Summer camp is a rite of passage. A place where traditions begin and memories are made. A unique venue with a structured opportunity for kids to grow and learn new skills. As enriching as it may seem, embarking on the process each year can be intense: How do I choose a camp? Should it have a philosophy? How do I know my child will have fun? But often the question at the top of the list is, “How do I budget for summer camp?”
Whether you’re scrambling for camp arrangements for this year or getting a jump-start on next summer, you’re in need of a working budget for summer camp. “As a parent who sent several kids to summer camp for many years, I know how expensive it can be,” says Leslie H. Tayne, author and founder of debt solutions law firm Tayne Law Group.
Read on for expert budgeting tips for summer camp and how to save money on summer camp so you can make the best decisions concerning your wallet and your child’s wish list:
1. Get a handle on camp tuition
According to the American Camp Association, sleep-away camp tuition can range from $630 to more than $2,000 per camper per week. Day camp tuition isn’t too far behind, ranging from $199 to more than $800 per week.
One of the best ways to budget for summer camp and prepare for tuition costs is to understand your needs for the summer as well as your child’s interests. This will help you determine ‘how much’ and ‘what type’ of camp you want: Is day-camp coverage important all summer because of work? Does your child want to experience sleep-away camp for a portion of the time? Is a camp with a specific focus (say a sport or hobby) on the list?
Depending on your circumstances and child’s expectations, it’s not unusual to be looking at a combination of campsâand tuition costsâin one season. If you have multiple kids at different ages, with different interests, creating a budget for summer camp and understanding how much you’ll need to dish out in tuition becomes especially important.
Once your camp plan is in place, assess how much you’ll need to pay in tuition for the summer months with school out of session. The sooner you’ve arrived at this figure, the easier it will be to work the expense into your household budget, says Heather Schisler, money-saving expert and founder of deal site Passion for Savings. “It’s much easier to set aside $30 a month than it is to come up with $300 to $400 at one time,” Schisler says.
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Sleep-away camp tuition can range from $630 to more than $2,000 per camper per week. Day camp tuition ranges from $199 to more than $800 per week.
2. Plan for expenses beyond tuition
One of the biggest budgeting tips for summer camp is planning for the many costs outside of tuition. Tayne points out that sleep-away camp usually comes with a longer supply list than day campâsuch as specific clothing or gear and toiletries to cover the length of stay. If your child is heading to a sleep-away camp far from home, your budget for summer camp may also need to factor in the cost of transportation or the cost to ship luggage. Day camps can also have fees for extended hours or transportation if your child rides a camp bus each day.
Once you’ve selected a campâday camp or sleep-awayâcheck its website for camper packing lists and guidelines. Most camps offer checklists that you can print out, which can be good for tracking supplies and costs as you go. After you enroll, your camp may provide access to an online portal that can help you manage tuition and track additional expenses, like canteen money, which is cash your child can use for snacks and additional supplies while away.
3. Create a year-round savings strategy
By calculating the necessary expenses ahead of time for the camps you and your campers have chosen, you’ll be able to determine an overall budget for summer camp. A budgeting tip for summer camp is to save money monthly throughout the year. To determine a monthly savings goal, divide your total summer camp costs by the amount of months you have until camp starts. If camp is quickly approaching and you’re feeling the budget crunch, you may want to start saving for next year’s costs once it’s back-to-school time so you can spread out your costs over a longer period of time.
Once you start saving, you’ll need a place to put it, right? When it comes to budgeting tips for summer camp, consider placing your cash in a dedicated account, which will keep it separate from your regular expenses and help you avoid tapping it for other reasons. “Then you can have your bank set up an auto draft [for the summer camp money] so it automatically goes into your account each month and you will have the money you need when summer rolls around,” Schisler says. If you use a Discover Online Savings Account for this purpose, you’ll also earn interest that can be put toward camp expenses.
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âIt’s much easier to set aside $30 a month than it is to come up with $300 to $400 at one time.â
4. Find ways to fund your summer camp account
To boost cash in your summer camp savings account, consider asking relatives and family friends to gift your children cash for camp in lieu of birthday and holiday gifts, says Tracie Fobes of budget blog Penny Pinchin’ Mom. “If your child has his or her heart set on sleep-away camp, they may be willing to forgo a gift or two,” Fobes says.
