Flight earning restructured around credit cards; non-cardholders earn less, zero on Basic Economy

5 miles per $1 (general members) → 3 miles per $1 without a United card; 0 on Basic Economy

Effective for tickets purchased on or after April 2, 2026 (announced February 19, 2026), United restructured MileagePlus earning so rates depend on both Premier status and whether the member holds a United card. General members without a card dropped from 5 to 3 miles per dollar on standard fares and now earn nothing on Basic Economy; elite members without a card also earn less than before. Cardholders earn more than previously and receive at least 10% off United award tickets (15% for elites with a card), plus expanded Polaris Saver access.

What to do: If you fly United without a United card, compare earning against a transferable-points card before crediting flights.