United Airlines is offering a way for customers to convert unwanted gift cards into MileagePlus miles through its MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange. The exchange allows gift card holders to trade their cards for United miles, potentially providing a use for those who may not find the original retailer appealing.
The program includes over 30 retailers such as Best Buy, Sears, Starbucks, and Walmart. However, some merchants on the list might not be available for exchange on the website, while others like The North Face and HP are included despite not being listed.
To participate in this exchange, gift cards must have at least a $15 balance. Higher minimum balances apply to certain merchants. For instance, The North Face requires a $50 minimum balance. When checking eligibility on the site, if a card’s balance is too low, users will see an alert with the required minimum amount.