Starting March 24, 2025, after your account anniversary, your $125 annual United® purchase credit will be deposited in the form of $125 in United TravelBank cash (previously you received statement credits).*
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Maybe a good thing? TravelBank cash lasts for 5 years so theoretically you could skip using the card for a year and not lose out.
It depends on whether the credit will have the same 5 year expiration or if they limit it separately to one year or something. You were already able to trigger the credit by buying TravelBank cash.
Mikel said:
It depends on whether the credit will have the same 5 year expiration or if they limit it separately to one year or something. You were already able to trigger the credit by buying TravelBank cash.
Yeah, waiting for someone to confirm details, but overall this is a net negative. Before you had the option of the credit or turning it to travel bank, now they make the choice for you and you have to use travel bank.
I got a similar message about my business card. I HATE travel bank because it expires so fast (have it with an IHG card and it expires before I can use it, within 6 months.) I primarily book flights with points or travel for work.
I am not happy, much rather have the credit! I feel like they are worsening the card benefits but if I’m missing something please correct me!
@Mike
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Graydon said:
@Mike
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The travel bank I get from my IHG card expires more often “TravelBank Cash that is received as part of this benefit and deposited between January 1 and June 30 will expire on July 15 of the same calendar year, regardless of deposit date. Deposits made between July 1 and December 31 will expire on January 15 of the following calendar year, regardless of deposit date.”
So does this mean I don’t have to purchase a ticket during the year and will instead automatically be given the $125 in the form of TravelBank cash?
Ryan said:
So does this mean I don’t have to purchase a ticket during the year and will instead automatically be given the $125 in the form of TravelBank cash?
but couldn’t you always just directly purchase $125 travel bank to trigger the credit?
Yeah I got this too. I’m curious if it will expire in a year or 5 years as some say. I’m assuming only a year.
Also, I have no idea how TravelBank works. I check my United wallet and see nothing of the sort. I guess after March I will see that $125 there, right?
Yeah I’ll be switching to the Explorer card next time around.
@Tennyson
Dang I didn’t realize they could expire sooner. I’ve only ever used travel bank by purchasing it myself for Amex.
@Tennyson
Why do you assume it’s only a year?
Direct from United’s website
"TravelBank cash and TravelBank cash gifts
Expires 5 years from the date of the deposit."
Or are you assuming this automatic $125 deposit will expire in a year?