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 USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/yr; the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum from USAA 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 | USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | None |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $0 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | USAA |
| Card category | travel | rewards |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Read the full review
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
$0/yr · None
Editorial take: USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Gateway Card or USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
- The United Gateway Card has the bigger bonus, 30,000 miles, worth roughly $390, versus None (~$0) on the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum'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 USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and USAA) 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 USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 spend in 3 months. USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum: $0 in 0 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.