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Program Comparison

Chase Ultimate Rewards vs United MileagePlus

A detailed comparison of Chase Ultimate Rewards and United MileagePlus to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase

United MileagePlus

United Airlines

None
Alliance
Star Alliance
points
Currency
miles
1-5x points per $1 depending on card and category. Requires Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred for transfer access
Earn Rate
5 base miles per $1 on eligible United flights. Elite bonuses: Silver +40%, Gold +60%, Platinum +80%, 1K +100%
1.8¢ per point
Avg Value
1.2¢ per mile
None
Elite Tiers
Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Global Services
Points do not expire while at least one UR-earning card is open. 30 days to use or transfer points after closing your last UR card
Expiration
Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing
United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, British Airways Avios, Air France FlyingBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan, Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Virgin Atlantic, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards
Transfer Partners
Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards
Flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners
Best For
Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN)

Choose Chase Ultimate Rewards if you...

Flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. Chase's transferable points currency with 13 transfer partners (10 airlines, 3 hotels) at 1:1 ratios, earned through Sapphire, Ink, and Freedom cards.

Choose United MileagePlus if you...

Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN). United Airlines' loyalty program offering miles for flights, upgrades, and partner purchases across the Star Alliance network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Chase Ultimate Rewards or United MileagePlus?

It depends on your travel patterns. Chase Ultimate Rewards is best for flexible travelers who want to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. United MileagePlus is best for frequent domestic us travelers and star alliance flyers based at united hubs (ord, ewr, iah, sfo, den). Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do Chase Ultimate Rewards or United MileagePlus miles expire?

Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points do not expire while at least one UR-earning card is open. 30 days to use or transfer points after closing your last UR card. United MileagePlus: Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.

Can I transfer points between Chase Ultimate Rewards and United MileagePlus?

While you can't transfer directly between Chase Ultimate Rewards and United MileagePlus, they share transfer partners through credit card programs, which can serve as a bridge.

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