Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways · Wednesday, November 4, 2026
United Airlines overhauled its loyalty program in 2026, introducing a rule where its credit cardholders earn double the miles when flying compared to non-cardholders. Megan Coyle and Sally French noted that cardholders earn six miles per dollar on base fares, whereas non-cardholders with no elite status earn three miles per dollar.
“United overhauled their credit card loyalty or they overhauled their entire loyalty program. And one of the big things that they did in this overhaul is they basically said that you will earn more points or more miles on your flight if you hold one of their branded credit cards than if you don't.”
“And just to put a number on it, United cardholders earn double what non-United cardholders earn on these flights. If you're a non-cardholder and you don't have any elite status, you earn three miles per dollar on your base fare, whatever you paid for your fare. A United credit card holder would earn six miles per dollar.”