Deal alert: United is offering 40K one-way awards to Taiwan for credit cardholders on Tuesday only

There are many reasons to get a United credit card, including to access lower award rates. United also frequently runs deals and promotions just for cardholders — and this week, the airline is unveiling a new one each day. But you'll have to act fast; these deals only last 24 hours.

Today only, United cardholders can book award flights to Taiwan this fall for just 40,000 MileagePlus miles each way. That's economy, not business class — but still not a bad deal if you can survive the long journey in coach.

Related: United credit cards add statement credits and higher annual fees — is it worth keeping your card?

Deal basics

Airline: United

Routes: Between the mainland U.S. and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

Fare classes: Economy

How to book: Directly through United

Travel dates: Aug. 27 to Dec. 10

Book by: Today, Aug. 5

If you have a United Chase credit card, you can book one-way tickets between the mainland U.S. and Taiwan for only 40,000 miles in economy Tuesday only. We're seeing widespread availability from several major U.S. cities this fall, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

These economy fares typically cost 45,000 miles each way if you can find Saver award availability; you may pay 55,000 miles or more otherwise.

Saving even 5,000 miles per person each way could add up quickly. For a two-person round-trip booking, that shaves off 20,000 miles from your total cost.

You'll still have to pay the taxes and fees on your award ticket(s), but these tend to be quite reasonable on United. They start around $40 to TPE and $54 to KHH, round-trip. Don't forget to pay the taxes and fees with your United card in order to take advantage of perks like free checked bags.

This promotional pricing applies only to primary cardmembers (i.e., not authorized users). However, there's no limit to the number of award tickets a cardholder can book. If you're considering jumping on this deal, be sure to have the United Chase cardmember in your family book the tickets.

If you're short United miles, you can transfer them from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. You can also pool United miles with family and friends to redeem for United-operated award flights. However, since pools take at least 72 hours to set up, you won't be able to use this feature for today's deal unless you've already set up a pool.

Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program

Bottom line

Today only, United has wide-open availability for cardholders to book award flights to Taiwan for only 40,000 miles each way in economy. If you haven't finalized your fall travel plans, this could be your sign to plan a trip to Taiwan.

But if Taiwan doesn't strike your fancy, there are three days of deals left for United cardholders this week. Check back tomorrow for the next one.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for airport lounge access
• How to get United Club lounge access: From credit cards to paid memberships
• The do's and don'ts in an airport lounge
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
• The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers