Going on vacation is great, but paying for your vacation is never fun. The whole process just became a whole lot easier as United Airlines has started offering a new way for customers to pay. As of this week United became the first major airline to off a monthly payment solution to all of its 350 destinations, which is powered by travel technology start-up, Uplift.
What is Uplift?
Uplift is the only point of sale integrated financing company exclusively focused within the travel industry. They make it easy for consumers to budget, buy and experience the travel they want.
Uplift offers customers the ability to finance their trip over 12 easy payments; with a down payment required at the time of booking, then 11 equal remaining payments.
Uplift CEO Brian Barth said “Our mission to make travel more accessible, affordable and rewarding for everyone perfectly aligns with United’s purpose of connecting people and uniting the world,”
Barth continued “Travel has become a fundamental part of our lives and consumers today demand more flexibility. We’re excited to help more people experience the world with this partnership with United.”
How to use Uplift on United’s site
Using the new Uplift option on the United website is almost no different from what you are already used to. After selecting your flights, you’ll see your estimated monthly payments below the total. This is typically based around a 15% APR.
To continue with Uplift, just get all the way to the payment screen where you will click the button for Uplift to begin the application process.
Getting approved for Uplift is instant. They will either pre-approve you or not. There is no waiting for a decision like when applying for some credit cards.
Why I like Uplift
Besides being able to pay just $229 today for a Business Class ticket from Amsterdam to Hawaii, Uplift might be the most consumer friendly financing company I have ever seen.
- There is only a soft credit check to look at your rate
- Uplift Pay Monthly plans are typically cheaper than a credit card, especially considering compounding interest
- Plans can be for as little as $500, up to $15,000
- You get to travel now and continue paying when you get back
- Uplift never charges you to pay off your plan early
You can find a list of other Uplift partners on their website at Uplift.com
This is awesome. Can’t wait until people go in over their heads on largely optional expenses (emergency or mandatory travel does happen) and end up defaulting/declaring bankruptcy and losing their house and then somehow blame banks and other creditors.
Sounds like a another innovative way to separate a fool from their money. Bravo.
Thank you for the information. Interesting article. It is nice for people to have options.
Turkish airlines has been offering 6 interest free monthly installments on their co-branded credit cards over 10 years. Also on their website it is very consumer friendly, and free to use.
At the end of the day, options, just for options sake are NOT guaranteed to be a good thing.
“Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend upfront but could swing an expensive ticket if spread over a reasonable amount of time, hence making it easier.
That is the whole point of credit. At the end of the day options are good thing”
Wow. So sad on so many levels.
You seriously suggesting people pay 15% interest to take a vacation? Pretty sad to see that being posted on this site. Rule number one of points/miles/flying, always pay everything off in full every month! You will regret having debt a lot longer than you will enjoy your vacation.
Debt finance a vacation?
No. And it does not make paying for an expensive airline ticket “easier”. It just delays the day of reckoning and adds interest costs.
And this reeks of a spondored post. WTF? Uplift is a financing company but is given the vaunted title of a “travel technology start-up”.
Make my day – say “OK Boomer”.
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend upfront but could swing an expensive ticket if spread over a reasonable amount of time, hence making it easier.
That is the whole point of credit. At the end of the day options are good thing
Sponsored post?
This post is not a part of a paid sponsorship
Ouch. Unless it’s an emergency, why would anybody buy something they can’t afford? And why aren’t you in the cheap seats if you don’t have the money?
+1
+2