Are you ready to unlock a fantastic perk that can make your rides and food deliveries a whole lot cheaper? If you're an American Express cardholder, you might be sitting on a hidden goldmine of Uber credits! This lengthy guide will walk you through every single step of getting and using your Amex Uber credit, ensuring you squeeze every last drop of value out of this amazing benefit.
Let's dive in!
How to Get American Express Uber Credit: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The American Express Uber credit is a highly sought-after benefit offered on several premium Amex cards, most notably the Platinum Card® and the Gold Card®. This credit essentially gives you a monthly allowance for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, helping you save money on transportation and food delivery. Understanding how it works and how to maximize it is key to unlocking significant savings.
Step 1: Discover If You're Eligible – Is Your Amex Card a Golden Ticket?
Before we go any further, the absolute first thing you need to do is check if your American Express card qualifies for this fantastic Uber credit. Not all Amex cards offer this benefit, so let's confirm your card's eligibility.
How To Get American Express Uber Credit |
Sub-heading: Which Amex Cards Offer Uber Credit?
The most common cards that come with Uber credit are:
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card typically offers a generous $200 in Uber Cash annually, distributed as $15 per month, with a bonus $20 in December (totaling $35 in December). This is a significant amount and a major selling point for the Platinum card.
American Express® Gold Card: Gold cardholders typically receive $120 in Uber Cash annually, broken down into $10 per month. While less than the Platinum, it's still a valuable perk that can offset your monthly Uber expenses.
American Express® Corporate Cards (Green, Gold, Platinum): Certain US-issued Corporate Amex cards also offer Uber Cash benefits, usually in the form of a percentage back on eligible Uber and Uber Eats spend when using a business profile. For example, Corporate Platinum and Gold cardholders might earn 5% Uber Cash, while Corporate Green cardholders might earn 3%. Enrollment is often required for these corporate cards.
Other Amex Cards: While less common for monthly credits, it's always worth checking your specific card's benefits guide on the American Express website. Sometimes, special offers or limited-time promotions might extend Uber-related benefits to other cards.
Action Point: Grab your American Express card and head to the official American Express website or log into your Amex online account. Navigate to your card's benefits section to confirm its eligibility and the exact amount of Uber credit you receive.
Step 2: Link Your Amex Card to Your Uber Account – The Crucial Connection
Once you've confirmed your card is eligible, the next critical step is to link it to your Uber account. This is how Uber recognizes your Amex card and automatically applies the monthly Uber Cash.
Sub-heading: Adding Your Amex Card via the Uber App
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
This is the easiest and most common way to link your card.
Download or Update the Uber App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Uber or Uber Eats app installed on your smartphone. Outdated apps can sometimes cause issues.
Open the Uber App and Log In: Launch the Uber app and log in with your credentials.
Navigate to the Wallet/Payment Section:
Tap the "Account" icon (usually in the bottom right corner).
Select "Wallet" or "Payment".
Add Payment Method:
Tap "Add Payment Method".
Choose "Credit or Debit Card".
Enter Your Amex Card Details:
You can either scan your card using your phone's camera (ensure all four corners flash green for a good scan) or manually enter your card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing ZIP/postal code.
Important Note: Cards added through third-party wallets like Apple Pay or PayPal may not be eligible for the Amex Uber benefit. You must add the Amex card directly to your Uber account.
Save the Card: Tap "Save" or "Add Card".
Sub-heading: Verifying the Link and Enrollment (Especially for Corporate Cards)
For most personal Platinum and Gold cards, the Uber Cash should automatically become available in your Uber Cash balance within 48 hours of adding the eligible card.
However, for Corporate Amex Cards, enrollment is often a distinct step:
After adding your Corporate Amex Card, a pop-up window might appear prompting you to "Join Program" or "Start earning Uber Cash." You must select this to enroll.
If you already have your eligible Corporate Card in your Uber Wallet, navigate to your account, scroll down to "Partner Rewards," select "Uber Cash with your Amex Corporate Card," and then "Enroll Now."