Another budgeting tip for summer camp is to put your cashback rewards toward your budget for summer camp. For example, if you open a checking account with Discoverâcalled Cashback Debitâyou’ll earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.1 You can enroll to have that cashback bonus automatically deposited into your Discover Online Savings Account so it remains designated for camp costs (and can grow with interest).
Say hello to
cash back on debit
card purchases.
No monthly fees.
No balance requirements.
No, really.
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Discover Bank, Member FDIC
Lastly, if you don’t have your tax refund earmarked for another financial goal, you could use the windfall to kick-start your summer camp savings fund. Depending on the refund amount and your total camp costs, it could reduce your monthly summer camp savings goal significantly.
5. Reduce camp-related costs
Despite having your budget for summer camp in full view and planning in advance, camp can still be expensive. Here are some ways to save money on summer camp by cutting down on camp costs:
- Ask about scholarships and grants: “Some camps offer scholarships or discounts for children and families,” Fobes says. Research your camp to see if they have anything similar to help offsetâor even pay forâthe cost of tuition.
- Use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA): A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account is a pre-tax benefit account that can be used to pay for eligible dependent care services. You can use this type of account to “cover dependent care [costs], and camp may qualify,” Fobes says.
- Negotiate price: “Many people don’t think about negotiating the cost of summer camp, but it is possible,” Tayne says, and more and more camps are open to it.
- See if there’s an “honor system”: Some camps have what’s known as an honor system, where the camp offers a range of costs, or tiered pricing, and parents can pay what they can comfortably afford. Every child enjoys the same camp experience, regardless of which price point, and billing is kept private.
- Take advantage of discounts: Attention early birds and web surfers: “There are sometimes discounts offered when you sign up early or register online,” Fobes says.
- Volunteer: If your summer schedule allows, “offer to work at the camp,” Fobes says. If you lend your servicesâperhaps for the camp blog or cleaning the camp house before the season startsâyour child may be able to attend camp for free or a reduced rate.
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Focus on the experienceânot the extras
Don’t let summer camp costs become a family budget-buster. Plan ahead and look for money-saving opportunities and work your budget for summer camp into your annual financial plan.
To save money on summer camp, remember that you only need to focus on camp necessities. “Don’t spend a lot of extra money on new clothing, bedding, trunks or suitcases,” Schisler says. “Remember, summer camp is all about the experience, not the things.”
1 ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo® and PayPal
, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The post Your Guide to Budgeting for Summer Camp appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.
Source: discover.com
How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is on the rise. Millions of Americans are in over their heads. Theyâre losing sleep, losing control, and worried about what the future will hold. But there are solutions, and consolidation is one of the best.
Consolidation works by âconsolidatingâ multiple debts into one. Itâs the perfect solution for mounting debt, one that doesnât destroy your credit score, liquidate your assets, or make it difficult to acquire mortgages and personal loans in the future.
With that said, letâs look at some of the best ways to consolidate credit card debt.
Option 1: Do It Yourself
The idea of debt consolidation essentially boils down to acquiring a large, low-interest loan and using that to repay multiple high-interest debts. If your credit score is high enough, you can get that loan yourself, clear your credit card debts, and then focus on repaying the loan.
Do It Yourself Consolidation Explained
The average credit card APR is close to 20%. If you have a balance of $10,000 and a monthly payment of $300, this APR will cost you over $4,700 in total interest and your debt will be repaid in just over 4 years. If you were to acquire a $10,000 personal loan at a respectable rate of 8% over the same 4 years, youâll pay just under $1,800 in interest.
Thatâs a saving of nearly $3,000 over 4 years, and itâs based on an 8% rate (lower rates are available) and on the assumption that you donât accumulate any credit card penalty fees or penalty APRs, which are very common on rolling balances.
Pros
- You Will Save Money: As noted above, this process could save you a lot of money over the long-term and will also free up some additional cash in the short-term.
- Complete Control: You donât have to worry about company fees and service charges; you donât need to concern yourself with hidden terms. With this credit card consolidation option, you are in complete control.
- Easy on Your Credit Score: While your credit score will take an initial hit because of the loan inquiry and the new account, as soon as you use that loan to clear your credit card debts you should see an improvement. Just remember to keep those cleared cards active, otherwise, your credit utilization ratio will drop.
Cons
- Good Credit Needed: For this option to be viable, you will need an excellent score. Anything less and you may struggle to be accepted for a low-interest loan. Letâs be honest, if youâre struggling with growing credit card debt, the odds of you having a flawless credit score are pretty slim.
