What the American Express Uber card is and how it pays for rides
The American Express Uber card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express and Uber that gives you cash back on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. You apply for it through American Express, not through Uber itself. Once approved, you use it like any other credit card — the cash back appears as a statement credit on your monthly bill, not as money deposited to a bank account.
The card offers different cash back rates depending on what you spend on. You earn the highest rate on Uber and Uber Eats purchases, a lower rate on restaurants and transit, and a base rate on everything else. The exact rates change periodically, so you should check the current offer on the American Express website before you apply.
You do not need to be an Uber driver or have an Uber account to get this card — it works for any customer who uses Uber or Uber Eats. The card is a standard credit product, which means you will have a credit limit, pay interest if you carry a balance, and receive a monthly statement like any other credit card.
Key Takeaways
- The American Express Uber card earns cash back on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders at a rate higher than you earn on other purchases.
- Cash back appears as a statement credit on your monthly American Express bill, not as a separate deposit.
- You apply through American Express, and approval depends on your credit score and payment history, not your Uber activity.
- The card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month, so carrying a balance costs money even though you earn cash back.
- Cash back rates and annual fees (if any) vary over time, so compare the current offer to other cards before deciding.
How cash back works and when you receive it
Cash back on the American Express Uber card is not instant. When you use the card to pay for an Uber ride or Uber Eats order, the purchase posts to your account, and the cash back accrues. At the end of your billing cycle, American Express calculates your total cash back and applies it as a statement credit — meaning it reduces the amount you owe on your bill.
If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you owe nothing and keep the cash back as a discount on what you spent. If you carry a balance to the next month, you pay interest on the unpaid amount, which usually costs more than the cash back you earned. For example, if you earned $10 in cash back but paid 20% annual interest on a $500 balance, you would pay roughly $8 in interest that month — nearly wiping out your reward.
You cannot transfer cash back to your bank account or use it outside your American Express bill. It only reduces what you owe American Express each month.
Credit requirements and how approval works
American Express uses your credit score, payment history, and income to decide whether to approve you for the Uber card. There is no minimum credit score published by American Express, but most people approved for this card have a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but it depends on your full credit profile.
When you apply, American Express performs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. If you are denied, you can ask American Express why and request reconsideration, though the decision is usually final. You do not need an existing American Express account or any history with Uber to apply.
If you are approved, your credit limit is set based on your creditworthiness. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months.
Annual fees and other costs
Whether the American Express Uber card has an annual fee depends on the current offer. Some versions of the card charge an annual fee; others do not. You should check the offer details on the American Express website before you apply, because the terms change and different offers may be available to different people.
Beyond the annual fee (if any), the card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full. The interest rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. American Express also charges late fees if you miss a payment and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States.
If you use the card for cash advances — withdrawing cash at an ATM — American Express charges a separate fee and a higher interest rate than regular purchases. Avoid cash advances with this card.
How the card compares to paying with Uber's app directly
When you open the Uber app and pay for a ride, you can link a credit card, debit card, or bank account. If you link the American Express Uber card, you earn the card's cash back on top of any promotions Uber itself is running. You do not earn cash back simply by being an Uber customer — the cash back comes from the credit card, not from Uber.
If you pay with a different credit card or a debit card, you do not earn cash back from American Express, though you may earn rewards from that card's issuer. Some other credit cards offer cash back on rideshare purchases, so comparing the rates across cards you already have or could get is worth doing before you apply for the Uber card.
The Uber app does not know or care which card you link — it processes the payment the same way. The cash back is purely a benefit of the American Express card itself.
What happens if you close the card or stop using it
If you close the American Express Uber card, any cash back you have already earned stays on your account as a statement credit until you use it to pay a bill. You do not lose it. However, closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio on other cards.
If you stop using the card but keep it open, American Express may close it for inactivity after a period of time — usually 12 to 24 months, though the exact timeline is not may provide. Keeping the card open and using it occasionally can prevent this. If you have an annual fee and do not use the card, you will still owe the fee each year.
If you downgrade to a different American Express card with no annual fee, you keep your account history and credit limit, which is better for your credit score than closing the account entirely.
Disputing charges and fraud protection
If you see a charge on your American Express Uber card that you did not make, contact American Express immediately. Credit cards have fraud protection built in — you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report them promptly. American Express will investigate and typically issue a provisional credit while they look into it.
If you have a legitimate dispute with an Uber or Uber Eats transaction — for example, the driver did not show up or the food never arrived — you can dispute it with American Express, but it is usually faster to contact Uber directly through the app. Uber can refund you directly without involving your credit card company. American Express can only reverse the charge; they cannot fix the underlying problem with your ride or order.
Keep your card secure by not sharing your number with anyone and monitoring your statement monthly for unfamiliar charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Uber account to get the American Express Uber card?
No. You apply for the card through American Express based on your credit history, not your Uber activity. Once you have the card, you can use it to pay for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, but you do not need an existing Uber account to be approved.
Can I use the card for things other than Uber?
Yes. The American Express Uber card is a regular credit card that works anywhere American Express is accepted. You earn a lower cash back rate on non-Uber purchases, but you can use it at grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers. Check the card's terms for the exact cash back rates on different categories.
What if I get denied for the card?
If American Express denies your application, you can call them to ask why and request reconsideration. Common reasons for denial are a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt. If you are denied, wait a few months, pay down other debts, and bring your credit score up before applying again.
Does the cash back count as income for taxes?
No. Cash back on a credit card is treated as a discount on your purchase, not as taxable income. You do not report it on your tax return.
Can I transfer my cash back to another card or bank account?
No. Cash back on the American Express Uber card only appears as a statement credit on your American Express bill. You cannot move it to another card, convert it to cash, or transfer it to a bank account.