United Airlines just made loyalty simpler—and smarter. The world’s largest airline has introduced a new way for travelers to earn MileagePlus® miles not only when they fly but also when they spend and even when they save. The freshly launched MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card combines everyday debit card convenience with the kind of perks usually reserved for premium credit cards—and it’s powered by Galileo, SoFi’s leading tech platform.

This isn’t your standard airline debit card. It’s a strategic move by United to bridge loyalty and financial technology in one sleek product that rewards members from the moment they swipe or stash cash in their account.

What’s New: Miles for Spending and Saving

The headline feature? Double rewards power. Cardmembers earn miles through purchases and through maintaining qualifying account balances. For travelers who prefer debit to credit, this is a compelling middle ground—control your spending, skip credit checks, and still earn toward your next adventure.

At launch, new members get a 10,000-mile welcome bonus after approval and spending $500 within four months—a simple, low-barrier entry point compared to traditional airline cards that often require thousands in spending or high annual fees.

Here’s how the earning structure breaks down:

• 1 mile per $1 spent on United purchases (flights, bags, onboard snacks, etc.)
• 1 mile per $2 spent on other eligible purchases (restaurants, groceries, retail, and more)
• 2,500 bonus miles each year after spending $10,000
• Extra miles for saving: account balances can earn anywhere from 2,500 to 70,000 miles annually, depending on your average daily balance

To put that in perspective: keeping an average balance of $10,000 could net you 15,000 extra miles a year — roughly enough for a domestic round-trip flight.

A Loyalty Program That Keeps Evolving

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to add value and optionality for our members,” said Bob Daly, United’s Managing Director of Global Co-Brand Cards. “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.”

It’s a clear reflection of where the airline loyalty space is heading: blending travel rewards with daily financial habits. The MileagePlus program—often rated among the world’s best—already stands out for its no blackout dates, miles that never expire, and award ticket flexibility. Now, United is expanding that ecosystem beyond flying.

This move also makes sense strategically. Consumers are increasingly cautious about credit—especially younger travelers and digital nomads who value flexibility over long-term debt. A debit card that rewards everyday transactions meets that demand head-on.

Built for Travelers Who Like Control

Unlike many travel rewards credit cards, this debit option doesn’t require a credit check, meaning your application won’t impact your credit score. It’s issued by Sunrise Banks, N.A., a socially responsible B Corp and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and backed by Visa, ensuring global acceptance.

Cardmembers can easily:

• Lock or unlock their card via the app
• Set spending limits
• Track rewards growth in real time
• Avoid monthly fees by maintaining a $2,000+ balance

It’s a setup designed for travelers who want the perks without the pitfalls—no interest rates, no annual fees, and no surprise credit inquiries.

The Tech Behind It: Galileo’s Role

The MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card is powered by Galileo, SoFi’s technology arm known for its modern, API-driven payment infrastructure. Galileo enables fintechs and major brands to build flexible, customer-first financial solutions, and this partnership shows how airlines can now create seamless, loyalty-driven banking experiences.

As Bill Kennedy, Galileo’s Interim CEO and CFO, noted:

“It’s a great example of how leading brands can use Galileo’s modern platform to move quickly, meet customer demand, and create differentiated loyalty experiences.”

This fintech partnership isn’t just about payments—it’s about ecosystem thinking. United isn’t just rewarding miles for purchases; it’s building an integrated financial loop that keeps customers engaged between trips.

United’s Growing Loyalty Strategy

This launch fits neatly into United’s broader vision of customer retention and data-driven loyalty innovation. In recent years, airlines have leaned heavily into fintech partnerships—American Airlines with Citi and Bilt, Delta with Amex, and now United with Galileo. But United’s approach stands out: it’s targeting debit users, a segment long overlooked in airline loyalty.

According to a 2024 Forrester study, over 60% of U.S. consumers prefer debit for everyday spending, yet most travel rewards are still credit-focused. United is clearly betting on that shift—recognizing that today’s travelers are more financially cautious, tech-savvy, and rewards-driven than ever.

How It Compares

Compared with competitors, the MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card is refreshingly inclusive. Delta’s SkyMiles® Debit Card (via SunTrust/Truist) was among the few debit products offering airline miles, but it didn’t include the “earn-by-saving” model United now introduces. Likewise, fintech-linked debit products like Revolut’s Travel Rewards or Wise’s cashback promotions fall short in tying directly to airline loyalty ecosystems.

In short, United’s product merges banking and travel rewards in a way that feels both modern and practical. It aligns perfectly with how travelers manage money in 2025—digitally, globally, and reward-minded.

The Bigger Picture: Loyalty Meets Fintech

This move represents a broader trend: airlines and fintechs are merging ecosystems. United’s partnership with Galileo and Sunrise Banks is part of a wave of innovation where travel brands are evolving into lifestyle platforms—offering payment solutions, savings tools, and travel perks in one unified experience.

It’s not just about earning miles anymore; it’s about integrating loyalty into every transaction.

As United puts it: “Good leads the way.” And in this case, it’s leading toward a future where your debit card could be as powerful a travel companion as your boarding pass.

Conclusion

With the MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card, United Airlines has taken a bold and timely step in loyalty innovation—turning everyday banking into a rewarding travel experience. It’s a strategic response to shifting consumer behavior, offering flexibility, transparency, and tangible value.

For travelers who want to earn miles without taking on credit, this is easily one of the most forward-thinking debit products in the market. It’s a signal that airline loyalty isn’t just about flights anymore—it’s about lifestyle, spending habits, and smart financial ecosystems.