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Convert unwanted gift cards into United Airlines mileage

Research
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Summer Hull Director of content | The Points Guy

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.

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The value of United miles received is calculated based on the gift card's value multiplied by 26.6 and rounded up to the nearest 10 miles. This conversion results in an approximate rate of between 3.70 and 3.76 cents per mile depending on the card's value.

According to TPG's December 2024 valuation of United miles at 1.35 cents each, exchanging gift cards might not offer great value monetarily but could still be advantageous for those needing additional miles for travel plans.

To utilize this service, participants must have had their MileagePlus account open for at least 90 days with a positive balance of existing miles. If there are no miles in the account initially, users can earn them through other means like shopping portals or dining programs associated with MileagePlus.

Once submitted through the Gift Card Exchange platform, exchanged mileage should reflect in accounts within five business days.

This option provides flexibility but isn't necessarily recommended unless there’s an immediate need for United miles or if other more favorable exchanges aren't available elsewhere online.

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