United Launches UK MileagePlus Debit Card With Currensea Ahead of April Rule Changes

Overview

• United introduced a UK debit card in partnership with Currensea and Mastercard, which links to existing UK bank accounts and marks the first US airline rewards debit card available to UK travellers.
• The card costs £175 per year and earns 4 miles per £3 on United purchases and all spending outside Europe, with 2 miles per £3 on other UK and European transactions.
• New customers can earn up to 15,000 miles through a three‑part welcome offer that includes a flight‑based bonus and a foreign‑spend milestone, with annual renewal perks of 500 Premier Qualifying Points and 2,500 miles for £3,000 of foreign spend.
• Card spending earns 1 Premier Qualifying Point per £15 on United transactions or purchases outside the UK, capped at 2,000 PQP per year, and foreign purchases are charged a 0.99% FX fee via Currensea’s rate.
• From April 2, United says eligible co‑brand cardholders will earn more miles on flights and get at least 10% discounts on award tickets with access to additional Saver Award inventory, while non‑cardholders see reduced earning rates.