United MileagePlus: PQF path ends for 2027 elite status, 1K PQP requirement rises to 32,000
Reported by Frequent Miler · 2026-10-14
According to Frequent Miler, United has announced that from January 1, 2027, MileagePlus members can qualify for elite status only through Premier Qualifying Points. The current alternative of combining Premier Qualifying Flights with PQP goes away, so members who historically qualified that way must now reach the full PQP thresholds. Premier Silver stays at 6,000 PQP, Premier Gold at 12,000 PQP and Premier Platinum at 18,000 PQP. Premier 1K increases from 28,000 PQP to 32,000 PQP, a 4,000 PQP rise. Members must still take at least four flights operated by United or United Express in a qualifying year for any status level.
PQP earning is unchanged in the reported changes: 1 PQP per $1 of base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges on United and United Express flights, and set ratios and caps on partner airlines. Award flights on United metal using MileagePlus miles earn 1 PQP per 100 miles redeemed, credited to the traveler. Members who earn status during 2026 receive a PQP boost at the start of 2027, with Premier 1K getting 1,600 PQP, up from 1,400 PQP.
Key points
- From January 1, 2027, the PQF+PQP option is eliminated; status is earned through PQP only.
- Premier 1K rises to 32,000 PQP from 28,000 PQP; Silver, Gold and Platinum requirements are unchanged.
- Four United or United Express flights per qualifying year remain mandatory for any elite tier.
Tip: Members who previously relied on Premier Qualifying Flights should estimate whether they can hit the full PQP thresholds, especially the higher 1K target. Frequent Miler notes United credit cards currently award between 500 and 2,000 PQP via welcome offers, and most United cards offer PQP through spending.
See Frequent Miler announcement
United MileagePlus drops Premier qualifying flights and raises Premier 1K threshold for 2027 status
Reported by Doctor of Credit · 2026-10-14
Doctor of Credit reports that United is changing how MileagePlus elite status is earned for the 2027 earning year; the post says nothing changes for 2026 and that status earned for 2027 also covers 2028. The reported structural change is that Premier qualifying flights disappear as a qualification route, so members would qualify on Premier qualifying points alone while still needing at least four flights. The same report says PlusPoints upgrades would move to dynamic pricing.
Under the reported thresholds, Premier Silver stays at 6,000 PQP, Gold at 12,000 and Platinum at 18,000, while Premier 1K rises to 32,000 PQP. Doctor of Credit also reports that PQP earned from credit cards continues, with the cap on United Club cards increasing to 32,000 PQP, and that the 5% PQP boost available to members who qualify for 2027 status becomes limited to those holding an eligible United card by December 31, 2026.
Key points
- PQF would no longer count toward elite qualification for the 2027 earning year; only PQP would, with a four-flight minimum, per Doctor of Credit.
- Reported PQP thresholds: Silver 6,000, Gold 12,000, Platinum 18,000, Premier 1K 32,000 (up from 28,000).
- United Club card PQP caps reportedly rise to 32,000, and the 5% PQP boost would be limited to cardholders.
Tip: If you plan to chase 2027 MileagePlus status, note two dates and levers: hold an eligible United card by December 31, 2026 to be eligible for the reported 5% PQP boost, and focus earn on PQP rather than flight segments, since PQF would no longer count toward qualification. Confirm current terms on United's own status page before adjusting spend.
See Doctor of Credit announcement
Chase reportedly raising legacy IHG Select card annual fee from $49 to $99
Reported by AwardWallet · 2026-10-14
AwardWallet reports that legacy IHG Rewards Select cardholders began receiving change-in-terms notices in October 2026. The notice amends the Cardmember Agreement effective December 2, 2026, raising the annual fee from $49 to $99. The new fee won't hit until the cardholder's renewal date in 2027. The card has been closed to new applicants since 2018, and once closed or converted, cardholders cannot return to it. The change is reported and not officially confirmed.
The annual free night certificate has long been capped at 40,000 points, according to AwardWallet. Doctor of Credit indicates the cap may rise by 10,000 points to 50,000, but that change is unconfirmed. Other benefits, such as automatic Platinum status and a 10% rebate on redemptions, should remain, per the report. Cardholders who don't want to pay $99 can request a product change to an eligible Chase card or close the account; closing within 30 days of the fee charge triggers a refund.
Key points
- Annual fee: $49 to $99. Notice amends the Cardmember Agreement effective Dec. 2, 2026; the new fee applies at 2027 renewals.
- Card closed to new applicants since 2018. Product change to an eligible Chase card or account closure are options; fee refund if closed within 30 days.
- Free night certificate cap reportedly may increase from 40,000 to 50,000 points; unconfirmed. Platinum status and 10% rebate expected to remain.
Tip: Watch for the Chase change-in-terms notice. If you don't want the $99 fee at your 2027 renewal, request a product change to an eligible Chase card before the fee posts. If you close instead, do it within 30 days of the charge to get the annual fee refunded.
See AwardWallet announcement