- On Your Own: While there are benefits to doing everything by yourself, it can also be a little time consuming, and if you donât know what youâre doing, it can be intimidating.
Option 2: Work with a Debt Management Company
Credit counseling agencies can help you manage your debt by working with your creditors. A new payment structure will be created, and your money will go straight to the agency, after which it will be released to your creditors.
Debt Management Consolidation Explained
To begin the process, search for reputable debt management services in your area. They will assess your situation and determine if you are a good fit for the program. Some charge fees, some donât, but all will serve as an intermediary between you and your creditors.
Every month you will make a single payment and the money will then go to your creditors. The agency will negotiate reduced payments by bringing the interest rates down and removing fees, therefore making these debts cheaper and more manageable.
ProsÂ
- Professional Help: Get quality support from an experienced debt management company, one that will assume control and take the stress away.
- Cheap: This is one of the cheapest and most cost-effective ways to clear your credit card debt, greatly reducing your total interest repayments.
Cons
- Fees: Some debt management companies charge fees for their services, although these tend to be nominal and youâll still save more money in the long-term.
- Canceled Contract: If you fail to make one of the agreed-upon repayments, your creditors may cancel the improved contract and revert back to the previous terms, erasing all the agencyâs hard work.
Option 3: Balance Transfer
A balance transfer is a promotion offered on new credit cards. It invites you to move your balance from your current card to a new one, and in exchange, it offers a period of 0% interest.Â
You will need to pay a balance transfer fee, and this is typically charged at between 3 and 5% of the total transfer amount, but itâs often one of the cheapest and easiest ways to consolidate credit card debt.
Balance Transfer Consolidation Explained
As an example of how balance transfers work, letâs imagine that you have three credit cards, each with a maxed-out balance of $10,000 and an APR of 20%. If youâre repaying $300 a month, thatâs $900 a month and in 4 years and 2 months, youâll pay around $14,000 in interest to clear the full $30,000.
Alternatively, you can move all three balances onto a single balance transfer card with a $30,000 limit. Immediately, that balance could grow to $31,500. If you continue paying $900 a month and the balance transfer period lasts for 18 months, the balance will be just $15,300 when interest begins to accrue again. And if you use that 18-month period to initiate a debt repayment strategy, you could clear it in full and avoid paying any interest.
ProsÂ
- Multiple Balances Can be Consolidated: You can consolidate multiple credit card balances, providing youâre not moving them to the same creditor.
- No Interest Repayment: If you plan it properly, you can repay your balance in full before accruing any interest.
- Available to Everyone: Credit cards are generally easier to acquire than low-interest personal loans and you wonât need an excellent credit score to get a good one.
Cons Â
- Higher Interest: The interest rate and fees may be higher once the 0% balance transfer period ends. If you use the intro period to avoid repayments and not to clear your debt, you could find yourself in serious trouble when interest begins to accumulate again.
- Large Limits May be Difficult: The bigger your current credit card balances are, the harder it will be to get a balance transfer card with a large enough limit.
- Fees: Although itâs a great option for consolidating credit card debt, itâs not completely free, as youâll pay an initial balance transfer fee.
Option 4: Debt Consolidation Loans
Some companies offer specific loans tailored toward debt consolidation. These options work a lot like personal loans, as they are large loans designed with consolidation in mind. However, there are a few key differences, including the fact you donât need an excellent credit score.
Debt Consolidation Loans Explained
The ultimate goal of debt consolidation loans is not to save you money in the long-term or to reduce the debt period. In fact, it does the opposite. The goal is to reduce your monthly payment and give you a smaller rate of interest, but it does this while increasing the loan period, which means you ultimately pay more money over the term.
Pros
Â
- More Money Every Month: Your monthly payments will be reduced, freeing up some extra cash to use every month.
- Cleared Debts: Your credit card debts will be cleared in one fell swoop, potentially giving you some financial breathing space.
Â
Cons
- Longer Period: The total length of your debt will be extended, which means youâll be stuck with the debt for a prolonged period.
- Cost: While youâll save some money every month, youâll do so at the cost of an increased overall balance. Depending on your credit score, you could find yourself paying thousands more in total repayments.
