United revamps and enhances cobranded credit card PQPs for 2024
United Airlines has announced its plans to implement a few changes to its United MileagePlus program in 2024. Though Delta SkyMiles made waves after significantly increasing elite status requirements, United will not be raising the requirements for elite status in the new year.
According to a United spokesperson, the changes for 2024 are focused on enhancing how members can earn Premier qualifying points through qualifying purchases on United MileagePlus credit cards issued by Chase. This change aims to make it even more convenient for members to achieve Premier status by increasing their card spending.
During an earnings call on Oct. 18th, United confirmed that it would not be raising the Premier elite status requirements for the 2025 membership cycle.
So, what are the specific changes that United is implementing, and how will they impact your qualification for status in the coming year?
No increase in United status requirements for next year
In a statement to TPG, United said:
We're staying loyal to MileagePlus members the same way they've remained loyal to us by keeping 2023 Premier status qualification requirements in place for 2024. That includes continuing to give members a head start with PQP deposits, which they'll receive once again in early 2024 to use toward their status goals.
United elite members will likely find it encouraging that the airline has decided not to raise the requirements for elite status, especially considering it had already reinstated pre-coronavirus pandemic criteria earlier this year.
To assist elite members in maintaining their status, United made one-time deposits of Premier qualifying flights into their accounts when reverting to the pre-pandemic requirements. When it brought pre-pandemic status requirements back, the airline committed to providing the same PQP deposits on Feb. 1, 2023, and Feb. 1, 2024. So, expect another PQP deposit early next year based on the status you earn this year.
Unfortunately, the airline has decided to cut PQP deposits in half for 2024:
- Premier Silver: 250 PQPs
- Premier Gold: 500 PQPs
- Premier Platinum: 1,000 PQPs
- Premier 1K: 1,250 PQPs
Nevertheless, numerous United elite members are disgruntled with the lack of complimentary upgrades, crowded United Club lounges and the inability to utilize PlusPoints (the airline's upgrade currency) for desirable upgrades before they expire. With higher elite status requirements, the airline would likely see a decrease in elite members, which could theoretically help solve these service shortcomings.
Related: United's best kept elite status secret: How to earn PQPs faster with partner flights
United status changes in 2024: 25 PQPs per $500
Here's the big change: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, you'll earn 25 PQPs per $500 spent on an eligible cobranded United credit card instead of 500 PQPs for every $12,000.
This will effectively allow cardholders to earn PQPs 20% faster than before. Additionally, by reducing PQP bonus deposits from every $12,000 to every $500, it will become easier to earn PQPs from United credit cards.
Let's assume you spend $24,000 on the United Quest Card. Here's how your earnings will change:
| 2023 earnings (500 PQPs per $12,000) | 2024 earnings (25 PQPs per $500) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 PQPs | 1,200 PQPs |
To be clear, each United credit card can earn a maximum number of PQPs from card spending in a calendar year.
Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status
Increasing the maximum PQPs from the United Club Infinite Card
In 2024, cardmembers will earn up to 10,000 PQPs from qualifying purchases on the United Club Infinite Card, up from 8,000 PQPs in 2023. At a rate of 25 PQPs per $500 spent, you'd need to spend $200,000 on the United Club Infinite Card to earn the full 10,000 PQPs in 2024.
There haven't been any changes to the maximum PQPs from United's other credit cards, including the United Explorer Card (up to 1,000 PQPs), the United Business Card (up to 1,000 PQPs) and the United Quest Card (up to 6,000 PQPs).
Related: United Club Infinite Card review: 80,000 bonus miles and lounge access
No more cap of 15,000 PQPs
Currently, if you have multiple MileagePlus credit cards, you can earn up to 15,000 PQPs on eligible card spending in a calendar year per MileagePlus account.
In 2024, this restriction will be eliminated. If you have multiple United credit cards, you can distribute your spending across various MileagePlus credit cards without being limited by a universal cap. Just remember, each card has its own specific cap for earning PQPs.
Related: The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
Simplifying card PQPs for Premier 1K
As it stands now, unless you're earning PQPs with the United Presidential Plus Card or the United Presidential Plus Business Card, you still need to earn the 54 PQFs to qualify for Premier 1K status. Card-earned PQPs don't count toward Premier 1K status unless you meet the PQF requirement, too.
The information for the United Presidential Plus and United Presidential Plus Business cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Starting next year, that stipulation is also being eliminated — all card-earned PQPs will now count toward each status level, including the PQP-only requirement for Premier 1K status.
Related: What is United Airlines elite status worth?
Bottom line
United customers who barely meet the status requirements for their tier can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that United will not be raising the status requirements for the 2025 membership cycle.
We're pleased to see the airline is making some customer-friendly changes to how its suite of cobranded credit cards can help you qualify for elite status.