Buying Elite Qualifying Miles (now called or PQP on United) is generally considered a poor value and should be used only as a last resort to bridge a small gap at the end of a qualification year. United offers two primary ways to "buy" PQP directly:
Using a United Credit Card can earn you PQP through daily spending (e.g., 1 PQP per $15–$20 spent), which is often more cost-effective than buying them outright. Community Perspectives buy elite qualifying miles on united
: This allows you to purchase PQP at the time of booking or for an existing flight. Prices vary but often range between $0.93 to $1.10 per PQP . Buying Elite Qualifying Miles (now called or PQP
Using excess miles to earn status points on United-operated flights. Prices vary but often range between $0
Reviewers from platforms like The Points Guy and NerdWallet consistently recommend against buying PQP unless you are very close to a high-tier status like . Cost vs. Benefit
Booking a "mileage run" (a cheap flight specifically to earn PQP) often provides better value because you get the PQP plus a trip.