United Airlines is one of the largest U.S.-based carriers and a founding member of Star Alliance. Due its vast network and membership in Star Alliance, passengers can earn United miles with any of its 43 partner airlines. The airline’s extensive network offers incredible opportunities to not only fly all over the world, but to redeem miles.

But in order to redeem United miles, you'll have to earn them first. So whether you're looking for a few more miles to quickly have enough miles to cover a free flight, or you're just now starting to build up your United MileagePlus bank, here are the best ways to earn United MileagePlus miles.

Here are the 30 best ways to earn United miles, including ways to earn miles without flying and some lesser-known options so you can maximize your earnings.

1. Sign up for United Airlines credit cards

By far, the best way to earn a lot of United miles quickly is by signing up for credit cards. United is currently offering three personal cards and two business cards. Note that all United cards are issued by Chase, which is important to keep in mind given Chase’s 5/24 rule on its credit cards.

Welcome bonuses usually start at 50,000 miles and can reach as high as 100,000 miles. If you see a high welcome offer on a card you’re considering, it makes sense to act quickly. All current offers are listed below:

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Personal Cards

Best personal card offer: United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95): Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Quest℠ Card (annual fee: $250): Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Club℠ Infinite Card (annual fee: $525): Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Get up to 80,000 miles with our favorite United cards

Check out our nerdy picks for the best United credit cards and find the right card for you.

BROWSE CARDS

Business cards

Best business card offer: United℠ Business Card (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $99): Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Club℠ Business Card (annual fee: $450): Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

The ideal choice

If you’re just starting out earning United miles, signing up for the United℠ Business Card would provide a nice chunk of miles given the sizable welcome offer.

While this is a business card, you don’t have to own a corporation to apply. Do you sell anything on Amazon or eBay? If so, you may be approved. Input your Social Security number in the field that asks for a business tax ID and type in your home address as your business address.

Don’t be discouraged from applying if the income you earn from your hobby business is low. On your application, you’ll need to include all income earned, which includes your salary from a full-time job. The lender will evaluate your entire profile, not just the amount you include as your business income.