United Airlines: flights, Polaris and points from Canada

Flying United Airlines from Canada opens up US destinations and onward connections around the world. Compare the operating carrier, every segment’s cabin, and the purchased fare conditions before choosing.

This guide focuses on United Airlines as an airline. Our United MileagePlus program page covers its loyalty program. Official information checked on October 28, 2026.

United Airlines departures from Canada

The United Canada route pages market flights involving several Canadian cities. Enter your airport and dates, then compare journey time and connections. A city appearing in the booking engine does not establish daily nonstop United service.

Potential connections include Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Washington-Dulles (IAD), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX). Check the number of changes, terminals, and US entry requirements.

Read “operated by” on every segment. United Express may use a regional aircraft, while a codeshare may be operated by Air Canada. The flight number or ticket seller alone does not identify the seat.

The Air Canada partnership supports connections without making baggage, onboard service, or credit card benefits identical. Compare the Canadian carrier through our Air Canada airline guide.

Cabins: United First, Premium Plus, and Polaris

A United First seat on a regional or North American flight can differ substantially from long-haul Polaris. Economy Plus means Economy seating with additional legroom; the name does not establish a Premium Plus cabin.

For a multi-flight booking, read the cabin on each segment. A Business Class itinerary can include an Economy connection. Check the seat map and review it again after aircraft changes.

Polaris: the fare also affects lounge access

United announced base, standard, and flexible fare categories for certain premium products in April 2026. The rollout includes long-haul international flights and selected other markets.

Under this offering, Polaris base includes United Club access rather than Polaris Lounge access. Polaris standard and flexible include Polaris access under the applicable conditions. Read the displayed fare inclusions: a Polaris seat alone does not establish every ground benefit.

Baggage, Basic Economy, and the final price

Basic Economy conditions depend on the itinerary and applicable exceptions. Do not apply a rule for a domestic US ticket automatically to Canada–US travel.

Before paying, record:

Baggage: personal item, carry-on, checked bags, and each operating carrier’s rules.
Seating: advance selection and charges for extra space or a different cabin.
Changes: fare restrictions, price differences, and possible refunds.
Connections: separate tickets, baggage collection, and time before the next departure.

Status or a card may provide an exception, but it must match the ticket and operating flight. An Aeroplan card does not automatically provide a free checked bag on United.

Lounges and US connections

United Club and United Polaris Lounge are distinct products. Check the fare, eligible itinerary, status, and guest rules before counting on entry. Domestic First or an independent lounge-network card does not establish Polaris Lounge access.

For a US connection, check documents required for your citizenship and itinerary. A connection still involves the country’s applicable entry formalities. Allow more time for terminal changes or separately ticketed flights.

Book United through MileagePlus or Aeroplan

Compare the same flight in both programs before moving or buying points.

MileagePlus: search United for the mileage price and cash portion. The result determines the current price.
Aeroplan: United appears among Air Canada’s airline partners. Search partner awards, then verify every cabin and fee.
Availability: a seat sold for cash or offered through MileagePlus may not appear in Aeroplan.

Our Aeroplan program page explains the partner route. MileagePlus miles and Aeroplan points remain separate currencies. You cannot move a balance between them.

For Premier status, read our United MileagePlus elite status guide, published in October 2026. Redeemable miles and status qualification follow different rules.

Which Canadian cards fit?

Neo United: earn MileagePlus miles directly

The United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard provides a Canadian way to earn MileagePlus miles. It may fit when United regularly offers the flights you want.

Compare fees and benefits with how frequently you travel. This Canadian card has its own conditions; US Chase card offers do not apply to it.

Compare

United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard

Neo Financial United MileagePlus

Annual fee: $89
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$320Total$320Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $320
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 20,000 miles

The United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard^® is the only credit card in Canada that allows you to earn United MileagePlus miles while enjoying exclusive airline benefits directly on your credit card.

For a limited time, you can earn up to 20,000 MileagePlus miles as a welcome bonus:

5,000 MileagePlus miles on card activation and first transaction
15,000 additional MileagePlus miles when you spend $3,000 net of refunds within 3 months of application

And 5,000 miles per year when the account remains open and active with eligible spend within 365 days This is an approximate $90 value based on our valuation of MileagePlus miles.

With the United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard^®, you earn MileagePlus miles on every purchase:

1.25 miles per dollar on United and Star Alliance flights
1 mile per dollar on dining and groceries
0.75 miles per dollar everywhere else

You can also earn bonus miles at over 10,000 Neo merchant partners across the country.

