Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
Part of United MileagePlus hub
GUIDE
How to earn and use United PlusPoints
United PlusPoints are a separate balance in the United Airlines MileagePlus programme, treated in the programme rules alongside miles, certificates, awards and Premier Qualifying Credits. [4] The rules make PlusPoints non-transferable and non-property, and the 2026 MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge awards 20 PlusPoints for Premier Platinum and 100 for Premier 1K to members who meet the challenge requirements. [4] [5]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- PlusPoints are governed by the MileagePlus Rules; they are not the member's property and create no vested right to an award or Premier benefit. [4]
- The 2026 United Premier Status Match Challenge awards 20 PlusPoints for Premier Platinum and 100 for Premier 1K, credited within 7–10 business days after the PQF and PQP requirements are met. [5]
- PlusPoints cannot be sold, bartered or transferred except as United expressly permits, and accounts involved may be subject to United's remedies. [4]
- Upgrades are not allowed on some fares and tickets, and seat upgrades can carry taxes and fees. [4]
What are United PlusPoints?
United's MileagePlus Rules set the terms for accruing and redeeming miles, awards and benefits, including Premier and Million Miler benefits. [4]
PlusPoints appear in those rules as a separate account balance, alongside mileage, certificates and Premier Qualifying Credits. [4]
The rules state that PlusPoints and other programme benefits are not property of the member and are not transferable except as the rules allow. [4]
Accumulating PlusPoints does not give a member vested rights to any award or Premier benefit, and United may change the rules, benefits, conditions or mileage levels at any time, with or without notice. [4]
For the wider redemption picture, see the MileagePlus upgrade guide and the glossary entry for upgrade awards.
How do you earn United PlusPoints?
One published way to receive PlusPoints is the 2026 MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge, which is open for applications between January 8 and December 21, 2026. [5]
Under that offer, a member who meets the Premier qualifying flights (PQF) and Premier qualifying points (PQP) requirements for Premier Platinum receives 20 PlusPoints; a member who meets the requirements for Premier 1K receives 100 PlusPoints. [5]
Both awards are credited within 7–10 business days. [5]
For the 2026 offer, qualifying flights must be operated by United or United Express; United-marketed codeshares operated by other carriers do not qualify. [5] The PQF and PQP must be posted to the member's MileagePlus account. [5]
Basic Economy and base fare tickets earn PQP but do not earn PQF for this offer. [5]
| Tier reached through the offer | PlusPoints | Credit timing |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Platinum | 20 [5] | Within 7–10 business days [5] |
| Premier 1K | 100 [5] | Within 7–10 business days [5] |
PlusPoints are not otherwise awarded based on matched status or status reached through the challenge. [5]
How are PlusPoints used for upgrades?
PlusPoints are subject to the MileagePlus Rules that govern awards and benefits. [4]
United sets the amount, structure, availability, process and other criteria for award redemption, and may modify, cancel or limit award redemption with or without notice. [4]
For upgrades specifically, the rules exclude upgrades on some fares and tickets. [4]
For seat upgrades generally, the person using the upgrade may be responsible for any applicable departure taxes, federal inspection fees, passenger facility charges and other fees, charges or taxes. [4]
United may also prohibit award redemption for any member at its discretion or when required by law. [4]
Related reading: systemwide upgrade and waitlist upgrade.
Can you transfer or sell United PlusPoints?
PlusPoints may not be transferred or assigned except as United expressly permits in writing or under programmes it fully authorises or sponsors. [4]
The sale, barter or other transfer, or attempted transfer, of PlusPoints is expressly prohibited. [4]
Accounts or members involved may be subject to United's remedies, and acquiring, using or transferring PlusPoints obtained by purchase, barter or other transfer in violation of the rules may also lead to remedies. [4]
Members must tell United promptly about any error in a PlusPoints balance, and using a balance that was credited in error is a violation of the programme rules. [4]
What are the limits and exceptions?
- The 2026 status-match PlusPoints are tied to reaching Premier Platinum or Premier 1K through that offer; they are not otherwise awarded for matched status or status reached through the challenge. [5]
- The 2026 offer is not valid for members who have taken part in the MileagePlus Status Match programme within the last three years or received a Premier Status Exception within the last five years. [5]
- Upgrades are not allowed on some fares or tickets, including special promotional accommodations, rentals, industry discounts, consolidation tickets, group rates and special promotional rates such as PassPlus. [4]
- United may suspend account activity during an audit or investigation; while an account is suspended, no mileage redemptions or other transactions are permitted, and outstanding award redemptions, certificates and benefits may be cancelled or suspended. [4]
- The programme, including accrual and redemption and the use of awards and benefits, may be prohibited or restricted by the laws of some non-U.S. countries. [4]
- United may change the programme rules and benefits at any time, with or without notice, and accruing PlusPoints does not create vested rights. [4]
Frequently asked questions
How many PlusPoints do you get through the 2026 United status match?
20 PlusPoints for Premier Platinum and 100 PlusPoints for Premier 1K, credited within 7–10 business days after the PQF and PQP requirements are met. [5]
Can you sell or transfer United PlusPoints?
No. The MileagePlus Rules prohibit sale, barter or other transfer except as United expressly permits, and accounts involved may face remedies. [4]
What should you do if United credits PlusPoints to your account by mistake?
Tell United promptly. Using an erroneously credited PlusPoints balance is a violation of the programme rules. [4]
Do PlusPoints create a vested right to an award or Premier benefit?
No. The rules say accumulating PlusPoints does not entitle a member to vested rights to any award or Premier benefit. [4]
Sources
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. It covers United MileagePlus PlusPoints only; other airlines' upgrade currencies are not covered.
- United MileagePlus Rules, checked 18 October 2026
- United MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge, checked 18 October 2026