Other Credit Card Debt Consolidation Solutions
If you have a supportive and financially-free family, you can ask them for the money to clear your debts and then promise to repay them in time.Â
Of course, this option isnât without its problems. Firstly, thereâs the old adage that you should never lend money to friends or family. It may seem pretty heartless, but itâs a saying steeped in experience. It causes problems, as that debt is right at the bottom of the borrowerâs list of priorities and if theyâre skipping payments and begging for relief, while at the same time buying new clothes and going out every night, it can anger the borrower.
To avoid these issues, agree to pay them in monthly installments, offer a little interest, and get everything in writing. Make that debt your priority, because by skipping your payments youâll be hurting your finances and your relationships.
Donât guilt-trip a friend or family member into lending you money. Donât ask them unless you have a very close relationship with them, have known them a long time, and know they can easily afford to lend you money. The last thing you want is for them to leave themselves short or to acquire debt just to help you out.
Alternatively, if you own a significant amount of home equity, you can opt for a home equity loan. This will give you a sizeable loan charged at a small rate of interest. It will take longer to repay your mortgage, but by reducing your debt demands youâll save more money in the long-term.
How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt is a post from Pocket Your Dollars.
Source: pocketyourdollars.com
Should You Get Another Credit Card? What to Consider
Credit cards play a significant role in your financial lifeâfrom establishing credit and determining your buying power to potentially being a financial lifeline during times of crisis.
Before you add another credit card to your wallet, you should consider your buying habits and financial strategies. The answers to the following five questions may help you decide if another credit card is right for you.
New Cardholder? Wait a Year
If you’re a new cardholder, try holding off for one year before applying for another credit card. It can take six months to a year for your card usage to affect your credit score.
Without an established credit history, it may be difficult to get lenders to extend you credit. A short credit history can also impact your interest rates, keeping them higher than desirable. If you’ve had your credit card for less than a year, getting a new one may not be the best choice right now.
What to Do
Be patient. Use your current credit card on a regular basis and pay on time and in full each month. Your payment history is the largest factor that determines your credit score. When you do apply for a second credit card, the lending company will see how responsible you’ve been. They will then be more likely to extend you credit with a lower interest rate.
Trying to Build Credit? One Card May Be Enough
If you want another card because youâre trying to build your credit, one card may be enough. The most important part of building credit is using your existing accounts wiselyânot adding more. Two cards could improve your credit utilization ratio, as long as you donât rack up debt on either card. And if you donât plan on actually using your second card, keep in mind that some credit card companies have a policy of canceling credit cards due to inactivityâand a canceled credit card can cause your credit score to take a dip.
What to Do
Instead of getting a second card, focus on using your current cards more effectively. Pay your balances on time and in full to help improve your credit score. If youâre ready to open a new type of account to increase your account mix, consider a small personal loan.
Already Have Multiple Cards? Review Your Payments
It may be tempting to have more spending power at your disposal, but before you apply for another credit card, make sure you can financially handle it. Examine how you’re currently managing your credit cards.
Are you struggling to pay the minimum each month? Are you unable to make payments on time? If you answer “yes” to either of these questions, it’s probably not a good idea to apply for another card right now.
What to Do
If you’re already having a hard time paying your credit card bills, ask yourself why you think you should get another credit card. Is it because you’ve already maxed out the cards you have in use? Don’t open yourself up to more debt by opening another line of credit.
Instead, develop a plan to lower your current credit card balances and create a budget to help organize and control your spending. A balance transfer credit card may be a solution if you’re looking to consolidate your debt into one, easy-to-track payment plan.
TD Cash Credit Card
- Earn $150 Cash Back when you spend $500 within 90 days after account opening
- Earn 3% Cash Back on dining
- Earn 2% Cash Back at grocery stores
- Earn 1% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases
- $0 Annual Fee
- Visa Zero Liability
- Instant credit card replacement
- Digital Wallet
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Running a Balance? Check the Interest Rates
Carrying a balance from month to month can affect your credit score by increasing your utilization rate. It can also put a big dent in your wallet depending on your interest rates. If you regularly make your monthly minimum payments but keep a balance, it could be beneficial to get a new card with lower ratesâas long as you can use it responsibly. If you want to keep your old card active, split the same amount of spending between the two cards, rather than doubling your spending, and your utilization rates and fees could go down.