When travelling with United, you benefit from a first checked bag free on all your flights, as well as Group 2 priority boarding for you and your family.

With the United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard, you automatically receive at least a 10% discount on award flights, and even 15% if you hold Premier MileagePlus status.

In addition, you gain access to exclusive availability on Saver Award fares, including premium-cabin seats such as Polaris^® business class, which are not always available to non-cardholders.

As a World Elite Mastercard, you also enjoy paid access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through the Mastercard Travel Pass program provided by DragonPass, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage (insurance coverage not available in Quebec).

Finally, the card reimburses up to $120 USD every 5 years to cover your Nexus application or renewal fees — the expedited border crossing program between Canada and the U.S.

A secured version of the card is also available with a security deposit. It offers the exact same mile earn rates and travel benefits, while allowing you to build or rebuild your credit history in Canada.

Legal

Conditions Apply. Conditions apply. Limited one-time offer for new customers who have not opened a United Neo World Elite Mastercard before the date of application approval. Must (1) be the age of majority in your province or territory of residence; (2) be a Canadian resident; (3) have annual personal income of $80,000 CAD or annual household income of $150,000 CAD; and (4) for secured cards only, provide security funds. Initial 5,000 MileagePlus miles are issued once the card is activated. To earn additional 15,000 MileagePlus miles, minimum spend of $3,000 net of refunds must be completed within 3 months from application start date. Additional MileagePlus miles are issued 6–8 weeks after the qualifying spend period. MileagePlus^® miles may be limited and vary by perks, offer, and partner. Offer is subject to MileagePlus^® terms and conditions. MileagePlus^® is managed, administered, and serviced by MileagePlus Holdings, LLC. Neo Financial^™ and United MileagePlus^® reserve the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time.
Neo Financial^™ and United MileagePlus reserve the right to modify or withdraw this offer at any time.

Annual fee

Primary card$89

Annual income required

Individual$80,000

Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

1.25xUnited flights
1xGroceries
1xRestaurants
0.75xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$639

2nd Year Value$355

Travel insurance

Travel MedicalUp to $1,000,000 / 14 days

Trip CancellationIncluded

Trip InterruptionIncluded

Lost BaggageIncluded

Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Cobalt: access United seats offered to Aeroplan

The American Express Cobalt Card earns Membership Rewards. The Canadian American Express program allows transfers of 1,000 Membership Rewards points to 1,000 Aeroplan points.

This route books United seats available through Aeroplan. It is not a direct MileagePlus transfer. The card panels display current promotional offers and their conditions.

Compare

American Express Cobalt^® Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $191.88
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months: Up to 15,000 points

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is a versatile American Express card, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt^® Card welcome offer

The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer valued at $255.

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

15,000 Aeroplan points
15,000 Avios points
15,000 Flying Blue Miles
18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

American Express Cobalt^® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, and home food delivery. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line^® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers three kinds of merchants:

Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores (Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven): not part of 5X, 1 point per dollar.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

With the American Express Cobalt^® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category	Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.)	5
Home food delivery	5
Restaurants and bars	5
Convenience stores	1
Streaming services	3
Service station	2
Transport	2
Travel	1
Other	1

That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt^® Card insurance coverage

The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.

Travel insurance

Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.

Mobile device insurance

Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.

Purchase protection and extended warranty

Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.

American Express Cobalt^® Card fees

Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$191.88

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,675

2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Buy miles or points for a United booking

For MileagePlus, use the official United mileage purchase portal. Prices and any bonuses depend on the offer shown in your account. Buying redeemable miles does not replace Premier qualification requirements.

If your United seat is available through Aeroplan, our affiliate link to buy Aeroplan points shows the applicable offer. Milesopedia may earn a commission. This purchase funds Aeroplan rather than MileagePlus.

Add the cost of missing points, taxes, fees, and optional services. Check currency, exchange costs, posting time, and cancellation terms. Compare with the cash fare: a purchase or transfer does not hold the seat.

Compare the best credit cards in Canada against your spending and the program you can actually use.

Get travel advice and announcements in the Milesopedia newsletter.

How do MileagePlus and Aeroplan differ for United flights?

MileagePlus is United’s program. Aeroplan can offer United seats released to partners. Prices, fees, and availability may differ, and balances cannot transfer between the programs.

Does United First guarantee a Polaris seat?

No. North American or regional United First and long-haul Polaris are different products. Check the seat map on every segment.

Is Economy Plus the same as Premium Plus?

