Do I need to use the United MileagePlus Explorer card to buy the ticket to get benefits?

by Big A on Jul.18, 2012, under Airlines, Travel Partners

Since I’ve gotten the Chase MileagePlus Explorer Credit Card, my friends and colleagues have been asking me questions about the MileagePlus Explorer cards benefits.

As a business person, sometimes we can’t use our personal cards and have to use a business card. The most popular question I get is:

Do you have to use your MileagePlus credit card when buying United tickets to obtain the benefits?

The answer is NO!

I routinely purchase my United flights with my business credit card via the United/Continental Website. I have my MileagePlus Explorer card stored into my profile, but I change my personal card to my business card upon clicking on “Purchase.” Since the MileagePlus Explorer card is in my profile, I still get the United MileagePlus Explorer benefits of free baggage and earlier boarding. Unfortunately I do not get the extra points as that would be a great loophole!