When the United MileagePlus Go reloadable debit card was first announced, I was reasonably unsure about how this product would benefit frugal travelers. With its high annual fee and limited mileage earning opportunities, it appeared to be a no-credit product directed at those with poor or no credit history. While I thought about requesting one, the reality that I would never use it sank in. As a result, I never asked to receive one.
Yet, weeks ago I was surprised to receive an unmarked and rather ominous envelope in my mailbox. After opening, I was even more surprised to find my very own United MileagePlus Go reloadable debit card inside. I was given the option of either activating it immediately with their recommended deposit of $100 (to cover the $85 annual fee, due upon activation), or destroying it securely if I had no interest. Being the curious consumer that I am, I decided to hold onto it for the purposes of forensic investigation.
For those curious, the card is aesthetically pleasing, although it lacks the heft of the metal cards. The colors – United blue and gold, along with the “Go” green on top of the white texture – is pleasant, while the vertical alignment gives it a modern look. The MileagePlus number on the front gives the cardholder all the validity of a frequent flyer.
A closer look of the terms and conditions gives pros and cons to the card on the whole. Cardholders can make signature or PIN transactions without fees, as well as make free withdrawals from MoneyPass ATMs. In addition, those who hold another Netspend card can make free transfers to the card, though I did not attempt it with any other Netspend account to see how easy that process was.
The most notable downside is the $85 annual fee due upon activation. As we discovered in our first review of the card, mileage earning opportunities are limited as well: travelers can only earn 30,000 MileagePlus miles every year using the card, broken down to 2,500 miles per month. Only credit transactions qualify for earning miles; debit transactions with a PIN do not count.
After taking a closer look at the card, there seemed to be some upside to using it, especially with the free transfers between Netspend accounts. However, the limitations and steep annual fee make this a difficult card to accept. For an additional $10, the United MileagePlus Explorer Card offers a sign-up bonus, one free checked bag when paying for United airfare using the card and unlimited mileage earning opportunities. Those who can’t qualify for the card can also keep MileagePlus miles alive through other methods, including transferring e-Miles points into MileagePlus.
While the card is an option for those who want to earn MileagePlus miles, only the most loyal flyers may earn value from this card. The 30,000 miles annually can equate to one free economy trip inside the United States, which would justify the annual fee. But unless this is the primary spending choice for flyers, that value will go to waste, leaving flyers paying the annual fee with little return every year.
As a traveler who values flexible points and cash back over branded points, I decided rather quickly what to do with my United MileagePlus Go. After this review was written, the card and all accompanying marketing materials were destroyed, never to be seen again.
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ https://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ https://www.frugaltravelguy.com