Are you ready to unlock some serious savings on your Uber rides and Uber Eats orders? If you're an American Express cardholder, you might be sitting on a fantastic benefit: the Amex Uber credit! This guide will walk you through every step, from linking your card to maximizing your monthly credits. Let's dive in and make sure you're getting the most out of your Amex perks!
How to Master Your American Express Uber Credit: A Comprehensive Guide
Many American Express cards, particularly premium ones like the Platinum Card and Gold Card, offer valuable Uber credits. These credits provide a monthly allowance that automatically applies to your Uber and Uber Eats purchases, helping you save on transportation and food delivery. Understanding how to activate and utilize these credits is key to enjoying this perk.
| How To Use American Express Uber Credit |
Step 1: Confirm Your American Express Card's Eligibility
Before anything else, you need to verify if your specific American Express card offers the Uber credit benefit. Not all Amex cards come with this perk.
Check Your Card Benefits
Platinum Card® from American Express: Typically offers $15 in Uber Cash each month, with a bonus $20 in December, totaling up to $200 annually.
American Express® Gold Card: Generally provides $10 in Uber Cash each month, adding up to $120 annually.
Centurion® Card: Similar to the Platinum Card, it offers $15 in Uber Cash monthly, plus a $20 bonus in December.
American Express Corporate Cards (Platinum, Gold, Green): These cards might offer a percentage of Uber Cash back on eligible business spend (e.g., 5% for Platinum/Gold, 3% for Green), which can then be used for personal Uber services. Enrollment is often required for corporate cards.
Action Point: Log in to your American Express online account or refer to your card's benefit guide to confirm the specific Uber credit amount and any associated terms for your card.
Step 2: Download and Update the Uber App
To seamlessly integrate your Amex card and its Uber credit, ensure you have the latest version of the Uber or Uber Eats app installed on your smartphone.
Ensure App Freshness
Download or Update: Head to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "Uber" and "Uber Eats." Download both if you don't have them, or ensure they are updated to their most recent versions.
Why it Matters: Newer app versions often contain necessary updates for benefit integration and a smoother user experience.
Step 3: Add Your Eligible American Express Card to Your Uber Account
This is the crucial step where you link your Amex card to your Uber profile.
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
The Linking Process
Open the Uber or Uber Eats app: Launch either application on your smartphone.
Navigate to the 'Account' section: Usually found in the bottom right corner of the app.
Select 'Wallet' or 'Payment': This is where your payment methods are managed.
Tap 'Add Payment Method': Look for a button or option to add a new payment method.
Enter Your Amex Card Details: Input your American Express card number, expiration date, and CVV.
Save the Card: Confirm and save your card details.
Important Considerations
First Card Added for Benefit: If you have multiple Uber accounts or use your Amex card on another person's Uber account, be aware that only the first Uber account to which the eligible card is added will receive the monthly benefit. If you want the credit to go to a specific account, remove the card from any other accounts first, then add it to your desired primary account.
Apple Pay/PayPal Exclusions: Credits often do not apply if your American Express card is added to your Uber account through a third-party wallet like Apple Pay or PayPal. Ensure you add the card directly.
Step 4: Verify Uber Cash Activation
Once your eligible American Express card is added, the Uber Cash benefit should automatically activate. However, it's always good to double-check.
Checking Your Uber Cash Balance
Open the Uber or Uber Eats app.
Go to 'Account'.
Select 'Wallet' or 'Payment'.
Look for 'Uber Cash': Your available Uber Cash balance, including the Amex benefit, will be displayed here. You should see the monthly credit amount (e.g., $15 for Platinum, $10 for Gold) appear on the first day of each month.
View Amex Benefit History: Within the 'Uber Cash' section, you can often tap on your balance to see a history of your Amex benefit accruals.
What to Expect
Monthly Issuance: The Uber Cash is typically added to your account on the first day of each calendar month.
Expiration: A critical point to remember is that these monthly credits expire at 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time on the last day of each month and do not roll over. Use 'em or lose 'em!
Step 5: Using Your Uber Cash for Rides and Orders
Now for the fun part – spending your credit! The Uber Cash will automatically apply to eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
For Uber Rides
Open the Uber app.
Enter your destination.
Review the payment method: Before requesting the ride, you'll see the payment breakdown. Ensure that "Uber Cash" is toggled on. It should automatically be applied if you have a balance.
Request your ride. The Uber Cash will be deducted first, and any remaining balance will be charged to your linked American Express card or your primary payment method.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
For Uber Eats Orders
Open the Uber Eats app.
Select your desired restaurant and items.
Proceed to checkout.
Review the payment method: Similar to rides, confirm that "Uber Cash" is toggled on.
Place your order. The Uber Cash will be used first, and any remaining amount will be charged to your linked Amex card.
Key Usage Tips
Toggle On/Off: While the Uber Cash often automatically applies, you can manually toggle it off if you wish to save it for a different ride or order. This option is usually found by tapping on your payment method during checkout.
