How to Earn Extra United Miles by Supporting Black History Month

February is Black History Month and select United Airlines credit card holders can earn United Airlines Award Miles by donating to eligible organizations that support civil rights and educational opportunities for black students.

Eligible Cards: United Gateway Card, United Explorer Card, United Quest℠ Card, United Club℠ Infinite Card, United℠ Business Card* and United Club℠ Business Card. Cardholders will earn 5 miles for every dollar they donate (up to $1,000) to the following organizations from February 1 to March 15, 2022:

“At JPMorgan Chase, we are committed to helping close the racial wealth gap and bring economic inclusion to black communities,” said Ed Olebe, president of co-branded cards at JPMorgan Chase. “Giving greater access to educational opportunities for black students and expanding civil rights is the foundation of our long-term success. This year, we are once again partnering with United and Visa during Black History Month to reward our clients when they take action to support organizations that truly make a difference in these critical areas.”

Michelle Geters-Clark, Director of Diversity and Head of Corporate Responsibility at Visa, added: “At Visa, we are committed to supporting our partners and communities as we work to uplift everyone, everywhere. As Black and African American communities in the U.S. continue to face disparities in access to education and capital, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month by once again partnering with United and Chase to collectively support nonprofits that are on the front lines supporting Black communities across the globe. territory of the United States.”

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You can also donate your rewards

One of my favorite charitable donation tips is to donate credit card rewards, air miles and/or hotel points. Many organizations, including American Airlines, American Express, Discover, and Marriott, provide direct access very easily.

A big part of the attraction is that many people believe their hearts are bigger than their wallets. In other words, they want to donate to causes they care about, but money can be tight. Rewards are money found – they have value, but donating a reward doesn’t require you to dip into your checking account.

For example, if you have Marriott points, you can donate them to any of 30 charitable partners. Some of those associated with Black History Month include My Brother’s Keeper, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the National Urban League.

Many Chase credit card holders can increase their donations through the bank’s Pay Yourself Back program. For example, I have a Chase Freedom Flex℠ card and through the end of 2022 I can redeem my points for 25% more when I use them to offset certain charitable contributions. There’s an extra step because you have to pay for the donation with your card and then get reimbursed by cashing in your rewards, but the net effect is a significant bonus. Most of the organizations mentioned above, as well as a few others, are eligible for this promotion.

bottom line

Whether you donate rewards directly or want to earn extra rewards by donating money, your donation can be even greater thanks to many credit card issuers, airlines and hotels.

Have a question about credit cards? Email me at [email protected] and I’ll be happy to help.

Ted Rossman is a senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com. He has spent the last decade in the personal finance industry, conducting consumer and industry research and providing commentary for the media and consumers. Its main focuses include credit cards, debt management and credit ratings. Ted regularly shares his advice through major media such as Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, CNBC and Fox Business. He also writes a weekly “Wealth and Desires” column for CreditCards.com, which is mostly about cashback credit cards.