United MileagePlus
Convert your United MileagePlus miles into cash or transfer to other programs.
How It Works
Submit Your Request
Fill out the form with your miles details and get an instant quote.
Review Your Offer
Get a competitive offer based on current market rates.
Complete Transaction
Accept the offer and receive payment through your preferred method.
About United MileagePlus miles
United MileagePlus is one of the largest airline programs in the world and a core Star Alliance member, so its miles book flights on United plus partners like Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines and Air Canada. It is also the main airline transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- Based in
- United States
- Transfer partners
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1), Bilt Rewards (1:1), Marriott Bonvoy (3:1) See the full matrix
- Expiry
- MileagePlus miles do not expire for inactivity; they are forfeited only if the account is closed. Source
Not sure whether to sell? See what United MileagePlus miles are worth, read how much airline miles are worth or convert your United MileagePlus miles to another program.
The United MileagePlus program explained
United MileagePlus is the loyalty program of United Airlines, a founding member of Star Alliance and one of the three largest US carriers, with hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, San Francisco, Washington and Los Angeles. Its miles can be redeemed on United and United Express plus more than two dozen Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada and Turkish Airlines.
MileagePlus is also the main airline outlet for Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfers to United at 1:1. Between that pipeline, the United co-branded Chase cards and a large domestic route network, MileagePlus balances tend to be big, and many members hold far more miles than they will use.
Written and reviewed by the Points Plug team. Last reviewed .
How members earn United MileagePlus miles
- Flying United: miles are earned per dollar spent on the fare, with higher multipliers for Premier status members.
- United co-branded Chase cards (Explorer, Quest, Club and the business versions), which also add perks like free checked bags.
- Transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards at 1:1, and from Marriott Bonvoy at a lower ratio.
- The MileagePlus shopping and dining portals, and partner hotels and car rentals.
Best ways to use United MileagePlus miles
- Star Alliance partner business class to Europe and Asia on carriers like Lufthansa, SWISS, ANA and EVA, which United prices without fuel surcharges.
- The Excursionist Perk: on a multi-city award itinerary, one one-way segment within a region can be free.
- Economy awards on routes where cash fares are high, since United does not add close-in booking fees.
- Upgrades with PlusPoints for Premier Platinum and 1K members.
What to watch out for
- United prices its own flights dynamically, so award prices rise with cash fares and popular dates can cost far more than the old chart.
- Partner award space in premium cabins is limited, especially for more than one seat.
- Award prices are frequently adjusted upward without notice, so a large balance held for years buys less over time.
- Since April 2, 2026 general members earn only 3 miles per dollar on United fares (6 with a United card), and basic economy earns nothing without status or a card, so balances grow more slowly than they used to.
Elite status tiers
- 1Premier Silver
- 2Premier Gold
- 3Premier Platinum
- 4Premier 1K
- 5Global Services
Status is earned through Premier qualifying points (spend) and flights or a higher points threshold. Status affects earning rates and upgrades but does not change what a mile is worth in cash.
Should you sell your United MileagePlus miles?
Keep your miles if you fly United regularly, can plan international trips months ahead, and have Premier status that unlocks upgrades. Partner business class awards are where MileagePlus shines, and they beat any cash offer.
Consider selling if your balance is larger than your travel plans, if you mostly redeem for domestic economy at around a cent per mile, or if you would simply rather have the cash. Because United miles do not expire there is no deadline, but their purchasing power tends to fall each year.
Sources
- MileagePlus program rules · official page
Program rules, award prices and expiry policies change often. Check the program's own terms before relying on any detail here, and see how we research and review this content.
United MileagePlus FAQ
- How do I sell United MileagePlus miles?
- Enter your United MileagePlus balance in the quote form on this page for an instant cash offer. Accept the offer and we handle the rest, with payment sent through your preferred method.
- What is the minimum number of United MileagePlus miles I can sell?
- We buy United MileagePlus miles from 50,000 miles. Balances of 200,000 and 500,000 miles or more earn higher per-mile rates.
- How much are United MileagePlus miles worth in cash?
- Your offer depends on your balance size, and the quote form shows the exact price per mile before you commit. Quotes are free and carry no obligation.
- How long does it take to get paid for United MileagePlus miles?
- Most United MileagePlus transactions complete within 24-48 hours of accepting an offer.
- Do United MileagePlus miles expire?
- No. United removed expiry from MileagePlus miles, so a balance stays intact regardless of account activity.
- Can I transfer Chase points to United to sell them?
- Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to MileagePlus at 1:1, but Points Plug also buys Chase points directly, so there is no need to transfer first. Compare both quotes and choose the higher one.
