Ready to unlock extra savings on your Uber rides and Uber Eats orders? If you're an American Express cardholder, especially with an eligible Platinum, Gold, or Corporate Card, you could be missing out on valuable Uber Cash benefits! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about linking your Amex card, activating your Uber Cash, and making the most of this fantastic perk. Let's get started!
Step 1: Confirm Your American Express Card Eligibility
First things first, let's confirm if your American Express card qualifies for Uber Cash benefits. Not all Amex cards offer this perk, so it's crucial to check.
Sub-heading: Which Amex Cards Qualify?
Generally, the following American Express cards are known to offer Uber Cash benefits:
American Express Platinum Card®: This is one of the most common cards to offer substantial Uber Cash, often providing a monthly credit that can add up to a significant annual amount.
American Express Gold Card®: Gold cardholders typically receive a monthly Uber Cash benefit as well, though it might be a lower amount than the Platinum Card.
American Express Centurion® Card: Similar to the Platinum Card, Centurion cardholders receive a generous Uber Cash benefit.
American Express Corporate Cards (Green, Gold, Platinum): If you have a US-issued American Express Corporate Card, you might be eligible to earn Uber Cash on eligible business rides and Uber Eats orders.
Important Note: The exact benefit amount and terms can vary, so it's always best to refer to your specific card's benefits guide or the American Express website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Benefits usually expire at the end of each month and do not roll over.
Step 2: Ensure You Have the Latest Uber App
Before proceeding, make sure you have the most current version of the Uber or Uber Eats app installed on your smartphone. Updates often include critical bug fixes and new features, including those related to payment methods and partner rewards.
For iOS users: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to see pending updates.
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, then "Manage apps & device," and check for updates.
Step 3: Add Your Eligible American Express Card to Your Uber Account
This is a crucial step to link your Amex benefits to your Uber account.
Sub-heading: Adding Your Card Through the Uber App
Open the Uber App: Launch the Uber or Uber Eats app on your phone.
Navigate to Wallet/Payment: Tap on the "Account" icon (usually at the bottom right).
Then, select "Wallet" or "Payment".
Add Payment Method: Tap on "Add Payment Method".
Enter Card Details: You can either:
Scan your card by tapping the camera icon and aligning your card within the frame.
Manually enter your American Express card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing ZIP/postal code.
Save Your Card: Tap "Save" to add your card.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next?
Once your eligible American Express card is added, Uber typically automatically recognizes it and applies the associated Uber Cash benefit to your account. You might receive a notification confirming this. It can take up to 48 hours for the Uber Cash to appear in your balance.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple Uber accounts and the same eligible Amex card is added to more than one, generally only the first account to which the card was added will receive the benefit. If you want to switch which account receives the benefit, you'll need to remove the card from the undesired accounts first, then re-add it to the preferred account.
Step 4: Verify Your Uber Cash Balance
It's always a good idea to confirm that your American Express Uber Cash has been successfully applied to your account.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Uber Cash Balance in the App
Open the Uber App: Again, open either the Uber or Uber Eats app.
Go to Wallet/Payment: Tap on the "Account" icon, then select "Wallet" or "Payment".
View Uber Cash: Your "Uber Cash" balance will be displayed at the top. This balance combines any Amex benefits, promotional credits, gift cards, and purchased Uber Cash.
View Amex Benefit History: You can often tap on your Uber Cash balance to see a breakdown, including your Amex benefit history.
Step 5: Using Your Uber Cash with American Express
Now for the fun part – actually using your Uber Cash!
Sub-heading: Automatic Application (for Personal Profiles)
For most personal profiles, your Uber Cash, including the American Express benefit, will automatically apply to your ride or order when you request it, provided Uber Cash is toggled "on."
Sub-heading: Manually Managing Uber Cash Application (for Business Profiles or Selective Use)
If you're using a business profile, or simply want to control when you use your Uber Cash, you'll need to manually manage it.
Enter Your Destination/Add Items: In the Uber app, enter your destination for a ride, or in the Uber Eats app, add items to your cart.
Select Payment Method: Before confirming your ride request or placing your order, tap on your current payment method (usually displayed near the price).
Toggle Uber Cash On/Off: On the payment options screen, you'll see a toggle switch for "Uber Cash". Ensure it's toggled ON if you want to use it for that transaction. If you want to save it for later, toggle it OFF.
