What the Uber Credit Card is and who issues it

The Uber Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Barclays Bank that gives cash back on Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, and other purchases. You earn a percentage back on what you spend — the exact rate depends on the category and which version of the card you hold. The card itself is a standard Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just with Uber.

Barclays handles the account, sends your statement, and sets the interest rate if you carry a balance. Uber does not issue the card or manage your account, though the rewards are tied to your Uber account. You apply through Barclays' website or through the Uber app, and Barclays decides whether to approve you based on your credit history and income.

Key Takeaways

  • The Uber Card offers different cash-back rates depending on where you spend: higher rates on Uber and Uber Eats, lower rates on other purchases.
  • There is no annual fee, but you will pay interest on any balance you do not pay off in full each month.
  • You need a credit score in the fair to good range to be approved; Barclays will run a hard credit check that temporarily lowers your score.
  • Rewards post to your Uber account as cash back and can be used toward rides, food delivery, or other Uber services.
  • The card is a standard Visa, so you can use it at any merchant, but you only earn bonus rewards on Uber and Uber Eats purchases.

Cash-back rates and where you earn the most

The Uber Card offers tiered rewards. On Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, you earn a higher percentage back — typically 4% on Uber and Uber Eats combined, though Barclays has changed this rate in the past. On other purchases, including gas, restaurants, and retail, you earn a lower rate, usually 1% cash back.

The exact rates can shift, so check your card agreement or the Barclays website for the current structure. Cash back is not automatic; it posts to your Uber account as a credit you can spend on rides or food orders. You cannot withdraw it as money or transfer it to a bank account. If you do not use Uber services regularly, the rewards may accumulate slowly or not be useful to you.

Annual fees and interest charges

The Uber Card has no annual fee, which means you will not be charged just for holding the card. However, if you carry a balance from month to month — meaning you do not pay off the full statement balance — you will pay interest. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and current market rates, but typically ranges from 16% to 24% for this card.

If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. The interest only applies to the amount you carry over. For example, if you spend $500 and pay $300 by the due date, you will pay interest on the remaining $200 at your card's APR.

How to apply and what Barclays will check

You can apply for the Uber Card through the Barclays website or directly in the Uber app under the payments section. The application takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Barclays will run a hard credit inquiry, which means they pull your full credit report and score — this temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

Barclays typically approves or denies applications within minutes to a few days. If approved, your card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Barclays will tell you the reason — usually a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after addressing those issues, though multiple applications in a short time will hurt your score further.

Linking the card to your Uber account and using rewards

Once your card arrives, you add it to your Uber account in the payment method section of the app. You can then use it to pay for rides and Uber Eats orders. Cash back posts automatically to your Uber account as a credit — you will see it reflected in your available balance when you open the app to book a ride or order food.

You cannot use the cash back for anything outside Uber's services. If you want to use the card for other purchases (gas, groceries, retail), you can, but you will only earn 1% cash back instead of the higher rate. The rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and active.

What happens if you miss a payment or close the card

If you miss a payment, Barclays will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which will damage your credit score. After 30 days late, the missed payment appears on your credit report; after 60 or 90 days, Barclays may freeze your account or send it to a collection agency. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years.

If you close the card, you lose access to the rewards rate on future Uber purchases, and any cash back already in your Uber account remains there to use. Closing a credit card can also lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and shortens your average account age. If you want to stop using the card, you can simply stop charging to it instead of closing the account.

Comparing the Uber Card to other rewards cards

Other cash-back cards offer different rewards structures. Some cards give flat 2% cash back on all purchases, which may be better if you do not use Uber often. Others offer higher rewards on specific categories like dining or travel, which might suit your spending better. The Uber Card is most valuable if you regularly use Uber rides and Uber Eats and want to concentrate your spending on one card.

Before applying, consider how much you actually spend on Uber and Uber Eats each month. If you spend less than $50 a month on Uber services, the 1% cash back on other purchases may not be worth the hard credit inquiry. If you spend $200 or more monthly on Uber and Uber Eats, the higher rewards rate can add up to $20 to $30 in cash back per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Barclays typically approves applicants with a credit score of 650 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. A higher score increases your chances and may result in a lower interest rate. If your score is below 650, you may be denied, but you can reapply after improving your score by paying down debt or correcting errors on your credit report.

Can I use the card outside the United States?

Yes, the Uber Card is a standard Visa and works internationally. However, Barclays charges a foreign transaction fee of about 3% on purchases made outside the US. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders placed in other countries may also incur this fee, so the rewards rate may not offset the cost.

What if I do not have an Uber account yet?

You can apply for the card without an Uber account, but you will need to create one to use the rewards. You can set up an Uber account in the app or on the website using your email or phone number. Once your account is active, link your new card to it in the payment settings.

Do I lose my cash back if I close my Uber account?

Cash back already posted to your Uber account stays there as long as your Uber account exists. If you delete your Uber account, Barclays will not refund the cash back — it is tied to the Uber platform, not to the credit card itself. Keep your Uber account open if you want to preserve accumulated rewards.

Can I transfer my cash back to a bank account or use it elsewhere?

No. Cash back from the Uber Card can only be used for Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, and other Uber services. You cannot withdraw it as cash, transfer it to a bank account, or use it with other merchants. This is a key difference from some other rewards cards that offer cash back you can move to your bank.