How to request a miles purchase refund or reversal

What happens if miles are credited to my account in error?

The MileagePlus rules make each member responsible for knowing the rules and the number of miles the account holds, and they require prompt notice of any error in the account, including an erroneous mileage balance, certificate balance, PlusPoints balance or other credit balance. [6] Using a benefit that was credited in error counts as a breach of the programme rules, whatever the reason for the error. [6]

United reserves the right to adjust a member's account balance where miles or Premier Qualifying Credits were deposited in error, and it determines whether activity qualifies for mileage credit. [6] The same review covers miles a member says were earned but never posted: United may ask for proof such as copies of tickets, receipts or similar documents, and the claim and its proof must reach United within 12 months of the date the miles were said to have been earned. [6] Certain partners set a different retro-credit claim period. [6]

How do I report miles deducted from my account in error?

A member must tell United about any erroneous or fraudulent mileage deduction within 12 months of the date of the deduction. [6] United reviews the claim and may ask for proof, documentation or certification during that review. [6] Whether the miles are put back is decided by United in its sole discretion after the review, and that decision is final. [6] The claim therefore works as a review rather than an automatic reversal: the member files the report and any evidence United requests, and United decides the outcome. [6] For the wider rules on getting miles back into an account, see mileage reinstatement.

What happens to my miles if I cancel an award ticket?

When an award is redeemed and then cancelled or returned in line with the programme rules and the fare rules in force at the time, the award miles taken for it are redeposited into the member's account, subject to a service charge. [6] Some awards are not eligible for a miles redeposit, and those awards state so. [6]

Once an award ticket or other award has been issued, a service charge may also be imposed for each change or cancellation the member requests. [6] Award tickets can carry departure taxes, federal inspection fees, passenger facility charges and other charges, which the person travelling pays. [6] Where a partner's rules govern the return of an award, those rules apply as well. [6] The mechanics of returning miles to an account are covered under award reinstatement.

What limits apply to reversals and corrections?

• Someone else used your credentials. United will not redeposit miles for redemptions made using the member's password or other security credentials, and it is not responsible for stolen credentials or passwords. [6]
• Prohibited conduct. Where United finds prohibited conduct, it may remove or cancel any or all accrued mileage and any pending or outstanding award redemptions, and it may require the member to repay the value of awards or benefits obtained that way, with legal action if the member does not repay. [6]
• Account audits. If United suspects prohibited conduct it may delay or suspend all activity in an account, including mileage redemptions, while it investigates; miles can still accrue during a suspension, but no redemptions or other transactions are permitted. [6]
• No vested rights. Accrued mileage and awards are not the member's property, are not transferable except as the rules permit, and give no vested rights in the programme. [6]
• Rule changes. United may change the rules, benefits or mileage levels at any time with or without notice, even where a change affects the value of miles already accumulated. [6]
• Cancelled flights. Mileage credit and Premier Qualifying Credits are not awarded for flight cancellations. [6]
• Status credit for bonus miles. United's Premier Status Match terms state that bonus miles and any other miles earned through non-flight activity do not count toward Premier qualification unless expressly stated otherwise. [7]

Frequently asked questions

How long does a member have to challenge a miles movement?

For an erroneous or fraudulent deduction, notice must reach United within 12 months of the deduction date; for miles claimed to have been earned but not credited, the claim and its proof must arrive within 12 months of the date the miles were claimed to have been earned. [6]

Does reporting an error guarantee the miles come back?

United decides in its sole discretion whether to redeposit miles claimed to have been deducted in error, and its decision after review is final. [6]

Do I get the miles back if I cancel an award ticket?

The award miles are redeposited when the cancellation or return follows the applicable programme and fare rules, subject to a service charge, and some awards are excluded from redeposit. [6]

Will United restore miles if someone redeemed them with my password?

United will not redeposit miles for redemptions using the member's security credentials or password, and it says it is not responsible for stolen credentials. [6]

Do bonus miles count toward Premier status?

United's Premier Status Match terms state that bonus miles and miles earned through non-flight activity do not count toward Premier qualification unless expressly stated otherwise. [7]

Related pages

Compare buying options in airline miles purchase programmes compared. Terms: award reinstatement, mileage reinstatement, and the full frequent flyer glossary.

Sources

Sources checked on 18 October 2026. American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles and other programmes are not covered here.

1. United MileagePlus program rules, checked 18 October 2026
2. United MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge terms and conditions, checked 18 October 2026