Choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance your Uber experience, maximizing rewards and saving you money on your rides. This article delves into the top credit cards for Uber users in 2024, helping you select the perfect option to optimize your spending and earn valuable perks. We’ll explore various cards, their benefits, and how they can best fit your individual needs and spending habits.
| Credit Card | Key Benefits | Why It's Great for Uber Users |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | - 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® - 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries - 2x points on all other travel purchases - $50 annual hotel credit |
- Earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or cash back. - Dining rewards are a bonus for pre- or post-ride meals. - Flexible redemption options provide value beyond just Uber rides. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | - 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® - 5x total points on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® - 3x points on travel and dining worldwide - $300 annual travel credit |
- Highest earning potential on travel and dining. - $300 travel credit can offset a portion of Uber rides. - Access to airport lounges enhances the overall travel experience. |
| American Express® Gold Card | - 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x) - 4x points at restaurants worldwide - 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com - Up to $120 Uber Cash annually (distributed monthly) |
- Generous rewards on dining, complementing Uber rides. - Annual Uber Cash credit directly offsets Uber expenses. - High rewards rates on groceries can be helpful for everyday spending. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | - 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel - 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel - 2x miles on all other purchases - $300 annual travel credit - 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary |
- Simple earning structure with 2x miles on all purchases, including Uber rides. - Travel credit and anniversary bonus can offset Uber expenses. - Access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges adds value for frequent travelers. |
| Uber Visa Card (No Longer Available for New Applicants) | - 4% back on Uber rides and Uber Eats - 3% back on restaurants and hotels - 2% back on online purchases - 1% back on all other purchases |
- Historically, offered a direct reward for Uber usage. - Existing cardholders continue to enjoy the benefits. - Serves as a benchmark for ideal Uber-specific rewards. |
| Citi Premier® Card | - 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels - 1x point on all other purchases |
- Earning on gas stations is a significant plus if you're driving to your Uber pickup location or using Uber Connect. - 3x points on restaurant spend pairs well with Uber Eats or a post-ride meal. - Flexible redemption options for travel or cash back. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card | - 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center - 3x points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases - 1x point on all other purchases - $325 annual travel credit |
- Mobile wallet bonus is great, since you can just add your card to your Uber account and earn 3x. - Travel credit can offset Uber rides. - High point value when redeemed for travel. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | - 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter you activate (on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%) - 1% cash back on all other purchases - Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! |
- If Uber rides or Uber Eats fall into a quarterly bonus category, this card can provide significant rewards. - First-year cash back match effectively doubles your earnings. - A good option if you want a simple cash back card with potential for high rewards on Uber spending. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a great all-around travel card. It earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, and 2x points on all other travel purchases. The $50 annual hotel credit further enhances its value. The Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back, making it a flexible option for Uber users who also travel or dine out frequently.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: The premium version of the Sapphire Preferred, the Reserve offers even more lucrative rewards. You'll earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 5x total points on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and 3x points on travel and dining worldwide. The $300 annual travel credit helps offset the higher annual fee, and the card provides access to airport lounges, making it ideal for frequent travelers. If you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Reserve's higher rewards rates can justify the annual fee.
American Express® Gold Card: This card focuses heavily on dining and groceries, earning 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x) and 4x points at restaurants worldwide. You'll also get 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. The card also provides up to $120 Uber Cash annually (distributed monthly) which can be used directly to pay for Uber rides. This makes it a compelling option for those who frequently dine out and use Uber.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: A relatively new entrant, the Venture X offers a simplified rewards structure with 2x miles on all purchases, including Uber rides. You can also earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. The $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary help offset the annual fee. The travel credit and anniversary bonus can be used to offset Uber expenses, and the card provides access to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges.
Uber Visa Card (No Longer Available for New Applicants): While no longer available for new applicants, existing cardholders continue to enjoy its benefits. It offered 4% back on Uber rides and Uber Eats, 3% back on restaurants and hotels, 2% back on online purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases. This card served as a benchmark for what an Uber-specific rewards card could offer, providing a direct incentive for using Uber's services.
Citi Premier® Card: The Citi Premier Card provides a solid earning structure with 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. This is a valuable benefit, especially if you drive to your Uber pickup location or use Uber Connect. The 3x points on restaurant spend also pairs nicely with Uber Eats or a post-ride meal. The points can be redeemed for travel or cash back, offering flexibility in how you use your rewards.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: This card focuses on travel and mobile wallet purchases. It offers 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center and 3x points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases. Since you can add your card to your Uber account and pay via mobile wallet, you can effectively earn 3x points on Uber rides. The $325 annual travel credit can also offset Uber ride costs.
Discover it® Cash Back: The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter you activate (on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The highlight of this card is that Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! If Uber rides or Uber Eats fall into a quarterly bonus category, this card can provide significant rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning rewards on Uber rides? The best card depends on your spending habits. The American Express Gold Card offers Uber Cash, while cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve earn valuable points on travel and dining that can be used for Uber.
How can I use my credit card rewards for Uber rides? Many credit card rewards programs allow you to redeem points or miles for statement credits, gift cards, or travel booked through their portals, which can then be used to pay for Uber rides. The American Express Gold card provides direct Uber Cash credit.
Is it worth getting a credit card just for Uber rides? Generally, no. It's better to choose a credit card that offers rewards on multiple categories you spend on, such as dining, travel, or groceries, in addition to Uber.
What should I consider when choosing a credit card for Uber? Consider the card's rewards rate on relevant categories (like travel and dining), annual fee, redemption options, and any additional perks like travel credits or Uber Cash.
Are there any credit cards that offer discounts on Uber rides? Some credit cards offer statement credits or Uber Cash that can be used to offset the cost of Uber rides, effectively providing a discount.
Can I use a prepaid card for Uber? Yes, Uber generally accepts prepaid debit cards, but make sure the card has sufficient funds to cover the ride.
How do I add a credit card to my Uber account? Open the Uber app, go to "Wallet," and tap "Add Payment Method." Follow the prompts to enter your credit card information.
What is the best way to maximize rewards on Uber Eats? Cards that offer bonus rewards on dining or online purchases, such as the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred, are excellent choices for maximizing rewards on Uber Eats.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Uber ultimately depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. If you're a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer excellent travel benefits and rewards that can offset Uber expenses. For those who prioritize dining and groceries, the American Express Gold Card, with its Uber Cash benefit, and the Citi Premier® Card are strong contenders. Evaluate your spending and choose the card that aligns best with your lifestyle to maximize your rewards and savings.