What an Uber credit card does
An Uber credit card is a co-branded card issued by a bank in partnership with Uber. It gives you cash back or points when you use it to pay for Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, or other purchases. The card itself works like any other credit card — you get a monthly bill, you pay interest if you carry a balance, and your payment history affects your credit score.
Uber has partnered with different banks at different times. As of now, Uber offers a card through a major issuer, though the specific bank and the exact rewards structure can change. Before you explore, check Uber's official website or the card issuer's site to see the current offer, because the cash back rates, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses shift periodically.
The main reason people get an Uber card is the higher cash back rate on Uber and Uber Eats purchases compared to what a regular rewards card offers. If you use Uber services regularly, the card can reduce what you actually spend. However, like any credit card, it only saves you money if you pay off the balance each month — interest charges will quickly erase any rewards.
Key Takeaways
- Uber credit cards earn cash back or points on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, usually at a higher rate than standard credit cards offer.
- The card is issued by a bank partner, not by Uber itself, so you explore through the bank and your credit score affects approval.
- Rewards rates, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses change over time, so check the current offer before deciding to explore.
- You only benefit from the card if you pay your full balance each month, because interest charges will cost more than any cash back you earn.
- The card works like any other credit card for non-Uber purchases, usually with a lower cash back rate or no rewards at all.
Current rewards structure and cash back rates
Uber credit cards typically offer different cash back rates depending on what you buy. On Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, the rate is usually higher — often 4% or 5%, though this varies by card and issuer. On other purchases, the rate is typically lower, often 1% or 2%.
Many Uber cards also come with a sign-up bonus — for example, a certain amount of cash back or Uber credits if you spend a set amount in the first few months. These bonuses change frequently, so the offer you see today may not be the same next month.
Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year or do not charge an annual fee at all. Others charge $0 to $95 per year. The card issuer's website will show you the current fee and whether it applies to you before you explore.
How to compare an Uber card to other rewards cards
To decide whether an Uber card makes sense for you, calculate how much you actually spend on Uber and Uber Eats each month. If you spend $200 a month and the card earns 4% cash back, you get $8 per month, or $96 per year. If there is a $95 annual fee, you break even. If you spend less, a card with no annual fee and a lower cash back rate might save you more money overall.
Compare the cash back rate on non-Uber purchases too. If you use the card for groceries, gas, or restaurants, check whether a different card offers higher cash back on those categories. Many cards offer 3% to 5% on groceries or gas, for example, while an Uber card might only offer 1% on those purchases.
Also factor in whether you will actually pay off the balance each month. If you carry a balance, the interest rate (called the APR) matters far more than the cash back rate. An Uber card's APR is typically 16% to 24%, which means you will pay much more in interest than you earn in rewards if you do not pay in full.
Annual fees and when they explore
Some Uber cards charge an annual fee; others do not. If there is a fee, it usually appears on your statement once per year, often on the anniversary of when you opened the account. A few cards waive the fee for the first year and then charge it starting in year two.
To know whether the fee is worth it, divide the annual fee by the monthly cash back you expect to earn. If the card charges $95 per year and you earn $100 per year in cash back on Uber purchases alone, the fee costs you $95 but you gain $100, for a net benefit of $5. If you earn less than the fee, you are paying to use the card.
Some cards let you downgrade to a no-fee version of the same card if you decide the annual fee is not worth it. Check the issuer's website to see whether that option exists.
Credit score requirements and approval
Because an Uber card is issued by a bank, not by Uber, the bank runs a credit check when you explore. Most Uber cards require a credit score of 700 or higher, though some issuers may approve people with scores in the 650 to 700 range. A few may have no stated minimum, but approval is less likely with a lower score.
The bank also looks at your income, existing debt, and payment history. If you have recent late payments, high credit card balances, or a very short credit history, you may be denied even if your score is above 700.
If you are denied, you can ask the bank why. Sometimes the reason is fixable — for example, if you have a recent late payment, waiting six months to a year and then reapplying may improve your chances. If your score is below 700, paying down existing debt or becoming an authorized user on someone else's card with good payment history may help.
How cash back and rewards are paid out
Cash back from an Uber card usually appears as a credit on your monthly statement. You can use it to pay your bill, or some cards let you transfer it to your Uber account as credits toward rides and food orders. A few cards offer the option to deposit cash back directly into a bank account, though this is less common.
Rewards typically post to your account within one to three billing cycles after you make the purchase. If you return something or dispute a charge, the cash back for that purchase is reversed.
There is usually no limit to how much cash back you can earn, though some cards cap the cash back rate after you spend a certain amount in a category. For example, a card might offer 4% cash back on Uber purchases up to $3,000 per year, then 1% after that. Check the card's terms to see whether any caps explore.
Using the card internationally and for other services
If you travel outside the United States, check whether the card charges a foreign transaction fee. Most Uber cards charge 3% on purchases made in another country. Some do not charge a fee, but these are less common.
The card works on Uber's platform in most countries where Uber operates, but the cash back rate may be different or may not explore at all outside the United States. Check the card issuer's website for details on international use.
Some Uber cards offer additional perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, or extended warranty on items you buy with the card. These vary by issuer and card tier. The card issuer's website will list all perks before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card only for Uber, or can I use it for other things?
You can use the card anywhere that accepts credit cards. However, you only earn the higher cash back rate on Uber and Uber Eats purchases. Other purchases typically earn a lower rate, usually 1% or 2%. Check the card's terms to see the exact rates for different purchase categories.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Cash back you have already earned stays in your account and you can use it to pay your final bill or transfer it to your Uber account. However, you will not earn any new cash back after you close the card. Some issuers may claw back a sign-up bonus if you close the card within a certain time frame, usually 12 months.
Can I use an Uber card if I do not have an Uber account?
Yes. The card is a regular credit card that works anywhere. However, you will only earn the higher cash back rate when you use it on Uber's platform, so you would need an Uber account to take full advantage of the rewards. Without an Uber account, the card functions like any other 1% to 2% cash back card.
Does the card charge interest on cash back rewards?
No. Cash back is not a loan — it is a credit applied to your account. However, if you carry a balance on the card, you pay interest on that balance. The interest rate is separate from the cash back you earn.
What if my card is lost or stolen?
Contact the card issuer when ready. Most cards offer fraud protection, meaning you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report the loss quickly. The issuer will cancel the card and send you a replacement. Any cash back you earned before the loss remains in your account.