What to Do
Check the interest rates on your current card. If youâve been keeping up with your payments and your overall credit score is good, you could qualify for a better interest rate to replace this one with. While some credit cards may hit everything on your perk and benefit checklist, if the interest rate is too high, skip it. Look for credit cards with low interest rates that will be sustainable for long-term use.
Got Excellent Credit? Try a Rewards Credit Card
If you have established excellent credit, you may be receiving offers from a variety of credit card companies. If you know that you can financially handle another credit card and are looking to take advantage of the many perks and rewards available, you may want to consider applying for another credit card.
What to Do
Before you move forward, do your research on each one. Don’t get taken in by flashy offers that won’t benefit you in the long run. The best perks and rewards are the ones that suit your lifestyle. Decide which are most important to you and would give you the most bang for your buck.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Card Details +
Ready to Apply? Go for It
Once you’ve learned how your charging and payment habits can affect your credit score, you can determine if and when the time is right for you to get another credit card. Our Credit Card Finder makes it easy to find the best card for your needs.
The post Should You Get Another Credit Card? What to Consider appeared first on Credit.com.
Source: credit.com
Which United Airlines credit card should you choose?
If you regularly fly with United Airlines or you live in or near Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark or San Francisco â the airlineâs hubs â picking up an United Airlines credit card could make a ton of sense.
Not only can a United credit card help you earn MileagePlus miles faster, but you might also get a few handy perks, including free checked bags.
At the moment, United Airlines offers a handful of co-branded United credit cards for individuals or small business owners. But, how do you know which United Airlines credit cards are best?
Our guide aims to help you compare options so you wind up with the right airline credit card for your needs and your travel goals.
See related:Â United MileagePlus Dining Guide
Hereâs the roundup:
United Gateway Card
Guide to United Airlines credit cards
Compare fees, rewards, perks and extras:Â Â Select the credit card you’re interested in…Â Â Â Chase United ExplorerChase United Club Infinite CardChase United Business CardChase United Club Business Card
United Explorer Card
| Annual fee |
|
| Sign-up bonus |
|
| In-flight discount |
|
| No foreign transaction fees |
|
| Extra bonus on certain categories |
|
| Limit on miles earned |
|
| First checked bag free |
|
| Priority boarding |
|
| Reduced mileage awards |
|
| Redeem miles rebate |
|
| Benefits |
|
| Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit |
|
| Card network |
|
Chase United Club Infinite Card
| Anual fee |
|
| Sign-up bonus |
|
| In-flight discount |
|
| No foreign transaction fees |
|
| Extra bonus on certain categories |
|
| Limit on miles earned |
|
| First checked bag free |
|
| Priority boarding |
|
| Reduced mileage awards |
|
| Redeem miles rebate |
|
| Benefits |
|
| Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit |
|
| Card network |
|
Chase United Business Card
| Annual fee |
|
| Sign-up bonus |
|
| In-flight discount |
|
| No foreign transaction fees |
|
| Extra bonus on certain categories |
|
| Limit on miles earned |
|
| First checked bag free |
|
| Priority boarding |
|
| Reduced mileage awards |
|
| Redeem miles rebate |
|
| Benefits |
|
| Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit |
|
| Card network |
|
Chase United Club Business Card
| Annual fee |
|
| Sign-up bonus |
|
| In-flight discount |
|
| No foreign transaction fees |
|
| Extra bonus on certain categories |
|
| Limit on miles earned |
|
| First checked bag free |
|
| Priority boarding |
|
| Reduced mileage awards |
|
| Redeem miles rebate |
|
| Benefits |
|
| Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit |
|
| Card network |
|
Lifetime Globalist
| How to qualify |
|
| Base-point rate |
|
| Benefits |
|
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Best United Airlines credit card with no annual fee: United Gateway Card
If you’re looking for a United rewards card with no annual fee, the United Gateway Card is the best (and only) option to consider. This card starts you off with 10,000 bonus miles when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. You also earn:
- 2 miles per $1 on United flights, purchases made at gas stations and on transit and commuting
- 1 miles per $1 on all other purchases
As an added bonus, you’ll even rack up 3 miles per $1 on up to $1,500 in grocery store spending per month through Sept. 30, 2021. Aside from not charging an annual fee, other United Airlines credit card benefits include 25% off in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees. That means this card is rather limited in terms of perks, but that’s par for the course when it comes to credit cards with no annual fee.
