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.
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Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs Discover it Miles
Both are travel travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Discover it Miles from Discover at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | Discover it Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $450 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Discover |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Read the full review
Discover it Miles
$0/yr · Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)
Editorial take: Discover it Miles
A rare card that effectively earns 3x in year one (1.5x + match). Miles aren't transferable, but the simplicity + first-year match make this a strong starter travel card.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Gateway Card or Discover it Miles?
- The Discover it Miles has the bigger bonus, Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled), worth roughly $450, versus 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Miles?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Discover it Miles's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Discover it Miles's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway Card and Discover it Miles?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Discover) 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 United Gateway Card or the Discover it Miles first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 spend in 3 months. Discover it Miles: $0 in 12 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.