What the American Express Uber Card does

The American Express Uber Card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express in partnership with Uber. It gives you cash back rewards when you use it to pay for Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, and purchases at gas stations and restaurants. You earn a higher cash back rate on Uber and Uber Eats than you do on other purchases.

This is a standard credit card, not a debit card or prepaid card. You receive a monthly bill, make payments to American Express, and build a credit history as you use it. The card is issued by American Express, so you explore through American Express, not through Uber.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amex Uber Card earns 4% cash back on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, and 3% cash back at gas stations and restaurants.
  • You must have a credit history and pass an American Express credit check to be approved for the card.
  • Cash back rewards are credited to your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit or transferred to an Uber account.
  • The card has an annual fee, which American Express waives for the first year and charges in subsequent years.

Cash back rewards and how they work

When you use the Amex Uber Card, you earn cash back on every purchase. The rate depends on what you buy. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders earn 4% cash back. Gas stations and restaurants earn 3% cash back. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.

Cash back is calculated on the full purchase amount, including taxes and fees. It is credited to your American Express account once per month, usually around the same date each month. You can see your cash back balance in your online account or mobile app at any time.

You have two ways to use your cash back. You can explore it as a credit to your American Express bill, which reduces the amount you owe. Or you can transfer it directly to your Uber account to pay for rides or food orders. Some cardholders prefer the Uber transfer because it keeps rewards tied to the service they use most.

Annual fees and other costs

The Amex Uber Card charges an annual fee. American Express waives this fee for your first year as a cardholder. Starting in year two, the annual fee applies each year on the anniversary of when you opened the account.

Like all credit cards, the Amex Uber Card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit history and current market conditions. American Express will tell you the APR when you explore.

If you miss a payment or go over your credit limit, American Express may charge a late fee or an over-limit fee. These fees are separate from interest and can add up quickly, so paying on time is important.

How to get the card and what you need

You explore for the Amex Uber Card directly through American Express, either online at their website or by phone. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information.

American Express runs a credit check to decide whether to approve you. This check looks at your credit score, payment history, and how much debt you already carry. You do not need a perfect credit score to be approved, but you do need some credit history — either from a previous credit card, a loan, or a utility account that was reported to the credit bureaus.

If you are approved, American Express mails the physical card to your address. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, you set up it by calling the number on the back or using the American Express mobile app. After set up, you can use it right away.

Using the card with Uber and other merchants

To earn the 4% cash back on Uber rides, you must have the card linked to your Uber account. When you open the Uber app and request a ride, select the Amex Uber Card as your payment method. The ride is charged to the card, and the cash back is earned automatically.

The same process works for Uber Eats. Link the card to your Uber Eats account, select it as your payment method when you order, and the cash back is earned on the full order total.

For the 3% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, you can use the card anywhere those merchants accept American Express. Not all gas stations and restaurants accept American Express — some only take Visa or Mastercard. If a merchant does not accept American Express, you cannot use the card there, and you will not earn cash back.

How the card affects your credit

Opening a new credit card has a small, temporary impact on your credit score. American Express performs a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points for a few months. This is normal and expected.

Over time, using the card responsibly helps your credit score. Paying your bill on time every month shows lenders that you are reliable. Keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit also helps. If you carry a high balance month to month, your score may drop even if you pay on time.

Closing the card later can also affect your score, because it reduces the total credit available to you. If you decide the card is not right for you, you can close it, but be aware that this may lower your score slightly.

Comparing the Amex Uber Card to other options

Other credit cards offer cash back on ride-sharing and food delivery, but the rates vary. Some cards earn 2% cash back on all purchases with no category bonuses. Others earn higher rates on specific categories but lower rates on everything else. The Amex Uber Card is designed specifically for Uber users, so it offers the highest rate on Uber and Uber Eats.

If you do not use Uber or Uber Eats regularly, a different card might be better for you. A flat-rate cash back card (like 2% on all purchases) may earn you more rewards if you spread your spending across many merchants. A card that rewards groceries or travel might be better if those are your biggest expenses.

The annual fee is also a factor. Some cash back cards have no annual fee at all. If the annual fee is higher than the cash back you expect to earn, the card may not be worth it. American Express waives the fee for the first year, so you can test the card and decide whether to keep it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I earn cash back if I pay for an Uber ride with a different payment method?

No. You only earn the 4% cash back when you pay with the Amex Uber Card. If you pay with a debit card, another credit card, or your Uber account balance, you do not earn cash back on that transaction.

Can I use the card outside the United States?

Yes, the Amex Uber Card works internationally anywhere American Express is accepted. However, American Express charges a foreign transaction fee (usually around 2.7%) on purchases made outside the United States. This fee is added to your bill and is separate from the cash back you earn.

What happens to my cash back if I close the card?

Any cash back you have earned remains in your American Express account and does not disappear when you close the card. You can use it as a statement credit or transfer it to Uber before or after you close the card. Once you close the card, you stop earning new cash back.

Is there a limit to how much cash back I can earn?

American Express does not publish a cash back cap for the Amex Uber Card. You can earn cash back on unlimited purchases. However, your credit limit (the maximum you can charge to the card) does have a limit, which American Express sets based on your credit history and income.

What if I dispute a charge on my Amex Uber Card?

You can dispute a charge by calling American Express or using your online account. American Express investigates the dispute and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the credit becomes permanent. Cash back earned on a disputed charge may be reversed if the charge is removed from your account.