What the American Express Uber card gives you
The American Express Uber card is a co-branded credit card designed for people who use Uber regularly. It offers cash back on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, plus additional rewards on other purchases. The card is issued by American Express, and you apply through American Express — not through Uber itself.
The main benefit is cash back that goes directly into your Uber account as a credit you can use toward future rides or food orders. You also earn cash back on other spending categories like dining and travel. There is an annual fee, which American Express discloses upfront when you apply.
Key Takeaways
- The American Express Uber card earns cash back on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, which appears as a credit in your Uber account.
- You earn additional cash back on restaurants, airfare, hotels, and other purchases, paid as a statement credit on your American Express bill.
- The card has an annual fee that American Express will tell you before you complete your application.
- You need an American Express account and a credit history to open the card; approval is not may provide.
- The cash back rates and benefits can change, so check American Express's website for the current terms before you decide.
How cash back works on this card
Cash back earned on Uber and Uber Eats appears as a credit in your Uber account within a few days of your ride or order. You do not receive this as money in your bank account — it stays in your Uber wallet and you use it to pay for future Uber services. If you do not use Uber regularly, this cash back may accumulate unused.
Cash back on other purchases — restaurants, hotels, airfare, and general purchases — posts to your American Express statement as a credit. This reduces what you owe on your monthly bill. The timing and exact rate depend on the purchase category and the current card terms.
Annual fee and when it makes sense
The American Express Uber card charges an annual fee. American Express will show you the exact amount before you submit your application, so you know the cost upfront. Whether the card makes financial sense depends on how much you spend on Uber and Uber Eats each year and whether the cash back rewards exceed the annual fee.
If you use Uber for commuting or Uber Eats multiple times a week, the rewards may cover the fee and save you money. If you use these services only occasionally, the annual fee may cost more than you save. You can cancel the card at any time if the rewards no longer justify the cost.
How to open the card
You apply directly through American Express's website or by phone. You will need to provide personal information including your name, address, Social Security number, and income. American Express will check your credit report to decide whether to approve you.
Approval is not may provide. American Express looks at your credit score, payment history, and existing debt. If you are approved, the card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Once you receive it, you activate it through American Express and link it to your Uber account so the cash back posts correctly.
Linking the card to your Uber account
After you receive the physical card and activate it with American Express, you add it to your Uber account as a payment method. Go to your Uber app or website, select "Payment," and add the card details. Once linked, any ride or Uber Eats order you pay for with this card will earn the advertised cash back.
You can use the card for other purchases outside of Uber as well — at restaurants, hotels, and other merchants. Those purchases earn cash back at different rates, which American Express lists in the card's terms. The cash back on non-Uber purchases posts to your statement, not your Uber account.
What happens if you cancel the card
If you close the card, you stop earning rewards on new purchases. Any cash back already in your Uber account stays there and you can use it. However, you lose access to any other benefits the card offered, such as travel protections or purchase protections.
Closing a credit card can affect your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit and may change the age of your credit history. If you are thinking about canceling, consider whether you want to keep it open but unused, or whether the annual fee makes cancellation the right choice.
Comparing this card to other options
Other credit cards offer cash back on dining, travel, or general purchases without being tied to a specific service. A standard cash back card might give you 2% back on all purchases, which you receive as money you can use anywhere. The American Express Uber card concentrates rewards on Uber and Uber Eats, so it is most valuable if those are your main spending categories.
Some people carry multiple cards — one for Uber spending and another for everyday purchases. Others prefer a single card that earns the same rate everywhere. The right choice depends on your spending habits and whether you want to manage multiple cards or keep things simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card for Uber to get the cash back?
Yes. The cash back only posts when you pay for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders with this specific card. If you pay with a different card or payment method, you do not earn the rewards. You can use the card for other purchases and earn cash back at different rates, but the highest rewards are only for Uber services.
What if I do not use Uber for a month?
You still owe the annual fee. The card charges the fee once per year regardless of whether you use it. If you know you will not use Uber for an extended period, canceling the card before the fee posts saves you money.
Can I transfer the cash back to my bank account?
Cash back earned on Uber and Uber Eats stays in your Uber account and can only be used for Uber services. You cannot move it to your bank. Cash back from other purchases posts to your American Express statement and reduces your bill, but it does not transfer to your bank as cash either.
What if I am not approved for the card?
American Express will tell you if your application is denied. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent missed payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after improving your credit, or you can use a different card to earn rewards on Uber through other programs.
Does the cash back rate ever change?
Yes. American Express can change the rewards rates, annual fee, or other terms. They will notify you before changes take effect. You can check the current terms on American Express's website or call their customer service to confirm the rates before you decide to open the card.