UNITED AIRLINES LAUNCHES NEW DEBIT CARD ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Travel for 2026 couldn't be more up in the air. In the midst of an impactful shutdown, everyone from airlines to hotels isn't sure what the future holds. Assuming things get back on track, Skyscanner , which is a service that specializes in finding cheap flights, recently surveyed over 2,000 American travelers to gauge their plans for 2026, and the future looks… personal.

"Whether it’s building a trip around a must-stay ‘destination hotel,’ getting lost in a new favorite book on a reading retreat, or bringing the whole family along for the journey, travel will become more curated, grounded, and uniquely personal," says Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner. "Price, though, is still a factor and travelers are continuing to spend carefully. They’re planning with greater purpose, shaping trips that reflect who they are and what matters most, at a price that’s right for them. The shift is clear: it’s not about getting away from real life – it’s about bringing who you are and what you love along for the ride.”

Price remains a primary concern for Americans. If you have the luxury to travel, you want to do it affordably. That's where opportunities like travel cards can make the most sense. Signing up for a travel credit card can feel like a huge commitment, especially with annual fees and the risk of not using it. That’s why airlines are offering more debit-reward-based options, such as United's new MileagePlus debit rewards card.

This opportunity allows cardholders to earn miles for spending as well as saving.

How the debit rewards card works

The mileage program is based on earning points from qualifying purchases. The new Mileage Plus Debit Rewards Visa debit card can be used for dining, retail, groceries, and more, with additional benefits for flight-specific purchases like bags, onboard snacks, and flights themselves.

"We're constantly looking for new ways to add value and optionality for our members, and a debit card is a natural next step," said Bob Daly, United's Managing Director of Global Co-Brand Cards in a statement. "The United MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card offers customers an additional way to earn miles whether they're spending on United flights and everyday purchases or saving and making plans for the future."

The airline is offering 10,000 bonus miles for new accounts that spend at least $500 within the first four months. There's a 2,500-mile annual bonus after spending $10,000 with the debit card. There are no monthly fees for balances above $2,000, but a $4 monthly fee applies to balances below that mark.

Travelers can earn miles in a straightforward way: on United purchases, cardholders earn one mile per $1 spent; for all other purchases, they earn one mile per $2 spent.

Related: United adds new flights across Europe starting next summer

Who should consider it?

Travelers who benefit most are those who regularly fly United or use its loyalty program and prefer a flexible debit-card option.

Ideal traveler profiles:

• Frequent United flyers who want to earn miles on everyday spending and savings, not just flights.
• Budget-conscious travelers who prefer a debit card (with no required credit check) and want travel rewards without a credit-card commitment.
• Active loyalty-program members who can meet thresholds (e.g., $10,000 annual spend or $2,000 average daily balance) to unlock bonus miles and benefits.

Because the card includes miles both for spending and qualifying savings balances (plus bonus offers for new members) and no monthly fee for balances above $2,000, it appeals particularly to travelers who:

• Already carry some balance in a linked account.
• Use their travel loyalty program regularly and value extra miles.
• Prefer using a debit card for primary spending rather than a credit card.

Related: United Airlines launches new nonstop route between Monterey and Chicago

In short, if you fly often with United, track miles, and spend or save enough to take advantage of the perks, this card is a strong fit.

2025-11-04T17:09:59Z