Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	When the welcome offer is 30,000 miles or more.
United℠ Explorer Card	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	When the offer is 60,000 miles or more.
United Quest℠ Card	Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	When the offer is 80,000 miles or more plus PQPs
United Club℠ Card	Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	When the offer is 90,000 miles or more; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
United℠ Business Card	Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. Earn an extra 75,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $20,000 on purchases within six months from account opening.	When the offer is 100,000 miles or more; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
United Club℠ Business Card	Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	When the offer is 90,000 miles or more; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal

The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

United Gateway card

For anyone looking to dip their toes into airline cards, the no-annual-fee United Gateway may be a good option.

Welcome offer history

Here are the recent welcome offers on the United Gateway card.

Approximate date	Welcome offer	Value*
April 2026 to now	Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and receive a 0% APR on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening (then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.24%). Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Up to $540 (including the points from adding an authorized user)
August 2025 to April 2026	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405
July to August 2025	Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$270
May to July 2025	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405
January to May 2025	Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$270
November 2024 to January 2025	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405
August to November 2024	Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$270
June to August 2024	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405
March to June 2024	Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$270
November 2023 to March 2024	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405
August to November 2023	Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$270
June to August 2023	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405
January to June 2023	Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$270
November 2022 to January 2023	Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$405

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's May 2026 valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

This card's highest-ever welcome is the current offer of up to 40,000 bonus miles: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and receive a 0% APR on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening (then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.24%). Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend applying whenever this card's welcome offer is 30,000 miles or more.

Learn more: United Gateway Card

United Explorer card

Although the United Explorer has an annual fee of $150 ($0 for the first year), it offers great benefits for semifrequent United flyers, like two United Club passes and a free checked bag when you pay for your flight with your card.

Welcome offer history

Here are the recent offers we've seen on the United Explorer.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
April 2026 to now	Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Up to $1,080 (including the points from adding an authorized user)
January 2026 to April 2026	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$945
May 2025 to January 2026	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810
March to May 2025	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,080
November 2024 to March 2025	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810
August to November 2024	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$675
June to August 2024	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810
March to June 2024	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$675
November 2023 to March 2024	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810
October to November 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$675
June to October 2023	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810
December 2022 to June 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$675

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

This card's highest-ever offer was 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend waiting to apply until this card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles or more.

Learn more: United Explorer Card

United Quest Card

If you fly United frequently but don't want to commit to a premium card, the United Quest may be for you. While it has a high annual fee of $350, it offers numerous statement credits and United-specific perks to make up for that.

Hands holding credit cards — THE POINTS GUY

Welcome offer history

Here are the recent offers we've seen on the United Quest card.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
April 2026 to now	Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Up to $1,350 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 2026 to April 2026	Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,080 (not including the value of 3,000 PSPs)
August 2025 to January 2026	Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$945 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
June to August 2025	Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,350 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
March to June 2025	Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,215 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
November 2024 to March 2025	Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
August to November 2024	Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$900 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
June to August 2024	Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
March to June 2024	Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.	$810 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
November 2023 to March 2024	Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
August to November 2023	Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
June to August 2023	Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$945 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)
January to June 2023	Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$810 (not including the value of 500 PQPs)

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

This card's highest-ever bonus was when it offered 100,000 miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend waiting until you see an offer of 80,000 miles or more, plus PQPs, to apply.

Learn more: United Quest Card

United Club Card

As the top consumer United card available, it's no surprise that the United Club Card comes with a hefty $695 annual fee. In exchange for that, however, it comes with loads of benefits, making it the best choice for United's biggest fans.

Welcome offer history

Here are the welcome offers we've seen on the United Club Card.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
April 2026 to now	Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
November 2025 to April 2026	Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,215
July to November 2025	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,080
May to July 2025	Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,215
March to May 2025	Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,283
November 2024 to March 2025	Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,215
August to November 2024	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,080
June to August 2024	Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,215
January to June 2024	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,080
November 2023 to January 2024	Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,215
August to November 2023	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,080
January to August 2023	Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,080 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
November 2022 to January 2023	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,350

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The United Club Card's highest-ever welcome is the current offer of up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

Before pulling the trigger on an application, wait for an offer of 90,000 miles or more. If United status is on the table for you, it may make sense to wait for an offer that includes bonus PQPs.

Learn more: United Club Card

United Business Card

If you're a business owner who flies with United occasionally, the relatively affordable $150-per-year annual fee United Business Card may be the best pick for you.

Welcome offer history

Here are the recent welcome offers we've seen on the United Business Card.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
April 2026 to now	Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 2026 to April 2026	Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
November 2025 to January 2026	Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,013 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
July to November 2025	Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
May to July 2025	Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
March to May 2025	Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within three months from account opening.	$1,688
April 2024 to March 2025	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013
January to April 2024	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,350
November 2023 to January 2024	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$675
October to November 2023	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013
June to October 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$675
March to June 2023	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013
June 2022 to March 2023	Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: Get 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening. Earn an extra 75,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $20,000 on purchases within six months from account opening.	Up to $2,025

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

This card's highest-ever offer included up to 150,000 bonus miles: New cardholders could earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, plus an extra 75,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $20,000 on purchases within six months from account opening.

When to apply

Your best bet is to apply when this card's welcome offer is 100,000 miles or more. Those aiming for United status should wait for an offer that includes bonus PQPs.

Learn more: United Business Card

United Club Business Card

If you're a United loyalist with a business, you should consider the $695-per-year United Club Business Card.

Welcome offer history

Here are the recent welcome offers we've seen on the United Club Business.

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
April 2026 to now	Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.	Up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 2026 to April 2026	Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
November 2025 to January 2026	Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.	$1,080 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
July to November 2025	Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$1,350 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
May to July 2025	Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,080 (not including the value of 2,000 PQPs)
March 2025 to May 2025	Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,688
August 2024 to March 2025	Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$675 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
January to August 2024	Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013 (not including the value of 1,000 PQPs)
October 2023 to January 2024	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013
June to October 2023	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$675
November 2022 to June 2023	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.	$1,013

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and is not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

When this card had its highest-ever offer, business owners could earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend prospective cardholders wait for a welcome offer of 90,000 miles or more before sending in an application. Those looking for a status boost should wait for an offer that includes bonus PQPs.

Learn more: United Club Business Card

Bottom line

Waiting for the right time to apply for a card is important. You want to make sure you can get the best welcome offer available, especially since many cards block you from earning multiple welcome bonuses on them in a certain time frame.

Chase's portfolio of United-branded cards offers some fantastic benefits. Whether you fly United once a year or every month, it's worth exploring these cards to see which one fits your wallet.

To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, check out the following:

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Best time to apply for United Chase cards based on offer history