Buy United MileagePlus Miles with Up to 100% Bonus

Understanding the United Airlines MileagePlus Buy Miles Promotion

United Airlines MileagePlus members have access to a special promotion that allows them to purchase miles with significant bonuses. The offer varies depending on how many miles you buy, and it can provide up to a 100% bonus on your purchase. This promotion is valid through August 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Let’s explore what this means for MileagePlus members.

To take advantage of the promotion, you need to log in to your MileagePlus account using your credentials. Once logged in, you can check whether the promotional offer will provide value based on your specific needs. While some members may be targeted for different offers, the best one currently available gives up to a 100% bonus on certain mile purchases:

• Buy 2,000 to 7,000 miles with no bonus
• Buy 8,000 to 19,000 miles with a 35% bonus
• Buy 20,000 to 49,000 miles with a 65% bonus
• Buy 50,000 to 100,000 miles with a 100% bonus (1.88 cents per mile)

If you are eligible for the 100% bonus, you could receive 200,000 miles for a total of $3,762.50 after taxes. This equates to approximately 1.88 cents per mile. However, it's important to note that this price is still higher than the value United MileagePlus miles typically hold at 1.2 cents per mile.

Evaluating the Value of Purchasing Miles

Let’s consider a practical example. A one-way first-class flight from Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) requires 66,100 miles. Using the promotion, buying those miles would cost about $1,242.68. However, the cash cost of the trip is only $665, making purchasing miles less favorable in this case.

This scenario highlights that buying miles isn’t always the best option. If you have a zero balance in your MileagePlus account, paying cash for the flight might be more cost-effective. However, there are situations where buying miles can make sense.

For instance, award flights to Europe often require 80,000 to 88,000 miles per person in business class. Buying these miles at 1.88 cents each would cost between $1,504 and $1,654.40. In comparison, the cash cost of such flights is usually over $3,000 per person, making the miles a more attractive option.

When Buying Miles Makes Sense

It’s generally not a good idea to buy miles just for the sake of it. However, if you have a specific trip in mind and the cost of buying miles is less than the cash price of the flight, it could be a smart move. Additionally, if you need just a few more miles to book a great redemption, purchasing miles might be worth considering.

If you decide to proceed with buying miles, keep in mind that United sells miles through Points.com. This means the transaction won’t count as an airfare or travel purchase on your credit card. To maximize your rewards, consider using a credit card that offers bonus earnings on everyday spending or a card with a nice sign-up bonus.

Alternative Ways to Earn Miles

Buying miles can be a quick way to boost your MileagePlus account, but it’s not the only option. There are many other ways to earn miles without spending extra cash. These include:

• Charging everyday purchases to a credit card that earns miles
• Taking advantage of sign-up bonuses on travel-related cards
• Participating in loyalty programs that offer miles for shopping or dining
• Using reward apps that provide points for various activities

Final Thoughts

United Airlines is offering MileagePlus members the opportunity to purchase miles with up to a 100% bonus. While there are potential savings, it’s essential to evaluate whether buying miles makes sense for your specific travel needs. Always compare the cost of buying miles to the cash price of the flight you want to book. If the cost of miles is lower and you have a clear travel goal, it could be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to accumulate miles without spending extra cash.