Over the years, keeping track of travel credits and vouchers has become increasingly more difficult. Additionally, these airline credits and vouchers often come with restrictions, expiration dates, and complicated redemption rules, making the process less user-friendly than paying with cash or credit.
Fortunately, United has simplified the entire process thanks to United TravelBank. With TravelBank, United MileagePlus members can conveniently accrue funds for travel on United Airlines.
Here’s a look at United TravelBank, how it works, and what travelers need to know.
What Is United MileagePlus TravelBank?
United TravelBank is an online platform that allows MileagePlus members to accrue and store funds for future flights with United Airlines or United Express.
Essentially, United TravelBank serves as a virtual wallet where you can add funds and redeem them for future United travel. It’s similar to a gift card or store credit, but it’s tied to your United MileagePlus account.
United allows MileagePlus members to purchase TravelBank cash for themselves or for others (their MileagePlus account number is needed). This can be a convenient way to prepay for travel or save funds for future trips.
MileagePlus members can purchase TravelBank credits in one of 6 amounts: $50, $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000.
However, there are some rules to know about United TravelBank. Although United TravelBank funds are pooled into one convenient location, they do expire. Purchased United TravelBank funds are valid for 5 years from the date the funds are deposited into your TravelBank account.
You can check the expiration dates in the United TravelBank details section in your account.
You can also check your recent United TravelBank activity here.
What Can You Use United TravelBank For?
The biggest advantage of using United TravelBank is its flexibility. Unlike traditional travel vouchers or flight credits that may be tied to a specific traveler, TravelBank funds can be used by the account holder to book tickets for themselves or others.
This is a significant win, as most airlines allow you to use credits or funds in these accounts only for travel in the account holder’s name — not others.
Since TravelBank is directly tied to your United MileagePlus account, using it at checkout is quick and painless. There is no need to enter voucher codes or manually track expiration dates. You just select your TravelBank as the payment method, and the funds will be automatically applied to your United booking.
Of course, you can enter exactly how much of your TravelBank funds you want to apply to a booking. TravelBank cash can be used alone or in combination with other accepted payment methods.
Moreover, United MileagePlus members can also use their TravelBank funds for certain United-related purchases beyond airfare, including a United Club membership.
How To Check Your United MileagePlus TravelBank Balance
United TravelBank is directly connected to the United MileagePlus loyalty program. Thus, checking your TravelBank balance is as easy as logging in to your United MileagePlus account.
Once logged in to your MileagePlus account, a sidebar will appear with pertinent information, including your MileagePlus number, your United Airlines elite status, your status progression for the calendar year, and your United TravelBank balance.
The United TravelBank balance information is also visible in the “My United” section.
Credit Cards That Provide Travelbank Credits
Specific co-branded United travel rewards cards provide United TravelBank credits valid during the cardmember year, including:
- United Quest℠ Card: Receive $200 in United TravelBank cash after account opening and annually on your account anniversary.
- United℠ Business Card: Receive $125 in United TravelBank cash after you make 5 United flight travel-related purchases, each totaling $100 or more, with your card.
- United℠ Explorer Card: Receive $100 in United TravelBank cash after you spend $10,000 on purchases each calendar year with your card.
Additionally, 2 IHG One Rewards credit cards also provide United TravelBank credits. This includes
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Receive up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each calendar year after registering your card with your MileagePlus account.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Receive up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each calendar year after registering your card with your MileagePlus account.
Final Thoughts
United TravelBank provides travelers with a centralized, convenient way to manage and use funds for future United travel. Instead of dealing with multiple flight credits, vouchers, or refund methods, TravelBank puts all these funds in 1 place.
United MileagePlus members can use these funds to book tickets on United- and United Express-operated flights for themselves or friends and family. Still, it’s essential to know that United TravelBank funds do expire, so it’s better to use them before losing them.