Pro Tip: If you have multiple eligible Amex cards (e.g., both Platinum and Gold), you can link them all to the same Uber account. The Uber Cash from each card will typically combine into your overall Uber Cash balance, making it easier to manage and use.
Step 3: Understanding Your Monthly Uber Credit – How It Works
This is where the magic happens! Once linked, your American Express Uber credit will appear as Uber Cash in your Uber account.
Sub-heading: Monthly Allotment and Expiration
Monthly Release: The Uber Cash is released on the first day of each calendar month. For example, if you have The Platinum Card®, you'll get $15 on July 1st, August 1st, and so on.
Expiration: This is crucial: Uber Cash received through the Amex benefit expires at 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time on the last day of each calendar month. Unused balances do not roll over to the next month. This means it's a "use it or lose it" benefit, so plan your rides and orders accordingly!
December Bonus (Platinum Card): For Platinum cardholders, remember that December typically brings a bonus of an additional $20, for a total of $35 in Uber Cash for that month.
Sub-heading: How Uber Cash is Applied
The beauty of the Amex Uber credit is its seamless application.
Automatic Application: When you request a ride or place an Uber Eats order, the system will automatically apply your available Uber Cash first.
Primary Payment Method for Remainder: If your Uber Cash balance doesn't cover the entire cost of your ride or order, the Amex card you linked (or another Amex card selected as your payment method) will be charged for the remaining difference. As of November 8, 2024, Uber requires an American Express Card to be selected as the payment method for your transaction to redeem Uber Cash received through this benefit. This means you can't use a non-Amex card as a backup for the remaining balance if you're trying to use Amex-derived Uber Cash.
Toggle On/Off (if needed): While it generally applies automatically, you can manually toggle your Uber Cash on or off within the app before confirming a ride or order if you wish to save it for a later purchase.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Uber Credit – Tips and Tricks
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
To ensure you get the most out of your Amex Uber credit, consider these strategies:
Sub-heading: Don't Let It Expire!
Plan Ahead: Make it a habit to check your Uber Cash balance a few days before the end of the month. If you have a significant amount remaining, plan a ride or an Uber Eats order to use it up.
Small Orders: Even a coffee order or a short ride can help you utilize that last bit of Uber Cash.
Uber Eats for Convenience: If you don't have immediate ride needs, Uber Eats provides an easy way to redeem the credit on groceries, restaurant meals, or even convenience store items delivered to your door.
Sub-heading: Combining Credits and Stacking Benefits
Multiple Amex Cards: As mentioned, if you have both the Amex Platinum and Gold cards, linking both to the same Uber account allows their respective monthly credits to combine into one larger Uber Cash balance. This gives you greater flexibility.
Other Promotions: The Amex Uber credit will typically apply before other promotions or discount codes you might have on your Uber account. This means you can still use promo codes for additional savings on top of your Amex credit.
Split Payments (with caution): While the Amex Uber Cash applies first, if your balance isn't enough, your linked Amex card will cover the remainder. Be mindful of the November 8, 2024, change where an Amex card must be selected as the payment method to use the Uber Cash.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues – When Things Don't Go as Planned
Sometimes, benefits don't apply as smoothly as expected. Here are some common reasons your Amex Uber credit might not be appearing or applying, and what to do about it.
Sub-heading: Why Isn't My Credit Showing Up?
Not Linked Correctly: Double-check that your eligible Amex card is directly linked to your Uber account and not through a third-party wallet. Review Step 2.
First-Time Delay: It can take up to 48 hours for the Uber Cash to appear in your account after initially linking your card. Give it a little time.
Outdated App: Ensure your Uber and Uber Eats apps are updated to their latest versions.
Wrong Profile: If you have a business profile, ensure you're using your personal profile for the credit, or that you've correctly enrolled your corporate card for business profile use.
Card Eligibility: Re-confirm that your specific Amex card is indeed eligible for the Uber credit.
