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.
Every feature is free during beta. No credit card, no catch.
Both are travel travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/yr; the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard from Citi at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
For most people the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($683 more in estimated value) than the United Gateway Card's. Get the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard first; revisit the United Gateway Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | 65,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $1,073 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $4,000 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | aadvantage |
| Headline benefits |
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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.
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.