How to leverage your American Express Uber credits for transportation and dining

Note from the editor: This post is updated regularly with new details.

At first glance, the annual fees associated with credit cards can be quite startling for those unfamiliar. However, upon closer examination, the valuable perks and benefits offered by certain cards can significantly outweigh the initial yearly cost.

Consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. Although it comes with a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), it also provides over $1,500 in benefits through various travel and lifestyle statement credits. Plus, this doesn’t even take into account other valuable perks like lounge access and hotel elite status.

Let’s dive into one of my favorite benefits offered by two Amex cards: the Uber Cash feature found on both The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card.

Here’s how to make the most of your Amex Uber credits for transportation and dining.

Summary of Uber credits with American Express

A key advantage of both the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold is the monthly Uber credit automatically added to your account. However, there are some nuances to this perk, especially for newcomers to these cards.

For the Platinum card, you can enjoy up to $200 in Uber Cash each year (for use within the U.S.). This credit is divided into monthly installments of $15, plus a bonus of $20 in December (bringing the total for that month to $35). Ensure you have the latest version of the Uber App installed, and your eligible American Express Platinum Card is set as a payment method in your Uber account. Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits.

On the other hand, the Gold card provides up to $120 in Uber Cash each year (for use within the U.S.), distributed as a $10 monthly credit. Make sure you have the latest version of the Uber App installed, and your eligible American Express Gold Card should be set as a payment method in your Uber account. Enrollment is necessary for some benefits.

To access your Uber Cash, you first need to link your card(s) to your Uber account. Simply go to your wallet in the Uber app and add your Amex Gold and/or Amex Platinum as a payment option. If you have both cards (as I do), the monthly credits will be consolidated into your total Uber Cash balance.

After that, the credits will automatically show up in the Uber Cash section of your wallet. As long as your card is linked to your Uber account, your Uber Cash will be automatically credited to your wallet each month.

I usually receive a notification that my Uber Cash has been added to my account late in the evening before the first of each month. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that your credits will expire at the end of each month. This means if you don’t utilize your credits within a month, they won’t carry over to the next month.

How to utilize Uber Cash for rides

When you’re ready to book a ride, you can view and edit your payment information right before confirming the trip (you can also adjust it during the ride).

In the scenario above, my Uber Cash balance will be used up, and any extra fare will be charged to a card I have linked.

Until November 7, 2024, you can use any card that earns extra rewards on Uber purchases, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (which earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining expenses, including Uber rides and Uber Eats). After November 8, you must pay any additional fare with an American Express card.

To ensure you successfully redeem your credit, make sure Uber Cash is selected as your payment option before you request a ride.

That said, there are occasions when you might prefer not to utilize your card's Uber Cash benefit. For example, if you’re traveling for business, you may want to save the balance for a ride that your company will reimburse.

How to apply Uber Cash for dining or grocery purchases

To use your Uber Cash for Uber Eats or Uber Grocery, the process is quite similar to ordering a ride. Once you’ve chosen your meal, you’ll see your payment option right before you confirm the order.

If you wish to utilize your Uber Cash balance, make sure it is activated in your wallet.

On the other hand, if you plan to charge a meal to your employer, it's advisable not to use Uber Cash. In such situations, ensure that Uber Cash is turned off and that you're using a stored credit card.

Key takeaway

The Uber credit associated with both Amex Platinum and Amex Gold is quite user-friendly for many cardholders, as it can be utilized for both Uber rides and Uber Eats orders within the U.S. Just remember, these benefits are "use it or lose it," meaning any unused credits won’t carry over to the next month. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to use these credits, whether on rides or Uber Eats, making it easy to maximize this benefit.

For more details, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Amex Gold and Platinum cards.