United TravelBank Guide

What Is It?

The United TravelBank is a digital travel-fund account linked to your MileagePlus® account.
Funds deposited into your TravelBank (“TravelBank cash”) can be applied toward future paid flights on United or United Express (not on partner airline flights).

 
Key Points

• TravelBank funds do not expire until 5 years from the date of deposit.
• Acts like a prepaid wallet for United-operated flights only.

 
How to Add Funds

You can easily fund your TravelBank account online:

1. Go to: united.com/offers/travelbank
2. Log in with your United MileagePlus® credentials.
3. Select “I’m buying TravelBank cash for myself.”
4. Choose a deposit amount — typically $50–$100 increments work best.
5. Pay using the credit card from which you want to trigger an airline credit benefit.

Tip:
It’s best for Player 1 and Player 2 (household members or partners) to use their own cards but fund the same MileagePlus account. This keeps all TravelBank cash centralized and easy to use.

 
What Can It Be Used For?

You can apply TravelBank cash toward most standard United flight purchases.

Eligible Uses

• Paid United or United Express flights (base fare + taxes/fees).
• Combined payments — TravelBank can be used along with a credit card or other payment method.
• Gifting funds — TravelBank cash can be transferred to another MileagePlus member.
  

Restrictions

• Cannot be used to pay taxes or fees on award bookings (i.e., when redeeming miles).
• Not valid on partner airlines or for non-flight purchases.

 
Recommended Credit Cards to Use

Take advantage of credit card airline fee credits by purchasing TravelBank cash.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual $200 airline fee credit (must select United Airlines as your preferred carrier).
  Recommended strategy:
  • Purchase $50–$100 increments.
  • Wait until the Amex credit posts, then make another purchase.
  • This helps ensure each transaction triggers the airline credit.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Offers a $50 quarterly airline credit ($200 total per year).
• No airline selection required — works broadly with multiple carriers.
• If not using it for other incidental fees, allocate it to United TravelBank purchases each quarter.

The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card

$300 annual travel credit can be used to buy $100 increments of TravelBank.