10 April 2023
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.
It’s no secret that shopping portals can be a great way to earn extra rewards on online purchases. Now, Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping and United MileagePlus Shopping are offering targeted “mystery” bonuses to their members.
Here’s a closer look at Alaska Airlines’ and United Airlines’ mystery shopping portal bonuses.
Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping
KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Dates: April 10 to 17.
Offer: In our tests, most accounts are targeted for a one-time 500 bonus miles after spending $100 or more on qualifying purchases, but click here to reveal your specific offer.
Related: Your complete guide to earning and redeeming with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
United MileagePlus Shopping
KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Dates: April 10 to 16.
Offer: In our tests, most accounts are targeted for a one-time 500 bonus miles after spending $100 or more on qualifying purchases, but click here to reveal your specific offer.
Of course, you can choose your preferred rewards currency, but if you have the same offer from Alaska and United, we recommend initiating your purchase through Alaska’s shopping portal since we value Alaska miles at 1.8 cents apiece (roughly 50% more than our valuation of United miles).
Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program
The best credit card for shopping portals
Contrary to popular belief, Alaska’s and United’s cobranded credit cards aren’t your best payment options for shopping portal purchases. They’ll code as a retail purchase rather than an airline purchase.
We recommend using an everyday credit card that earns more than 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases. Some options include:
Citi Double Cash® Card: Earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar spent on everyday purchases (1 point when you buy and 1 point as you pay).
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent, on up to $50,000 per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar).
Related: The best credit cards for online shopping
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski, Katie Genter, Sean Cudahy and Ryan Smith.