No. Economy Plus provides extra-legroom Economy seating. Premium Plus is a separate cabin where offered.

Does every Polaris fare include Polaris Lounge access?

No. Under the new categories announced in 2026, Polaris base includes United Club rather than Polaris Lounge access. Check the specific fare and itinerary inclusions.

Does Basic Economy include a carry-on from Canada?

Check the Canada–US itinerary rules and ticket exceptions. Do not automatically apply a domestic US rule to a transborder booking.

Can Canadian Membership Rewards transfer directly to United?

The route discussed transfers to Aeroplan to book partner United seats. The Canadian partner list consulted does not offer a direct MileagePlus transfer.

Does an Aeroplan card provide a free United checked bag?

Card benefits tied to Air Canada flights do not automatically extend to United. Check the operating carrier and the benefit’s specific conditions.

This guide focuses on United Airlines as an airline. Our United MileagePlus program page covers its loyalty program. Official information checked on October 28, 2026.

United Airlines departures from Canada

The Air Canada partnership supports connections without making baggage, onboard service, or credit card benefits identical. Compare the Canadian carrier through our Air Canada airline guide.

Cabins: United First, Premium Plus, and Polaris

For a multi-flight booking, read the cabin on each segment. A Business Class itinerary can include an Economy connection. Check the seat map and review it again after aircraft changes.

Polaris: the fare also affects lounge access

United announced base, standard, and flexible fare categories for certain premium products in April 2026. The rollout includes long-haul international flights and selected other markets.

Baggage, Basic Economy, and the final price

Basic Economy conditions depend on the itinerary and applicable exceptions. Do not apply a rule for a domestic US ticket automatically to Canada–US travel.

Before paying, record:

Baggage: personal item, carry-on, checked bags, and each operating carrier’s rules.
Seating: advance selection and charges for extra space or a different cabin.
Changes: fare restrictions, price differences, and possible refunds.
Connections: separate tickets, baggage collection, and time before the next departure.

Status or a card may provide an exception, but it must match the ticket and operating flight. An Aeroplan card does not automatically provide a free checked bag on United.

Lounges and US connections

Book United through MileagePlus or Aeroplan

Compare the same flight in both programs before moving or buying points.

MileagePlus: search United for the mileage price and cash portion. The result determines the current price.
Aeroplan: United appears among Air Canada’s airline partners. Search partner awards, then verify every cabin and fee.
Availability: a seat sold for cash or offered through MileagePlus may not appear in Aeroplan.

Our Aeroplan program page explains the partner route. MileagePlus miles and Aeroplan points remain separate currencies. You cannot move a balance between them.

For Premier status, read our United MileagePlus elite status guide, published in October 2026. Redeemable miles and status qualification follow different rules.

Which Canadian cards fit?

Neo United: earn MileagePlus miles directly

The United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard provides a Canadian way to earn MileagePlus miles. It may fit when United regularly offers the flights you want.

Compare fees and benefits with how frequently you travel. This Canadian card has its own conditions; US Chase card offers do not apply to it.

Compare

United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard

Neo Financial United MileagePlus

Annual fee: $89
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$320Total$320Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $320
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 20,000 miles

For a limited time, you can earn up to 20,000 MileagePlus miles as a welcome bonus:

5,000 MileagePlus miles on card activation and first transaction
15,000 additional MileagePlus miles when you spend $3,000 net of refunds within 3 months of application

And 5,000 miles per year when the account remains open and active with eligible spend within 365 days This is an approximate $90 value based on our valuation of MileagePlus miles.

With the United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard^®, you earn MileagePlus miles on every purchase:

1.25 miles per dollar on United and Star Alliance flights
1 mile per dollar on dining and groceries
0.75 miles per dollar everywhere else

You can also earn bonus miles at over 10,000 Neo merchant partners across the country.

When travelling with United, you benefit from a first checked bag free on all your flights, as well as Group 2 priority boarding for you and your family.

With the United^® MileagePlus^® Neo World Elite^® Mastercard, you automatically receive at least a 10% discount on award flights, and even 15% if you hold Premier MileagePlus status.

In addition, you gain access to exclusive availability on Saver Award fares, including premium-cabin seats such as Polaris^® business class, which are not always available to non-cardholders.

Finally, the card reimburses up to $120 USD every 5 years to cover your Nexus application or renewal fees — the expedited border crossing program between Canada and the U.S.

