United Airlines has launched its first UK payment card, in partnership with Currensea. It is the only Star Alliance airline to offer a UK-issued card, and the first new UK airline payment card since 2022.
The card is a debit product linked to your existing current account — no credit check, no impact on your credit score. The annual fee is £175. It earns 1.33 MileagePlus miles per £1 on United spend and all non-European transactions, with a 0.99% FX fee.
The timing is significant. From 2nd April 2026, United is restructuring MileagePlus earning and redemption rates, with cardholders receiving better earn rates when flying and discounts on award flights. Non-cardholders will see their earning rates reduced. For active United flyers based in the UK, this is the only card option ahead of those changes.
For the full breakdown of earn rates, the sign-up bonus, and the April changes, see our United Airlines MileagePlus Debit Card guide.