If you’re the proud owner of a growing United MileagePlus balance, you might wonder: Do I need to worry about expiration? The good news: United miles technically don’t expire anymore. But before you start celebrating by booking a round trip to nowhere, there’s still plenty you should know about how to keep United miles from expiring — or at least from quietly losing their value while you’re not looking.
United’s 2019 policy change scrapped traditional expiration dates, but that doesn’t mean you should toss your MileagePlus login into the digital abyss and hope for the best. Airlines may have stopped the clock, but inflation and award devaluations are still very much alive and kicking.
Let’s walk through how to keep your miles safe, valuable, and, most importantly, ready when you are.
Do United Miles Expire? Technically, No. But Read This Anyway.
Since 2019, United MileagePlus has adopted a no-expiration policy for its miles. That means your miles will stay in your account indefinitely unless you do something dramatically disqualifying like closing your account, ignoring repeated account communication, or, well, ceasing to exist (yes, death is one of the listed disqualifiers).
Still, just because United won’t delete your miles overnight doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Like any good relationship, mileage accounts require a little attention. If you ignore them completely, the real risk is in devaluation — where the same flight costs more miles than it did last year. It’s like showing up at your favorite diner and learning your $5 pancakes now cost $9.75… and they’ve replaced the syrup with “organic molasses foam.”
Why You Shouldn’t Let Miles Collect Dust
We get it — hoarding miles feels strategic. But in reality, the longer you wait, the less valuable they may become. United doesn’t announce devaluations with fireworks; it just silently adjusts award charts, removes saver availability, or makes partner awards more expensive.
So, knowing how to keep United miles from expiring isn’t just about keeping them in your account — it’s about keeping them useful.
Simple and Smart Ways to Keep Your United Account Active
Here are easy (and sometimes fun) ways to show your United account a little love — no boarding pass required.
1. Use a United Credit Card
Everyday spending on a cobranded United card is an effortless way to keep your account engaged. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying rent, or investing in an irresponsible amount of coffee, you’re earning and protecting your miles.
United offers several card options, from the no-fee Gateway Card to the heavy-hitting Quest and Club cards. Just swipe, earn, and rest easy.
2. Transfer Points from Chase or Bilt
Got Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards? Transfer as little as 1,000 points to United and voilà — your balance gets a boost. Bonus: Transfers are usually instant. Just don’t wait until you’re booking a flight to remember you had 10,000 points chilling in your Sapphire account.
3. Book a United or Partner Flight
Yes, flying still counts. Whether it’s a short domestic hop or a long-haul Star Alliance adventure, earning or redeeming miles through air travel keeps your account active and energized. And hey, that in-flight snack? Think of it as a side of mile security.
4. Use the MileagePlus Shopping or Dining Portals
Want to know how to keep United miles from expiring without leaving your couch? Online shopping. Start your purchases via the United MileagePlus Shopping Portal, and you’ll earn miles for stuff you were already going to buy anyway (looking at you, “essential” kitchen gadgets from Amazon).
Feeling hungry? Enrol in the MileagePlus Dining Program, link your card, and get miles every time you eat out. Because if you’re going to spend $18 on artisanal avocado toast, you might as well get rewarded for it.
5. Use the MileagePlus X App
The MileagePlus X app is like your digital Swiss army knife for earning miles. Use it to buy gift cards or make mobile purchases and earn bonus miles instantly. Plus, it gives you instant gratification — which, let’s be honest, is our favorite kind.
Bonus Moves: Creative Ways to Engage Your Account
- Buy United Miles: Not the best value, but in a pinch, buying 1,000 miles can wake up your account.
- Donate Miles to Charity: Do good while protecting your rewards. Win-win.
- Book a hotel or Rental Car: United partners with major chains — you’ll earn miles without even setting foot on a plane.
Still wondering how to keep United miles from expiring without overcomplicating it? Just pick one of the above and schedule it quarterly. Set a calendar reminder called “Save My Miles, Save My Sanity.”
Why Now Is the Best Time to Use or Sell Miles
Here’s the bottom line: your United miles are a currency, and like all currencies, they lose buying power over time. If you don’t have travel plans, they don’t have to sit idle. You can convert them into real money — something you can use right now.
Miles may not technically expire anymore, but their value still does — slowly and subtly. So, take a few simple steps to protect your balance, stay active, and make the most of your rewards while they still pack a punch. And if you’ve decided you’re not going to travel anytime soon, why not turn those miles into something you can spend?
If you’re ready to sell airline mileage and turn points into profit, Cash For My Miles makes the process simple, safe, and fast. Whether you’re looking to cash out now or just want to explore your options, we’re here to help you make the most of your rewards.
