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Side-by-side

American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs United Gateway Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the United Gateway Card from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,110 more in estimated value) than the United Gateway Card's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the United Gateway Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedUnited Gateway Card
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back30,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$390
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • 2x on United + transit + gas
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign tx fees
    • 25% inflight rebate
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    United Gateway Card
    $0/yr · 30,000 miles

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: United Gateway Card

    The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or United Gateway Card?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the United Gateway Card?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Gateway Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and United Gateway Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the United Gateway Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. United Gateway Card: $1,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.