Unlocking Travel Perks: A Comprehensive Review of the United Business Card

The United℠ Business Card offers a wealth of benefits for a reasonable annual fee of $150. With features like a free first checked bag on United Airlines flights and ride-hailing statement credits, this card can deliver significant value to small business owners who travel frequently. However, tracking the card’s various monthly benefits may be cumbersome for some. Below, we’ll explore the key features of the United Business Card to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Ideal for small businesses that fly United at least a few times a year, this mid-tier card comes with perks designed to minimize travel-related costs. These include complimentary checked baggage and discounts on in-flight purchases, making it easier for businesses to manage their travel expenses.

Recently, United revamped its entire credit card lineup. While the ongoing annual fee for the United Business Card increased to $150 (after the first year), new benefits such as statement credits and upgrade certificates were introduced to enhance its value. These perks extend beyond travel, so it’s essential to consider how they align with your spending habits.

To improve your chances of approval, aim for a credit score of 670 or higher. If you own a small business and travel with United—even occasionally—applying for the United Business Card could be a smart move.

New cardholders can earn an impressive 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 in the first three months. Based on TPG’s July 2025 valuation of United miles at 1.3 cents each, this bonus is worth around $1,300, not including the bonus PQPs.

This offer is 25,000 miles higher than the standard incentive, making it an attractive option for those considering the card. However, keep in mind that if you currently hold or have held the United Business Card and received a welcome bonus within the last 24 months, you will not be eligible for this offer.

Chase treats the United Business Card as a distinct product from the United Club℠ Business Card and the now-unavailable United Explorer Business Card. Therefore, if you have either of those cards, you are still eligible for the welcome bonus on the United Business Card.

Keep in mind that the United Business Card may fall under Chase’s unpublished 5/24 rule. If you have opened five or more personal credit card accounts in the last 24 months, your application may be denied.

The United Business Card is particularly well-suited for small business owners who do not have United or Star Alliance status but still want to enjoy the benefits associated with United Airlines.

In addition to United-related perks, the card provides a range of statement credits that can help offset its annual fee. However, the value of these credits varies based on your spending habits and preferences. Notable statement credits include:

– Ride-hailing credits
– $125 in United TravelBank cash

While these credits can be beneficial, they require careful monitoring. For instance, businesses that do not use JSX or Instacart may find those credits worthless. Nevertheless, the card’s other benefits can still justify its annual fee.

Additional benefits include:

Regular flyers of United will find that they can easily extract enough value from these perks to make the $150 annual fee worthwhile. However, the card demands attention to detail to effectively track its many advantages. If your business prefers a simpler card experience, this may not be the best choice.

The United Business Card earns:

– 2 miles per dollar spent on United flights
– 2 miles per dollar spent on United Hotels
– 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Despite the attractive earning potential on United flights, the earning rate for hotels may feel restrictive for some business owners. Earning 2 miles per dollar on any hotel purchase would likely be more beneficial.

According to TPG’s July 2025 valuations, you can expect a 9.1% return on United flights, a 6.5% return on United Hotels, and a 2.6% return on other spending categories. For all other eligible purchases, you earn 1 mile per dollar, translating to a 1.3% return.

When compared to the United Club Business Card, the United Business Card offers stronger earning potential in key business-related categories. However, every business has unique needs, and some may prefer the United Club Business Card’s 1.5 miles per dollar on non-bonused spending.

United miles can be redeemed for award travel on United, other Star Alliance airlines, and partner airlines. It’s important to note that United employs dynamic award pricing, which can make it challenging to predict the cost of an award ticket until you’re ready to book. However, this pricing model can also lead to more affordable award flights in certain situations.

For example, TPG credit card writer Chris Nelson enjoys booking United economy saver fares, which can start from as low as 24,600 miles for medium-haul transatlantic flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to European destinations like Keflavik and Edinburgh.

The most value from your United miles typically comes from booking flights. Other redemption options include transferring your miles to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio, although this is often not the most lucrative option unless you need to top off your Marriott balance.

If you’re considering competitors to the United Business Card, there are several other business credit cards that also allow you to earn United miles on your purchases.

In conclusion, the United Business Card offers a range of United Airlines benefits and partner perks that can justify its $150 annual fee for the right small business owners, freelancers, and side hustlers. However, if your business cannot fully utilize the card’s perks or if you’re not aiming for United elite status, you may find more value in a general business credit card.

If your business can naturally leverage the credits offered by this card or is focused on achieving United elite status, the United Business Card is likely a worthwhile investment.

For more information or to apply, visit: United Business Card.

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