If you qualified for United Premier status last year, this one is for you.
When United Airlines announced it would be harder to qualify for Premier status in 2023, it softened the blow by promising its Premier members a one-time deposit of Premier qualifying points for those who qualified for status in 2022. Now, the offer has returned this year.
United has begun depositing these one-time PQPs for 2023 Premier members into their MileagePlus accounts for 2024.
What are United PQP deposits?
United is making one-time PQP deposits. Here’s what you can expect, based on the status you qualified for in 2023:
- Premier Silver: 250 PQPs
- Premier Gold: 500 PQPs
- Premier Platinum: 750 PQPs
- Premier 1K: 1,250 PQPs
If you held full Premier status as of Feb. 1, 2024, you’re eligible for a PQP deposit according to your status level. For example, Zach Griff, senior reporter at TPG, earned 1,250 PQPs as a Premier 1K member.
It’s worth noting that these PQP deposits are lower in 2024 than they were in 2023 across all four status levels. The deposits have been cut in half from last year.
“As our members have largely returned to travel, we have adjusted the amount of the deposit to reflect this,” United’s website states.
While United kept its elite status requirements the same in 2024, the airline did change how you earn PQPs on spending with an eligible cobranded United credit card. On Jan. 1, 2024, United implemented the following changes: You’ll earn 25 PQPs per $500 spent on an eligible cobranded United credit card instead of 500 PQPs for every $12,000.
Related: United’s best kept elite status secret: How to earn PQPs faster with partner flights
What if I buy up for United elite status?
While we generally don’t recommend buying up to the next United status tier, how many PQPs will United deposit to your account if you do?
According to United’s website, you’ll earn the PQP deposit based on your Feb. 1 status. So, if you purchased the status buy-up before then, you’ll receive the PQP deposit from your new status. Otherwise, expect a PQP deposit from the status you qualified for in 2023.
If you participated in a status match challenge, you should receive a PQP deposit if you successfully qualified for Premier status before Feb. 1, 2024, per United’s website. However, members who hold a trial status or those who have a challenge in progress are not eligible.
Related: The ultimate guide to earning elite status with United cards
What does this mean for Million Milers?
If you’re a United lifetime Premier member, you’ll receive a PQP deposit based on your corresponding status, even if you didn’t fly in 2023.
Related: Is it worth pursuing lifetime elite status?
Bottom line
United increased the Premier status requirements for earning status in 2023. So, the PQP deposit certainly helps in 2024, even if the deposits have been cut in half from the 2023 rates. Check your MileagePlus account for an entry labeled “Starter PQP.”
