Strategically buying miles & points can represent a great deal, especially for luxury travel. United Airlines MileagePlus has just launched its newest sale on purchased miles. As usual, different members may be targeted for different offers.
While this promotion has appeal for the right buyer, it’s generally not worth pursuing unless you have a specific redemption in mind. MileagePlus miles are most useful for United Polaris business class on long-haul routes. For partner redemptions, programs like Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca Lifemiles typically offer better value and often sell miles at a lower cost.
Promotion on Purchased United MileagePlus Miles
Between September 8 and September 30, 2026, United MileagePlus is offering a sale on purchased miles. Different members may be eligible for different offers — some may be targeted for bonus offers, while others may be targeted for discount offers. You’ll want to log into your account to see what you’re eligible for.
The best offer is a 100% bonus or 50% discount on purchased miles. Some members are being targeted for smaller bonuses or discounts — in some cases as low as an 80% bonus or 40% discount — while others are being offered something in between. To unlock the best price, you need to purchase at least 20,000 miles in one transaction, pre-bonus.
How Much Does It Cost to Purchase United MileagePlus Miles?
United MileagePlus ordinarily charges 3.5 cents per purchased mile, plus a 7.5% federal excise tax. That’s before any discounts or bonuses. Since you can purchase a maximum of 50,000 miles, you’d pay the following amounts depending on the discount you’re eligible for:
- 40% discount or 80% bonus: $1,128.75 — 2.26 cents per mile
- 45% discount or 90% bonus: $1,034.69 — 2.07 cents per mile
- 50% discount or 100% bonus: $940.63 — 1.88 cents per mile
How Many United MileagePlus Miles Can You Purchase?
United MileagePlus limits members to purchasing 200,000 MileagePlus miles per account per calendar year. More specifically, the program limits members to purchasing up to 50,000 MileagePlus miles per any rolling 90-day period.
These limits apply after factoring in any bonuses, so even when United offers a bonus on purchased miles, you can still only purchase a maximum of 50,000 miles over 90 days, or 200,000 miles per calendar year.
If you do buy United miles, it can take up to 48 hours for them to post to your account.
Which Credit Card Should You Buy United MileagePlus Miles With?
United MileagePlus mileage purchases are processed by points.com, meaning they don’t count as an airfare purchase for credit card spending category purposes.
It’s best to use a card on which you’re working toward a minimum spending requirement, or alternatively, a card that maximizes your return on everyday spending.
Is Buying United MileagePlus Miles Worth It?
When it comes to redeeming United MileagePlus miles, the strongest use case is travel in United Polaris business class. United now limits the vast majority of long-haul business class award space to MileagePlus members — particularly those with a co-branded credit card or elite status.
While United Polaris business class may not be the most premium product available, United operates a large global network, making it a practical choice for many travelers.
Beyond Polaris, MileagePlus partner award redemption rates are generally less compelling. Other Star Alliance programs offer better rates and policies, including Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca Lifemiles. Both programs often sell miles at a lower cost, and Air Canada Aeroplan also offers a lucrative stopover policy.
On What Airlines Can You Redeem United MileagePlus Miles?
United Airlines belongs to the Star Alliance, so you can redeem MileagePlus miles on all Star Alliance airlines. Beyond that, United also has partnerships with select non-alliance carriers, including Aer Lingus, Azul, and Discover Airlines.
How Much Are United MileagePlus Miles Worth?
MileagePlus miles are generally valued at around 1.2–1.5 cents each for typical redemptions, though Polaris business class bookings on long-haul routes can push that value higher. At the best sale price of 1.88 cents per mile, purchasing only makes sense if you have a high-value redemption ready — ideally a Polaris business class itinerary where you’d otherwise pay significantly more in cash.
Do United MileagePlus Miles Expire?
United MileagePlus miles do not expire as long as your account remains open, which removes the urgency of using them on a fixed timeline. That said, buying miles speculatively without a redemption plan is rarely a sound strategy.
What Other Ways Can You Earn United MileagePlus Miles?
Beyond purchasing miles directly, you can earn MileagePlus miles by flying United and its partners, using a co-branded United credit card, shopping through the MileagePlus shopping portal, or transferring points from certain hotel loyalty programs.
Bottom Line
United MileagePlus is running a sale on purchased miles through September 30, 2026, with the best offer coming in at 1.88 cents per mile after a 50% discount or 100% bonus. The deal is most worth considering if you have a specific Polaris business class redemption in mind and need to top off your balance. For partner airline redemptions, programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca Lifemiles will generally deliver better value for the money.
