United℠ Business Card review: United perks for small-business owners

Although this card’s rewards rates are on par with those of other airline cards, the United Business card outshines many of its competitors with its benefits and travel perks.

First checked bag free for self and companion

When you fly United, you and a companion receive your first checked bags free (if you bought the ticket with your United Business card). Typically, the first bag you check with United has a $35 fee, so using this perk for just one round-trip flight with a companion provides a $70 value. You’ll also receive two annual passes to the United Club and lounge every year you hold the card, so you can relax and have a few snacks while you’re waiting for your next flight.

Yearly statement credit

If you make seven or more United Airlines purchases of at least $100 per year with your business card, you’ll also receive a $100 statement credit.

Luxury hotel perks

There are over 1,000 properties included in the Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection (LHRC), and you’ll receive several extras if you book with your United Business card. Perks include daily breakfast for two, free Wi-Fi and complimentary room upgrades (if available).

Annual 5,000-mile credit

If you happen to also have a personal United credit card, you can earn a 5,000-mile credit every year on your card anniversary as long as both accounts are open.

The card comes with a $99 annual fee, but it’s waived the first year. That’s about average for a travel card. However, some other travel cards (especially personal travel cards) may offer better rewards at the same or a lower cost. 

For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit card carries a comparable annual fee ($95, See Rates and Fees) but earns 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel as well as 2X miles on all other purchases (not just the few categories eligible for 2X rewards on the United Business Card). 

On the plus side, the card carries no foreign transaction fees and a decent APR of 21.99 percent to 28.99 percent (variable), the low end of which is only slightly above the current average credit card interest rate.

There are many business credit cards available, and some are great all-around choices. However, the right card for you will depend on variables like how much you’re willing to spend on an annual fee, your travel habits, your biggest spending categories and your preferred airlines, hotels or credit card issuers.

 Here’s a look at some great alternatives to the United Business card: 

The United Business Card vs. the American Express® Business Gold Card

The American Express® Business Gold Card is a popular business card that offers 70,000 points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases in your first three months of card membership (terms apply). Although this is a hefty spending requirement compared to the United card, American Express points carry a potentially higher value than United Miles.

You’ll also earn 4X points on up to $150,000 per calendar year (then 1X thereafter) in combined purchases in two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle (from 6 eligible categories). You could also earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.

Unlike the United Business Card, the Amex Business Gold offers a customized rewards program that adapts to your spending. Although you’ll only earn boosted rewards in two choice categories, rewards rates in those categories are twice as high as the rates you’ll earn with the United Business Card. 

Assuming you can spend enough to offset the card’s $295 ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24) with rewards earnings, the Amex Business Gold could be a great choice if your expenses consistently fall into two of the card’s bonus categories. Plus, you can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to several different domestic and international airlines, giving them potentially more value than United miles if you pick the right Amex transfer partner.

United Business Card vs. The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Another business card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees is the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Although there is a $95 annual fee, it’s hard to beat the initial 100,000 reward points in Chase Ultimate Rewards you earn if you spend $8,000 in the first three months. You’ll also earn 3X points for the first $150,000 you spend annually on travel and select business purchases.

You can also redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a 25 percent higher value (1.25 cents per point), beating out both the estimated average value of United miles and the base value of Amex points.

Best cards to pair with the United Business Card

If you want a separate United card for your personal travel, the United Gateway Card would be a great choice for pairing with this card. Along with similar rewards rates, the card offers a 0 percent introductory APR period for 12 months on new purchases (21.99 percent to 28.99 percent after), which could help you chip away at the cost of a large purchase while avoiding interest.

You’ll also benefit from a unique United offer: Combining a personal and business United credit card qualifies you to earn an extra 5,000 bonus miles per year. The United Gateway Card comes with no annual fee, so you won’t need to spend another dime out of pocket to be eligible for this benefit, which is worth an average of $45 each year (based on a valuation of 0.9 cents per point).

If you’re a fan of United Airlines and are looking for a new business credit card, then the United Business card may be worth adding to your portfolio. Between the card’s welcome bonus, ongoing rewards and travel perks, it could make your business (or personal) travel easier to manage.

But if you aren’t looking for United-specific perks, want the flexibility to redeem rewards with any airline or don’t spend much in the card’s bonus categories, then you should consider other options. 

For rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold card, please click here.

Information about the United Gateway Card was collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.