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Cracking the Uber Plus Card Code: Is It Your Ride to Savings?

So, you’ve stumbled upon the mystical Uber Plus Card and are wondering what all the fuss is about? In essence, the Uber Plus Card, powered by Barclays, was a credit card designed to reward Uber loyalists with a suite of perks and benefits tied directly to the ride-hailing giant’s ecosystem. Think of it as Uber’s attempt to build a deeper, stickier relationship with its riders, offering rewards for everyday spending alongside Uber-specific incentives. However, it’s crucial to understand that this card is no longer available to new applicants. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what it offered and why it’s still relevant even in its discontinued state.

Understanding the Uber Plus Card’s Core Features

The Uber Plus Card’s appeal lay in its rewards structure. Cardholders earned:

4% back in Uber Cash on Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, and JUMP bike and scooter rentals. This was the primary draw, effectively offering a hefty discount on services many users were already utilizing regularly.
3% back in Uber Cash on restaurants, bars, and hotels. This extended the rewards beyond the Uberverse, making the card appealing for dining and travel expenses.
2% back in Uber Cash on online purchases. Covering a broad category of spending, this added further value to the card.
1% back in Uber Cash on all other purchases. Even if a purchase didn’t fall into the higher-earning categories, cardholders still earned a small reward.

Beyond the Uber Cash rewards, the card came with other benefits, like mobile phone insurance when paying your monthly bill with the card (subject to deductibles and terms). It also had no annual fee, making it a relatively low-risk way to earn rewards if you were a frequent Uber user.

Why Discuss a Discontinued Card?

While the Uber Plus Card isn’t accepting new applications, understanding its features and benefits remains valuable. Why? Because:

Existing cardholders can still use their cards and benefit from the rewards structure.
It provides insight into co-branded credit card strategies. Examining the Uber Plus Card’s successes and failures can inform your understanding of other similar cards.
It highlights the importance of aligning rewards programs with customer behavior. The Uber Plus Card’s focus on rides, food delivery, and travel resonated with its target demographic.
It offers a benchmark for comparing other rewards credit cards. Evaluating the Uber Plus Card’s benefits can help you assess the value of alternative options.

Uber Cash: The Currency of the Realm

A crucial element of the Uber Plus Card was Uber Cash. This isn’t just generic cashback; it’s money specifically designated for use within the Uber ecosystem. You can redeem Uber Cash for:

Uber rides
Uber Eats orders
JUMP bike and scooter rentals (where available)

Effectively, the card funneled your spending rewards back into the Uber platform, encouraging continued usage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still apply for an Uber Plus Card?

No. The Uber Plus Card is no longer available to new applicants. Uber has ceased offering this card.

2. What happens if I already have an Uber Plus Card?

If you are a current cardholder, you can continue to use your card and earn rewards as normal. Uber and Barclays will likely notify you of any changes to the card’s terms and conditions in the future.

3. Where can I use Uber Cash earned from the card?

Uber Cash can be used for Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, and JUMP bike and scooter rentals (where available).

4. How do I redeem my Uber Cash?

Your Uber Cash balance is automatically applied to your Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. You can adjust how much Uber Cash to use within the Uber app during the payment process.

5. What was the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on the Uber Plus Card?

The APR varied based on your creditworthiness. Generally, it ranged from 17.24% to 26.24%. It’s crucial to remember that carrying a balance on a credit card negates the value of the rewards, so paying your balance in full each month is always recommended.

6. Did the Uber Plus Card have an annual fee?

No, the Uber Plus Card did not have an annual fee.

7. What other benefits did the Uber Plus Card offer?

Besides the Uber Cash rewards, the card also included mobile phone insurance when you paid your monthly phone bill with the card. This benefit was subject to terms, conditions, and a deductible.

8. What credit score was needed to get the Uber Plus Card?

The Uber Plus Card was typically offered to individuals with good to excellent credit scores (generally 670 or higher).

9. How did the Uber Plus Card compare to other travel rewards cards?

While the Uber Plus Card offered rewards on travel-related expenses like hotels, it wasn’t primarily a travel rewards card. Other travel cards offer more comprehensive benefits such as airline miles, hotel points, travel insurance, and lounge access. The Uber Plus Card was geared more towards frequent Uber users and those who spend heavily on dining.

10. What are some alternative credit cards for Uber users now that the Uber Plus Card is discontinued?

Several excellent alternatives exist:

Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve: Offers generous travel and dining rewards, including Uber benefits.
American Express Gold Card: Excellent rewards on dining and supermarkets, indirectly benefiting Uber Eats users.
Capital One SavorOne Rewards: Offers solid cashback on dining, entertainment, and streaming services.
General cashback cards: Consider a card with a flat-rate cashback percentage on all purchases, offering simplicity and flexibility.

11. What happened to the relationship between Uber and Barclays?

Uber and Barclays ended their partnership, leading to the discontinuation of the Uber Plus Card. The precise reasons for the split were not publicly disclosed, but changes in market dynamics and evolving business strategies likely played a role.

12. If the Uber Plus Card is discontinued, is Uber planning to launch a new credit card program?

As of now, there is no official announcement from Uber regarding plans to launch a new credit card program. However, given Uber’s focus on customer loyalty and engagement, it’s plausible that they will explore alternative rewards programs or partnerships in the future. Keep an eye on Uber’s official announcements for any updates.

The Ride’s Over, But the Lessons Remain

The Uber Plus Card might be a relic of the past for new applicants, but its legacy offers valuable insights. It demonstrated the potential of co-branded credit cards to drive customer loyalty within specific ecosystems. By understanding the card’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make more informed decisions about your own rewards credit card strategy, ensuring you’re maximizing your earning potential and choosing the cards that best align with your spending habits. So, while you can’t hop on board the Uber Plus Card train anymore, you can certainly learn from its journey.