UnitedSM Business Card Review for 2023
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Nancy Fernandez is a Credit Card and Insurance Expert at Fit Small Business, specializing in business credit cards and business insurance.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
UnitedSM Business Card from Chase is designed for business owners who fly with United Airlines frequently. This small business credit card has a low annual fee of $99—waived for the first year—and zero foreign transaction fees. It offers travel rewards that can be redeemed for free flights and travel perks like free checked bags, United Club passes, and priority boarding.
If you wish to compare one card over another, select a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
United℠ Business Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Frequent United Airlines flyers who want to earn travel rewards
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$99
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United ClubSM one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
- $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual transaction fees
- With generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Charges annual fees during the second year
- Need to pay separately for unlimited access to United Club
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost—letting you earn miles faster and set individual spending limits for each employee card made.
- Priority boarding: Cardholders and their companions included on the same reservation will be invited to board first on any United-operated flight.
- Free first checked bag and save up to $140 per round trip: Both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free—up to $35 value, each way, per person—on United-operated flights when the cardholder included their United MileagePlus® number in their reservation.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: if your or your immediate family member’s check or carry luggage was damaged or lost by the carrier, you can get up to $3,000 reimbursement per passenger.
- Baggage delay insurance: Receive reimbursement on essential purchases, such as toiletries and clothing, for baggage delays of more than six hours by passenger carrier or up to $100 a day for three days.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$99
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United ClubSM one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
- $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual transaction fees
- With generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Charges annual fees during the second year
- Need to pay separately for unlimited access to United Club
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost—letting you earn miles faster and set individual spending limits for each employee card made.
- Priority boarding: Cardholders and their companions included on the same reservation will be invited to board first on any United-operated flight.
- Free first checked bag and save up to $140 per round trip: Both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free—up to $35 value, each way, per person—on United-operated flights when the cardholder included their United MileagePlus® number in their reservation.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: if your or your immediate family member’s check or carry luggage was damaged or lost by the carrier, you can get up to $3,000 reimbursement per passenger.
- Baggage delay insurance: Receive reimbursement on essential purchases, such as toiletries and clothing, for baggage delays of more than six hours by passenger carrier or up to $100 a day for three days.
How We Evaluate Travel Rewards Business Credit Cards
When grading travel rewards business credit cards, we first consider ongoing rewards, introductory rewards, and additional features. Then, we evaluate the annual fee, introductory no-interest period, and ongoing annual percentage rate (APR).
| Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 25 |
Introductory Rewards | 25 | 25 |
Additional Features | 25 | 25 |
Annual Fee | 10 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 5 |
Ongoing APR | 2 | 5 |
| Total Score | 82 | 100 |
Who the UnitedSM Business Card Is Best For
- You fly with United Airlines frequently: It offers rewards that can be used for free flights with United Airlines and its partners.
- You want to maximize your travel experience: Using this card will give you access to priority boarding, free checked bags for you and your companions, and discounts on flights, hotels, spas, and lodges.
If this doesn’t fit your needs, see our recommended alternatives below.
UnitedSM Business Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: None
- Ongoing, balance transfers, and My Chase LoanSM: 20.99% to 27.99% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Cash advance: 29.49% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty: Up to 29.99% variable—adjusts with the prime rate; this will be applied to your account indefinitely if you either failed to make a minimum payment by the date and time it’s due or made an unpaid returned payment
Fees
- Minimum interest charge: None
- Annual: $99, which is waived for the first year
- Balance transfer: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash advance: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction: None
- Late and returned payment: $40
- Returned check: None
Your due date is at least 20 days after the close of each billing cycle.
UnitedSM Business Card Rewards
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of accounting opening; note that this offer ends on 3/19/2023.
- 2x miles per dollar spent on the following:
- United purchases
- Gas stations
- Dining (including eligible delivery services)
- Office supply stores
- Local transit (including ride share services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit)
- 1x miles for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year (valued at $100)
Each card anniversary year, you can get the following bonus rewards:
- 5,000 bonus miles when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal United credit card
- $100 United travel credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more
You can redeem your miles by booking United or United partner airline flights and use miles for hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and e-gift cards or receive them as a statement credit for United ticket purchases and your annual card membership fee. You can even buy, transfer, or donate miles.
Once you meet the welcome bonus requirements, you can obtain the 75,000 bonus miles. With this, you can upgrade your seat from United Premium Plus to United Polaris business when traveling from New York to South Asia through United-operated airlines.
How To Make Payments on the UnitedSM Business Card
- Online or Chase Mobile® App: Go to www.chase.com/paycard to sign in and make a payment online. You can also enroll in automatic payments through the website or the iOS and Android mobile apps. When you enroll, indicate the deposit account from which your payment will be deducted and how much you’d like to pay, e.g., statement balance or minimum payment due.
- Phone: Call the automated phone service at (800) 436-7958.
- Mail or money order: Include your name and full account number on your check or money order—and don’t send cash. Mail your payment to the following address:
Cardmember Services
PO Box 6294
Carol Stream, IL 60197-6294
- Western Union: Use the Code City WALNUT when you pay via Western Union. Note that it may take up to seven days for the payment to be reflected in your account.
- Nearest Chase ATM or branch: Find the nearest Chase ATM or branch to pay your bill.
UnitedSM Business Card Features
Account Management
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, helping you earn miles faster. You can set individual spending limits for each employee card.