Select American Express as Payment: Crucially, for the Uber Cash from your Amex benefit to be applied, you must also select your eligible American Express card as the payment method for that transaction. Even if your Uber Cash covers the full amount, ensure your Amex card is selected.
Return and Confirm: Go back to the previous screen and confirm your ride request or place your order.
Sub-heading: What if Uber Cash Doesn't Cover the Full Cost?
If your Uber Cash balance is not enough to cover the entire cost of your ride or order, the remaining balance will be charged to the primary payment method selected on your Uber account (which should be your eligible American Express card to continue receiving benefits).
Important Reminder: Uber Cash from your Amex benefit typically expires at the end of each month and does not roll over. Make sure to use it before it expires!
Step 6: Keeping Your American Express Card Details Up-to-Date
To ensure uninterrupted Uber Cash benefits, it's vital to keep your American Express card details current in your Uber account. If your card expires or you receive a new one, update the information promptly.
Sub-heading: Updating Card Information
Go to Wallet/Payment: In the Uber app, tap "Account" then "Wallet" or "Payment".
Select the Card: Tap on your American Express card.
Edit Details: You can typically edit the expiration date and CVV. If the card number changes, you might need to remove the old card and add the new one as a fresh payment method.
Save Changes: Don't forget to save any updates!
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is generally straightforward, you might encounter minor hiccups.
Sub-heading: My Uber Cash Isn't Appearing!
Check Eligibility: Double-check if your American Express card is indeed eligible for the Uber Cash benefit.
Wait 48 Hours: Allow up to 48 hours for the Uber Cash to appear after adding your card.
Latest App Version: Ensure your Uber app is updated.
Correct Account: If you have multiple Uber accounts, confirm the eligible Amex card is linked to the account you're checking.
Contact Amex/Uber Support: If the issue persists, contact American Express customer service or Uber Support for assistance.
Sub-heading: My Uber Cash Isn't Applying to My Ride/Order!
Uber Cash Toggle: Make sure the Uber Cash toggle is "ON" on the payment selection screen for that specific trip/order.
Amex Card Selected: Verify that your eligible American Express card is selected as the payment method.
Business Profile: If using a business profile, remember you might need to manually enable Uber Cash.
Family Profile: Uber Cash typically does not apply to trips taken on Family Profiles.
Promotional Conflicts: Sometimes, other promotions you have might apply before your Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Expiration: Confirm your Uber Cash hasn't expired (it typically resets monthly).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uber Cash & American Express
How to check my Uber Cash balance?
You can check your Uber Cash balance by opening the Uber app, tapping the "Account" icon, and then selecting "Wallet" or "Payment." Your balance will be prominently displayed.
How to add my American Express card to Uber?
Open the Uber app, go to "Account" -> "Wallet/Payment" -> "Add Payment Method," and then enter your American Express card details.
How to ensure my Amex Uber Cash is applied to a ride?
When requesting a ride or placing an Uber Eats order, tap on the payment method before confirming and ensure the "Uber Cash" toggle is ON and your eligible American Express card is selected.
How to switch the Uber account that receives the Amex benefit?
To switch the Uber account receiving the Amex benefit, remove the eligible Amex card as a payment method from any other Uber accounts, then add it to the desired Uber account. Do this before the 1st of the month for the benefit to apply to the new account.
How to use Uber Cash on Uber Eats?
The process is the same as for rides. In the Uber Eats app, when checking out, ensure "Uber Cash" is toggled on and your eligible American Express card is selected as the payment method.
How to tell if my American Express card is eligible for Uber Cash?
Refer to your specific American Express card's benefits guide or check the official American Express website for details on Uber Cash benefits for your card type (e.g., Platinum, Gold, Corporate).
How to use Uber Cash if it doesn't cover the full cost?
If your Uber Cash doesn't cover the entire cost, the remaining amount will be charged to the American Express card (or other primary payment method) selected for the transaction.
How to prevent Uber Cash from automatically applying?
Before confirming your ride or order, tap on your selected payment method and toggle the "Uber Cash" option OFF.
How to get a refund for Uber Cash?
Generally, Uber Cash from American Express benefits is not refundable as it's a monthly credit. For purchased Uber Cash, refund policies apply based on Uber's terms.
How to contact Uber or American Express for Uber Cash issues?
For issues related to the Uber app or using Uber Cash, contact Uber Support directly through the app. For specific questions about your American Express card or its benefits, call the customer service number on the back of your Amex card.
