The United Business Credit Card is a vital financial tool for businesses that frequently utilize United Airlines for their travel needs. As one of the leading business credit cards tailored for airline rewards, it offers a variety of perks and benefits to enhance business travel experiences while delivering value through rewards, miles, and exclusive travel privileges. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the numerous benefits, features, fees, and eligibility requirements of the United Business Credit Card, providing you with a detailed and rich guide on how this card can benefit your business.
Key Benefits of the United Business Credit Card
1. Earning United MileagePlus Miles
One of the main selling points of the United Business Credit Card is its ability to earn United MileagePlus miles. These miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. Businesses can accumulate miles quickly by spending on everyday purchases and through bonus categories specifically targeted to business needs.
- 2x Miles on United Purchases: Earn double miles on every purchase made with United Airlines. This includes airfare, in-flight services, and other United-related transactions.
- 2x Miles on Dining, Gas Stations, and Office Supply Stores: These are essential categories for most businesses, allowing you to earn double miles on common expenses such as client dinners, fuel, and office supplies.
- 1x Miles on All Other Purchases: For every other purchase, you will earn 1 mile per dollar spent, ensuring that you continue to accumulate miles no matter what you’re buying.
The ability to earn miles through everyday business expenditures makes this card particularly appealing for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards potential.
2. United Travel Perks and Privileges
The United Business Credit Card offers a suite of travel-related benefits that elevate the business travel experience. These perks make traveling easier and more comfortable for cardholders and their employees.
- Priority Boarding: Cardholders receive priority boarding privileges, allowing you to board earlier and secure overhead space for your carry-on luggage. This can be crucial when traveling with important business materials or simply avoiding the stress of crowded boarding areas.
- Free Checked Bag: One of the standout features of the United Business Credit Card is the ability to check your first bag for free on United flights. This benefit extends to one companion traveling on the same reservation, potentially saving you up to $140 per round trip.
- United Club Passes: Enjoy two one-time passes to United Club lounges each year. These lounges offer a peaceful environment to relax or catch up on work during layovers, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, and snacks.
- Inflight Discounts: Receive 25% back on United inflight purchases such as food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, further enhancing your travel experience while saving you money on in-flight essentials.
These travel perks provide substantial value for business owners and employees who frequently fly with United Airlines, offering convenience, savings, and an overall better travel experience.
Business-Focused Features
1. Employee Cards at No Additional Cost
The United Business Credit Card allows you to issue additional cards to your employees at no extra cost. This feature is essential for businesses with traveling employees, allowing them to earn rewards and access benefits while making necessary business purchases.
- Centralized Billing: All charges made by your employees appear on a single statement, making it easy to track expenses and manage your budget.
- Rewards for Employee Spending: Miles are accumulated from all employee cardholder purchases, enabling your business to maximize its rewards potential.
2. Expense Management Tools
Efficiently managing business expenses is crucial for keeping your business running smoothly. The United Business Credit Card provides a range of expense management tools designed to simplify this process.
- Detailed Statements: Receive itemized statements that categorize expenses by the type of transaction and the employee making the purchase. This enables better tracking of expenditures and aids in tax preparation.
- Integration with Accounting Software: Easily integrate your credit card transactions with popular accounting software platforms like QuickBooks, helping streamline financial tracking and reporting.
These features provide greater control over your business’s spending and give you the tools needed to ensure accountability and accuracy in your financial records.
Sign-Up Bonus and Introductory Offers
1. Generous Mileage Bonus
The United Business Credit Card often comes with an attractive sign-up bonus, allowing new cardholders to earn a substantial number of United MileagePlus miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening the account. This bonus can significantly boost your mileage balance and help you take advantage of free flights or upgrades sooner.
For instance, you may receive up to 75,000 bonus miles after spending a certain amount within the first three months. These offers can vary over time, so it’s essential to check for the latest promotions when applying for the card.
2. Low Introductory APR on Purchases
New cardholders may also benefit from an introductory APR offer on purchases, allowing you to finance business expenses with little to no interest during the promotional period. This can be particularly helpful if your business has upcoming large purchases or investments.
Annual Fee and Other Costs
The United Business Credit Card carries an annual fee of $99, which is waived for the first year. While this fee may seem high, the travel perks and rewards potential often far outweigh the cost for businesses that frequently use United Airlines.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a significant benefit for businesses that conduct transactions abroad. You won’t be charged extra for purchases made outside the United States, allowing you to conduct business internationally without incurring additional costs.
Who Should Consider the United Business Credit Card?
The United Business Credit Card is best suited for businesses that frequently use United Airlines for their travel needs. The card offers substantial travel perks, valuable rewards, and business-focused tools that can help make managing your company’s expenses easier.
Businesses with frequent travel requirements will find the free checked bag, priority boarding, and United Club passes to be significant advantages. Additionally, companies that spend heavily in categories such as dining, gas stations, and office supplies can quickly accumulate miles through the card’s bonus rewards structure.
Furthermore, the ability to issue employee cards at no additional cost makes this card a good fit for businesses with traveling employees, allowing them to earn miles and enjoy travel perks while staying within the company’s budget.
Final Thoughts
The United Business Credit Card is a strong choice for businesses that regularly fly with United Airlines. With its robust rewards program, travel perks, and business tools, this card can provide significant value, especially for companies looking to optimize their travel-related expenses. The annual fee is easily justified by the card’s perks, particularly if your business frequently travels or you can take full advantage of the rewards and bonuses.