Best United Airlines credit card for frequent flyers: United Explorer Card
Frequent flyers would be better off with a United credit card with more benefits, which they’ll find with the United Explorer Card. First off, you can earn 70,000 bonus miles â 60,000 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open and another 10,000 bonus miles when you spend $6,000 in total purchases in the first six months of account opening. In terms of daily spending, you can rack up:
- 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, dining including delivery and takeout and hotels booked directly
- 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases
United Airlines credit card benefits you’ll receive include two United Club passes, a first free checked bag, a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership, priority boarding, 25% off in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees. Not only are these perks ideal for frequent United flyers who want a convenient travel experience, but they can help cardholders save money, too. This card does charge a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived the first year.
Best United Airlines credit card for big United spenders: United Club Infinite Card
If you’re a big United spender and you fly with the airline all the time, you’ll probably want a card that lets you rack up a ton of miles while also affording you a comfortable travel experience. The United Club Infinite Card is perfect in either case. This card replaced an older version of the United Club Card, but it offers even better rewards and perks designed with luxury travelers in mind.
As a cardholder, you’ll earn:
- 4 miles per $1 spent with United Airlines
- 2 miles per $1 spent on dining (including takeout and delivery) and travel
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
In terms of perks, you won’t be disappointed. Not only does this card give you membership in the airlineâs United Club lounges ($650 value), but if you travel internationally, you will be able to access lounges for any airlines that are part of the Star Alliance, including Aer Lingus, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. Meanwhile, you also get two free checked bags for yourself and a traveling companion on the same reservation, as well as priority check in, priority boarding, priority securing screening, 25% off in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees. You’ll also get a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership.
There is one major downside to this card: It comes with a $525 annual fee and there is no sign-up bonus. On the bright side, the annual fee is waived for your first year.
See related: When is a credit card annual fee worth it?
Best United Airlines credit card for small business
If you’re a small business owner, you may also want to apply for one of the two United Airlines credit cards for business. The United Business Card is a good option for small business owners who travel for work or for leisure a few times per month, and this is due to its cardholder benefits and low annual fee.
You’ll start off by earning 60,000 miles when you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. You’ll also earn:
- 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, dining including takeout and delivery, gas stations, office supply stores, local transit and commuting
- 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases
Like all good United Airlines credit card offers, the United Business Card also comes with a handful of perks which include 5,000 miles on your cardholder anniversary each year when you carry a business credit card and a personal credit card from United Airlines. You’ll also receive two one-time United Club passes, a first checked bag free, priority boarding, a $100 United travel credit when you make at least seven purchases of $100 or more with United each year, 25% off in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees. A $99 annual fee applies, but it’s waived the first year.
Best United Airlines credit card for business travelers
Finally, United Airlines offers a business credit card that is perfect for frequent business travelers who want to earn a ton of miles and score lounge access when they fly. The United Club Business Credit Card starts you off with 50,000 miles when you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. You’ll also rack up:
- 2 miles per $1 spent United purchases
- 1.5 miles on everything else
While this card does have a $450 annual fee, you’ll get plenty of value when it comes to the perks you receive. Not only will you get a United Club membership valued at $650, but you’ll get a first and second free checked bag, priority check-in, security screening and baggage handling, 25% off in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees.
Who should get a United Airlines credit card?
The best United Airlines credit card offers make it easy to rack up miles for each dollar you spend, and most offer a generous bonus when you meet a minimum spending requirement. With that being said, United Airlines credit cards are really best for people who are loyal to the airline, or those who live in a United hub and wind up flying with the airline often by default.
If you aren’t loyal to United Airlines or you want more options when it comes to cashing in your points, you may also want to consider a Chase travel credit card that lets you transfer your points to United at a 1:1 ratio, or redeem for other types of travel.
As an example, both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card* let you earn points you can transfer to United, as well as other airline and hotel partners like Southwest, British Airways, Emirates, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and more. Chase credit cards also let you redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, which gives you even more flexibility.
See related: How to earn and use Chase Ultimate Rewards points
How much are United miles worth?
Based on our internal comparisons, United miles are worth approximately 1.5 cents each. This means that, generally speaking, 60,000 miles are worth approximately $900. However, keep in mind that you may get more value if you redeem miles for premium flights or international flights.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get significant value out of your United miles, whether you want to travel the world or enjoy a relaxing trip closer to home.
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. This offer is no longer available on our site.
Source: creditcards.com
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