If you qualified for United Premier status last year, this one is for you. United Airlines recently announced that it would be more difficult to qualify for Premier status in 2023. However, to soften the blow, the airline promised its Premier members a one-time deposit of Premier qualifying points (PQPs) for those who qualified for status in 2022. Now, the offer has returned this year, with United beginning to deposit these one-time PQPs for 2023 Premier members into their MileagePlus accounts for 2024.
So, what exactly are United PQP deposits? These deposits are based on the status level you qualified for in 2023. Premier Silver members can expect a deposit of 250 PQPs, Premier Gold members will receive 500 PQPs, Premier Platinum members will get 750 PQPs, and Premier 1K members will receive 1,250 PQPs. If you held full Premier status as of February 1, 2024, you are eligible for a PQP deposit according to your status level.
It’s important to note that the PQP deposits for 2024 are lower than they were in 2023 for all four status levels. United explains that this adjustment is due to the fact that most members have already returned to travel. 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. As of January 1, 2024, United implemented changes where you will now earn 25 PQPs per $500 spent on an eligible cobranded United credit card instead of the previous rate of 500 PQPs for every $12,000.
If you are considering buying up to the next United status tier, it’s worth knowing how many PQPs United will deposit into your account if you do. According to United’s website, you will earn the PQP deposit based on your February 1 status. So, if you purchased the status buy-up before that date, you will receive the PQP deposit from your new status. Otherwise, you can expect a PQP deposit based on the status you qualified for in 2023. Members who participated in a status match challenge may receive a PQP deposit if they successfully qualified for Premier status before February 1, 2024. However, members who hold a trial status or have a challenge in progress are not eligible.
For United lifetime Premier members, you can still receive a PQP deposit based on your corresponding status, even if you didn’t fly in 2023. This is good news for those who have achieved lifetime elite status with United.
In conclusion, United’s PQP deposit for 2024 certainly helps Premier members who qualified for status in 2023, even though the deposits have been reduced compared to the previous year. Make sure to check your MileagePlus account for an entry labeled “Starter PQP” to see the PQP deposit you have received.