- United Club membership: You can sign up for United Club membership by purchasing it online at united.com, calling the United Club Service Center at (866) UA-CLUBS or (866) 822-5827, or visiting any United Club location. Note that this membership costs $650 or 85,000 miles annually.
Travel Benefits & Rewards
- Free first checked bag and save up to $140 per roundtrip: The primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free (up to $35 value, each way, per person) on United-operated flights when the cardholder indicates their United MileagePlus® number in their reservation.
- Priority boarding: Cardholders and their companions included on the same reservation will be invited to board first on any United-operated flight.
- Cash back on United inflight purchases: Get a 25% back as a statement credit when you use your card to make inflight purchases for food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
- Complimentary DashPass from DoorDash: You will receive a one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar, providing unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. Note that you will need to activate your membership using UnitedSM Business Card by 12/31/2024.
- Premier upgrades on award tickets: Cardholders with MileagePlus® Premier® status and traveling on an award ticket with a companion under the same reservation are eligible to get Complimentary Premier Upgrades on selected United- and United Express-operated flights.
- Expanded award availability: This is available to those who are either United MileagePlus Premier elite status holders or owners of an eligible United-branded credit card. Note that you’ll see the code “XN” when you log in to your United Airlines account.
Insurance Protection
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your UnitedSM Business Card. Coverage is primary when renting for business purposes, and you can get reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Baggage delay insurance: Receive reimbursement on essential purchases, such as toiletries and clothing, for baggage delays of more than six hours by passenger carrier or up to $100 a day for three days.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: In the event that your or your immediate family member’s check or carry luggage was damaged or lost by the carrier, you can get up to $3,000 reimbursement per passenger.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable passenger fares in the event your trip is either canceled or cut short by illness, severe weather changes, and other covered situations.
- Trip delay reimbursement: If your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours or requires you to stay overnight, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, of up to $500 per ticket.
- Roadside assistance: You can call for a tow, jumpstart, tire change, locksmith, or gas. Note that you’re covered for up to $50 per incident four times a year.
- Travel accident insurance: When you use your card to pay for your air, bus, train, or cruise fare, you’re eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000.
- Purchase protection: Damages or theft to your new purchases get you coverage for 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year for eligible warranty purchases of three years or less.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: You can call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. Note that you’ll be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.
Luxury Hotels & Experiences
- Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection: Cardmembers will receive complimentary benefits with every stay in its portfolio of over 1,000 properties, such as hotels, resorts, lodges, and spas.
- United card events from Chase and United MileagePlus events: Cardmembers will have opportunities to purchase private, curated, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Learn more about these through the United Card Events page.
- Visa concierge service: Get complimentary Visa Signature® Concierge Service 24 hours a day. They can help you find tickets to the top sports and entertainment events, make dinner reservations, and get the perfect gift.
MileagePlus Program Benefits
- Premier qualifying points (PQPs): This lets you earn MileagePlus Premier® status, providing you with an enhanced travel experience. You’ll earn 500 PQPs for every $12,000 spent on purchases with your card, up to 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year that can be applied to your Premier status qualification.
- MileagePlus Miles: Besides earning miles on purchases made with your card, you can earn miles by flying with UnitedSM, United Express®, Star AllianceTM, and other United airline partners.
UnitedSM Business Card Alternatives
Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business
Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Travel rewards and annual spending less than $19,000
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% to 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $200 in travel after you spend $3,000 within the first three months
- 1.5x miles per $1 spent
- 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through the issuer
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Interest-free financing on purchases
Cons
- No 0% APR balance transfer offer
- Limited list of airline partners
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12-month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% to 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $200 in travel after you spend $3,000 within the first three months
- 1.5x miles per $1 spent
- 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through the issuer
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Interest-free financing on purchases
Cons
- No 0% APR balance transfer offer
- Limited list of airline partners
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12-month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
- Is best for those wanting to earn unlimited travel rewards without paying an annual fee
- Lets you earn unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases regardless of spending categories
- Doesn’t charge annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles
- Is our leading business credit card for travel and one of our recommended business credit cards for miles and business credit cards for startups
American Express Business Platinum Card®
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Gaining access to unrivaled travel rewards and luxury travel perks like airport lounge access
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$695
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Premium travel rewards
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- High annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen United States airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$695
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Premium travel rewards
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- High annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen United States airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
- Is a viable option if you want access to airport lounges
- Lets you enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge—1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries around the world
- Offer 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on every purchase of $5,000 or more everywhere else, and 1x points on all other purchases
- Charges $695 in annual fees
- Is our top-recommended business credit card with airport lounges and one of our best business credit cards for travel
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Pros
Cons
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
Pros
Cons
- Is an excellent card if you want better rewards on travel and other expenses
- Lets you earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in four categories for each account anniversary year: travel, shipping purchases, internet/cable/phone services, and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines; also offers 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Lets you transfer earned Chase Ultimate Rewards points to participating airline travel partners at full 1:1 value — meaning one Chase Ultimate Rewards point equals one partner mile/point.
- Charges an annual fee of $95
- Is one of our top business credit cards for travel
Do you need additional options? See our guides on the best Chase business credit cards and the leading small business credit cards.
Bottom Line
UnitedSM Business Card is best for business owners who fly primarily with United Airlines and want to earn rewards for free flights. It’s also a great option for travelers who usually check a bag and travel with a companion. You can earn 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, and another 2x for every dollar spent on dining, eligible delivery services, gas, office supplies, and local transit and commuting.