Card Details Changed: If your Amex card number, expiration date, or security code changed (e.g., due to a reissued card), you'll need to update these details in the Uber app. You might even need to re-enroll for the benefit if it's a Corporate Card.
Card Canceled or Past Due: Your Amex card account must be open and in good standing (not canceled or past due) to receive the benefit.
Multiple Uber Accounts: If your eligible Amex card is added to multiple Uber accounts, only the first account to which the card was added will receive the benefit.
Sub-heading: What to Do If You Have Issues
Check Your Uber Cash Balance: In the Uber app, go to Account > Wallet/Payment and tap on your Uber Cash balance to view your benefit history and breakdown.
Delete and Re-add Card: Sometimes, simply removing your Amex card from your Uber account and re-adding it can resolve glitches.
Reinstall App: As a last resort, delete the Uber app and reinstall it. This can clear any corrupted data.
Contact Uber Support: If the problem persists, reach out to Uber's customer support through the app. They can verify your account and the status of your Amex benefit.
Contact American Express: If Uber support can't resolve it, or if you suspect an issue on the Amex side, call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Amex Uber Credit Work For You
The American Express Uber credit is a fantastic benefit that, when utilized effectively, can lead to substantial savings throughout the year. By understanding the eligibility, linking process, monthly cadence, and expiration rules, you can effortlessly incorporate this perk into your lifestyle. Don't leave money on the table – start enjoying those discounted rides and delicious deliveries today!
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the American Express Uber credit, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to check my Amex Uber credit balance?
You can check your Amex Uber credit balance directly within the Uber or Uber Eats app by going to "Account" then "Wallet" or "Payment." Your Uber Cash balance will be displayed there, and you can often tap on it to see a breakdown of the sources, including your Amex benefit.
How to ensure my Amex Uber credit applies to my ride/order?
To ensure your Amex Uber credit applies, make sure your eligible American Express card is linked directly to your Uber account and that Uber Cash is toggled "on" as a payment option. As of November 8, 2024, an Amex card must also be selected as the payment method for the transaction when using the Uber Cash benefit.
How to use Amex Uber credit for Uber Eats?
Your Amex Uber credit, appearing as Uber Cash, automatically applies to Uber Eats orders in the same way it does for rides. Simply place your food order, and the Uber Cash will be used first, with your linked Amex card covering any remaining balance.
How to link a new Amex card to Uber for the credit?
To link a new Amex card, open the Uber app, go to "Account" > "Wallet" or "Payment," tap "Add Payment Method," and then enter your new Amex card details. The credit should automatically associate with this new eligible card.
How to use Amex Uber credit if I have multiple Amex cards?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
You can link multiple eligible Amex cards (e.g., Platinum and Gold) to the same Uber account. The Uber Cash from each card will combine into a single Uber Cash balance, which will then be applied to your rides and orders.
How to get the Amex Uber credit if I already have Uber Cash from other sources?
The Amex Uber credit will typically be added to your existing Uber Cash balance. When you make a purchase, Uber generally prioritizes the use of specific types of Uber Cash, but your Amex credit will still be available and used.
How to know if my Amex card is eligible for Uber credit?
The most reliable way is to check the benefits guide for your specific American Express card on the official Amex website or by logging into your Amex online account. The Platinum and Gold cards are the most common ones that offer this benefit.
How to deal with Amex Uber credit not showing up immediately?
If your Amex Uber credit isn't immediately visible after linking your card, wait up to 48 hours. If it still doesn't appear, ensure your app is updated, try deleting and re-adding the card, or contact Uber support.
How to maximize the Amex Uber credit each month?
To maximize it, be mindful of the monthly expiration date (last day of the month, 11:59 PM HST). Plan your rides or Uber Eats orders to utilize the full amount before it expires, even if it's for a small purchase.
How to get the Amex Uber credit for a corporate Amex card?
For eligible Corporate Amex Cards, you must add the card to your Uber Business Profile and then enroll in the benefit, often by clicking a "Join Program" or "Start earning Uber Cash" prompt that appears after adding the card, or by finding the option under "Partner Rewards" in your account.