Update 4/2/26: These changes are now live, rebook if advantageous.
United has announced changes that benefit United cardholders.
Rewards Earned From Flights
One change ishow rewards are earned when booking flights, with Chase United cardholders set to benefit and everybody else will be worse off. The new changes will go into effect for tickets purchased on or after April 2, 2026. The new earn rates are as follows:
The old or current earn rates are as follows:
Seems like cardholders are one points off better and non cardholders are two point off worse? You also still get the bonus from your credit card as well. Basic economy earning will also be restricted to elites or cardholders.
Award Discounts
Cardholders will save at least 10% on every flight they book and 15% with Premier status.
Award Space
Cardholders will also get access to Saver Award inventory in United Polaris® Business Class. Previously this was only available to loyalty members with Platinum and 1K status.
Our Verdict
These days loyalty programs and credit cards are really the ones driving airlines to any level of profitability so it’s not a huge surprise that United wants to encourage more loyalty members to become cardholders. For most people actual travel doesn’t drive a meaningful amount of miles/points anyway (especially when we are talking about a few points per $1 spent), I can still see elites being upset at these changes especially access to award inventory.
Overall I think this is a devaluation for consumers overall and an interesting way to do one.