No Business Profiles: The Amex Uber Cash benefit typically does not apply when using a business profile in the Uber app. Ensure you are using your personal profile for these transactions.
Eligible Transactions: The credit usually applies to most Uber ride types (UberX, XL, Comfort, etc.) and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Tips for drivers/delivery persons are also generally covered.
Step 6: Maximizing Your Uber Credit
Don't let those valuable credits go to waste! Here are some strategies to get the most out of your Amex Uber benefit.
Plan Your Monthly Usage
Set Reminders: Since the credits expire monthly, set a reminder on your phone for the last week of the month to use any remaining balance.
Smaller Purchases: If you have a small remaining balance, consider using it for a short Uber ride, a coffee delivery on Uber Eats, or even a Lime bike/scooter rental if available in your area (booked through the Uber app).
Stacking Credits (If Applicable): While the Amex Uber credit itself doesn't roll over, some users might have multiple Amex cards with Uber credits (e.g., a Platinum and a Gold card). If your cards are on different Uber accounts, you can potentially utilize credits from each. However, only one eligible Amex card can provide the benefit to a single Uber account.
Monitor Your Uber Cash Balance
Regular Checks: Periodically check your Uber Cash balance in the Uber app's wallet section. This helps you keep track of how much you have left and plan your spending accordingly.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Credit Not Appearing
Re-add Card: If your credit isn't appearing, try removing your American Express card from your Uber account and then re-adding it. This often re-triggers the benefit.
App Update: Ensure your Uber and Uber Eats apps are fully updated.
Eligible Card: Double-check that the Amex card you added is indeed eligible for the Uber credit benefit.
First Account Rule: Confirm that the card isn't linked to another Uber account that is receiving the benefit.
Credit Not Applying to a Ride/Order
Tip: Share this article if you find it helpful.
Toggle On: Ensure the Uber Cash toggle is on during checkout.
Payment Method: Make sure your linked American Express card is selected as the payment method, even if the entire cost is covered by Uber Cash. Newer changes might require an Amex card to be selected for the credit to apply.
Business Profile: Confirm you are not using a business profile for the transaction.
Location: Ensure your ride or order is within the U.S., as Amex Uber credits are typically geo-restricted.
Contact Support
Uber Support: For issues directly related to your Uber Cash balance or its application within the Uber app, contact Uber's in-app support.
American Express Support: If you suspect an issue with the benefit being linked to your card or your card's eligibility, contact American Express customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about using your American Express Uber Credit:
How to check my American Express Uber credit balance?
You can easily check your Uber Cash balance, which includes your Amex credit, by opening the Uber or Uber Eats app, navigating to the "Account" section, and then selecting "Wallet" or "Payment." Your Uber Cash balance will be displayed there.
How to make sure my American Express card is linked correctly?
Go to the "Wallet" or "Payment" section in your Uber app. Your American Express card should be listed as a payment method. If you see it there, it's generally linked correctly. If you're still not seeing the credit, try removing and re-adding the card.
How to use the Uber credit for Uber Eats orders?
The Uber Cash automatically applies to Uber Eats orders just as it does for rides. When checking out on the Uber Eats app, ensure the "Uber Cash" toggle is on in the payment section.
How to use the Uber credit if my ride or order costs more than the credit?
If your ride or order total exceeds your available Uber Cash, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to your primary payment method linked in the Uber app, which should ideally be the American Express card itself.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How to transfer American Express Uber credit to another account?
You cannot directly transfer Uber Cash earned from your Amex benefit to another Uber account. The credit is tied to the first Uber account where your eligible Amex card was added. To switch which account receives the credit, you'd need to remove the card from the current account and re-add it to the desired account by the end of the month before the new month's credit is issued.
How to prevent my Uber credit from expiring?
The best way to prevent your Uber credit from expiring is to use it every month before the last day of the month (11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time). There's no way to roll over unused credit.
How to get the Uber credit if I have multiple Amex cards?
Only one eligible American Express card can provide the Uber credit to a single Uber account. If you have multiple eligible Amex cards, you would need to link them to different Uber accounts to receive separate benefits (if allowed by Amex's terms).
How to know which American Express cards offer Uber credit?
The most common Amex cards offering Uber credit are the Platinum Card®, Gold Card, and Centurion® Card. Some American Express Corporate Cards also offer Uber Cash as a percentage back on eligible spending. Always check your specific card's benefits guide.
How to contact support if my Uber credit isn't working?
First, try Uber's in-app support for issues with the Uber Cash balance or its application. If the problem persists or seems related to your card's eligibility, contact American Express customer service by calling the number on the back of your card.
How to confirm if I'm using a personal or business profile in Uber?
When you're about to request a ride or place an order, before confirming, check the profile selected. You can usually switch between personal and business profiles in the payment section or by tapping on your profile picture. Ensure you are on your personal profile for the Amex Uber credit to apply.