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

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

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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 earn a large number of 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 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 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 for at least 30,000 miles
United℠ Explorer Card Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. When the offer is for at least 60,000 miles
United Quest℠ Card Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. When the offer is for at least 90,000 miles 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 for at least 90,000 miles; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
United℠ Business Card Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. When the offer is for at least 100,000 miles; bonus PQPs sweeten the deal
United Club℠ Business Card Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. When the offer is for at least 100,000 miles; 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*
October 2026 to now Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 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 $600 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
April to October 2026 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. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening. Up to $480 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
August 2025 to April 2026 Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $360
July to August 2025 Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $240
May to July 2025 Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $360
January to May 2025 Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $240
November 2024 to January 2025 Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $360
August to November 2024 Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $240
June to August 2024 Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $360
March to June 2024 Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $240
November 2023 to March 2024 Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $360
August to November 2023 Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $240

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

Highest welcome offer

This card’s highest-ever welcome offer is the current offer of up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 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

When at least 30,000 miles are offered.

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 occasional United flyers, like two United Club passes and a free checked bag when you pay for your flight with your card.

United Explorer card art

Welcome offer history

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

Approximate date Offer Value*
October 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 $960 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
May to October 2026 Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles: Earn 50,000 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 $720 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
April to May 2026 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 $960 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
January to April 2026 Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $840
May 2025 to January 2026 Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $720
March to May 2025 Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960
November 2024 to March 2025 Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $720
August to November 2024 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600
June to August 2024 Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $720
March to June 2024 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600
November 2023 to March 2024 Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $720
October to November 2023 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600
June to October 2023 Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $720

*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 in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend waiting to apply until this card offers at least 60,000 miles.

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

Welcome offer history

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

Approximate date Offer Value*
October 2026 to now Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs: Earn 500 PQPs after your first purchase and 80,000 bonus miles 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 $1,080 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
May to October 2026 Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 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 $840 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
April to May 2026 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 $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January 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. $960 (not including the value of the PQPs)
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. $840 (not including the value of the 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. $1,200 (not including the value of the 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. $1,080 (not including the value of the 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. $840 (not including the value of the 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. $720 (not including the value of the 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. $840 (not including the value of the PQPs)
March to June 2024 Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $720 (not including the value of the 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. $840 (not including the value of the 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. $720 (not including the value of the 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 bonus 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 at least 90,000 miles — 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.

United Club card picture

Welcome offer history

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

Approximate date Offer Value*
October 2026 to now Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening. Up to $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
May to October 2026 Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles: Earn 80,000 bonus miles 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 $1,080 (including the miles from adding an authorized user)
April to May 2026 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 $1,320 (including the miles 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. $1,080
July to November 2025 Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960
May to July 2025 Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,080
March to May 2025 Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,140
November 2024 to March 2025 Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,080
August to November 2024 Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960
June to August 2024 Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,080
January to June 2024 Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960
November 2023 to January 2024 Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,080
August to November 2023 Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960

*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 offer was for 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 at least 90,000 miles. 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 United Business Card, which has a $150 annual fee, may be the best pick for you.

Hands holding credit cards

Welcome offer history

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

Approximate date Offer Value*
October 2026 to now Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 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 $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
April to October 2026 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 $1,320 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January to April 2026 Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,200 (not including the value of the PQPs)
November 2025 to January 2026 Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900 (not including the value of the PQPs)
July to November 2025 Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,200 (not including the value of the PQPs)
May to July 2025 Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900 (not including the value of the PQPs)
March to May 2025 Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,500
April 2024 to March 2025 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900
January to April 2024 Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,200
November 2023 to January 2024 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600
October to November 2023 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900
June to October 2023 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600

*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 earning 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

Your best bet is to apply when this card’s welcome offer is for at least 100,000 miles. 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.

Hands holding credit cards

Welcome offer history

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

Approximate date Offer Value*
October 2026 to now Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 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 $1,200 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
April to October 2026 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 $1,320 (including the miles from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)
January to April 2026 Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,200 (not including the value of the PQPs)
November 2025 to January 2026 Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960 (not including the value of the PQPs)
July to November 2025 Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,200 (not including the value of the PQPs)
May to July 2025 Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $960 (not including the value of the PQPs)
March to May 2025 Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $1,500
August 2024 to March 2025 Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600 (not including the value of the PQPs)
January to August 2024 Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 1,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900 (not including the value of the PQPs)
October 2023 to January 2024 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900
June to October 2023 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $600

*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 in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

We recommend prospective cardholders wait for a welcome offer of at least 100,000 miles 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:

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thepointsguy.com