What Happened
Neo Financial, a Calgary-based fintech company, has partnered with United Airlines to launch the United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard. This co-branded credit card is set to launch in April 2026 and will allow Canadians to earn points through United’s MileagePlus loyalty program, one of the largest in the world.
Why It Matters
The introduction of this credit card is significant as it challenges the dominance of Canada’s Big Five banks in the travel rewards sector. Jeff Adamson, Neo’s co-founder and chief commercial officer, emphasized that this partnership represents a shift in the control that traditional banks have held over travel rewards programs. The card will offer users various travel benefits, including priority boarding and a free checked bag, enhancing the value proposition for Canadian travelers.
What’s Next
As competition in the Canadian credit card market intensifies, Neo Financial aims to provide innovative financial products that cater to the needs of consumers. The United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard will not only offer accelerated travel rewards but also access to a wide range of destinations through United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners. Canadians interested in the card can join a waitlist to be among the first to access this new offering.
