Neo Financial and United Airlines have introduced the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard for Canadian consumers.
In line with this announcement, both companies are set to launch a co-branded credit card in April 2026. This card will be issued by Neo Financial using a Mastercard license and is expected to integrate everyday spending in Canada with the United MileagePlus loyalty program.
This move represents Neo Financial’s entry into the airline co-branded card market, alongside its existing product lineup that includes the Neo Mastercard, Neo World Mastercard, and Neo World Elite Mastercard.
Key Features and Eligibility
As a World Elite Mastercard, the new card comes with minimum income requirements. Applicants must have a personal income of at least USD 58,492 (CAD 80,000) or a household income of at least USD 109,597 (CAD 150,000), in line with other World Elite products available in Canada. The annual fee and full earn rates have not yet been announced.
Initial launch features include priority boarding and a complimentary checked bag on eligible United flights — saving cardholders approximately USD 35 to USD 70 per round trip — as well as faster miles accumulation when making bookings with United or other Star Alliance carriers. Cardholders can redeem their miles across any Star Alliance airline, which encompasses more than 20 international carriers. Additionally, they will gain access to Neo’s domestic rewards network, covering over 10,000 local and national partners in Canada.
To attract early adopters, Neo Financial is providing a special welcome package for those who join the waitlist by March 25, 2026. The first 3,000 eligible customers to sign up, activate their card, and make a purchase will receive an extra 5,000 MileagePlus miles on top of any standard offer.
Market Context
Canada’s co-branded airline credit card market is currently dominated by major banks and two domestic carriers. The introduction of a United Airlines card through Neo Financial broadens the competitive field, allowing Canadians direct access to a US-based global loyalty program without involving traditional financial institutions.
Moreover, the launch date aligns with changes to MileagePlus earning rules, effective from April 2, 2026. These modifications are intended to boost value for co-branded cardholders and mark a strategic move by Neo Financial to compete in the travel rewards sector.