Legal

Annual fee

Primary card$89

Annual income required

Individual$80,000

Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

1.25xUnited flights
1xGroceries
1xRestaurants
0.75xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$639

2nd Year Value$355

Travel insurance

Travel MedicalUp to $1,000,000 / 14 days

Trip CancellationIncluded

Trip InterruptionIncluded

Lost BaggageIncluded

Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Cobalt: access United seats offered to Aeroplan

The American Express Cobalt Card earns Membership Rewards. The Canadian American Express program allows transfers of 1,000 Membership Rewards points to 1,000 Aeroplan points.

This route books United seats available through Aeroplan. It is not a direct MileagePlus transfer. The card panels display current promotional offers and their conditions.

Compare

American Express Cobalt^® Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $191.88
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months: Up to 15,000 points

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is a versatile American Express card, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt^® Card welcome offer

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

15,000 Aeroplan points
15,000 Avios points
15,000 Flying Blue Miles
18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

American Express Cobalt^® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, and home food delivery. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line^® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers three kinds of merchants:

Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores (Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven): not part of 5X, 1 point per dollar.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

With the American Express Cobalt^® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category	Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.)	5
Home food delivery	5
Restaurants and bars	5
Convenience stores	1
Streaming services	3
Service station	2
Transport	2
Travel	1
Other	1

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt^® Card insurance coverage

Travel insurance

Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Mobile device insurance

Purchase protection and extended warranty

American Express Cobalt^® Card fees

Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

Legal

Annual fee

Primary card$191.88

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,675

2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Buy miles or points for a United booking

Compare the best credit cards in Canada against your spending and the program you can actually use.

Get travel advice and announcements in the Milesopedia newsletter.

How do MileagePlus and Aeroplan differ for United flights?

MileagePlus is United’s program. Aeroplan can offer United seats released to partners. Prices, fees, and availability may differ, and balances cannot transfer between the programs.

Does United First guarantee a Polaris seat?

No. North American or regional United First and long-haul Polaris are different products. Check the seat map on every segment.

Is Economy Plus the same as Premium Plus?

No. Economy Plus provides extra-legroom Economy seating. Premium Plus is a separate cabin where offered.

Does every Polaris fare include Polaris Lounge access?

No. Under the new categories announced in 2026, Polaris base includes United Club rather than Polaris Lounge access. Check the specific fare and itinerary inclusions.

Does Basic Economy include a carry-on from Canada?

Check the Canada–US itinerary rules and ticket exceptions. Do not automatically apply a domestic US rule to a transborder booking.

Can Canadian Membership Rewards transfer directly to United?

The route discussed transfers to Aeroplan to book partner United seats. The Canadian partner list consulted does not offer a direct MileagePlus transfer.

Does an Aeroplan card provide a free United checked bag?

Card benefits tied to Air Canada flights do not automatically extend to United. Check the operating carrier and the benefit’s specific conditions.

United Airlines: flights, Polaris and points from Canada

United Airlines departures from Canada

Cabins: United First, Premium Plus, and Polaris

Polaris: the fare also affects lounge access

Baggage, Basic Economy, and the final price

Lounges and US connections

Book United through MileagePlus or Aeroplan

Which Canadian cards fit?

Neo United: earn MileagePlus miles directly

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Cobalt: access United seats offered to Aeroplan

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Transfer partners

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Buy miles or points for a United booking

How do MileagePlus and Aeroplan differ for United flights?

Does United First guarantee a Polaris seat?

Is Economy Plus the same as Premium Plus?

Does every Polaris fare include Polaris Lounge access?

Does Basic Economy include a carry-on from Canada?

Can Canadian Membership Rewards transfer directly to United?

Does an Aeroplan card provide a free United checked bag?

Our featured card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Our editorial integrity

Comments from our members

United Airlines departures from Canada

Cabins: United First, Premium Plus, and Polaris

Polaris: the fare also affects lounge access

Baggage, Basic Economy, and the final price

Lounges and US connections

Book United through MileagePlus or Aeroplan

Which Canadian cards fit?

Neo United: earn MileagePlus miles directly

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Cobalt: access United seats offered to Aeroplan

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Transfer partners

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Buy miles or points for a United booking

How do MileagePlus and Aeroplan differ for United flights?

Does United First guarantee a Polaris seat?

Is Economy Plus the same as Premium Plus?

Does every Polaris fare include Polaris Lounge access?

Does Basic Economy include a carry-on from Canada?

Can Canadian Membership Rewards transfer directly to United?

Does an Aeroplan card provide a free United checked bag?

Our featured card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate