Amex Uber Credit Issues

We have seen a few data points in the ToP Facebook Group pointing out some Amex Uber credit issues that come with the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold cards. They changed the terms of these card perks at the end of last year, but it didn't seem like anything really changed at first. At least not for most people, but it looks like there are some that have not been getting the proper amount credited on their Uber purchases. That is if they get to use the perk at all. The common denominator seems to be people with Uber Cash balances from loading their account or from Uber gift cards. Let's take a look at what is going on.

What Changed?

Before we dive into the issues at hand we should take a look at what exactly changed, and how it was different in practice. Here is what the updated Amex Uber credit terms said on the American Express site:

Effective November 8, 2024, in addition to having Uber Cash toggled on, an American Express Card must be selected as the payment method for your transaction to redeem Uber Cash received through the Amex Benefit.

We weren't sure how this would all work in reality at first. Would they still combine the Uber credits from multiple cards, or would they separate them out? Would that create more issues and cause these Uber credits to be a pain to use?

In reality, not a ton seemed to have changed. The Amex Uber credit was added to your Uber cash balance on the first of each month, just like it had been in the past. They even combined the amounts from several American Express cards like they always had. The only real difference was that you needed to select on of your Amex credit cards to pay for any charges above and beyond your Amex Uber credit balance.

My Personal Experience

I have not really had any issues since the changes went into effect two months ago. The credits have been properly applied to my charges during both months. You can see my grocery delivery order from January pictured above, which shows they properly applied my Amex Platinum and Amex Gold Uber credits. I was even able to pair this with a $40 off promo that I was emailed for grocery delivery.

Here is how the charges settled on my Amex credit card. The first one was for the remainder of the order amount after the promo discount and my Amex Uber credit were applied. The second charge was for the tip to the delivery person.

That is exactly is how it is supposed to work, at least if you don't have an Uber cash balance.

Where People Are Running Into Problems – Uber Cash Balance

Even though it is working properly for most, we have multiple reports of people having Amex Uber credit issues in the group. The Amex credits were either not being applied at all, or only one of their card's credits were properly applied. That is even true if the initial purchase showed multiple card credits being applied when submitting the order. Every single person in the thread also had an Uber credit balance at the time of use. I think that is where the issues are coming from.

Even though they are selecting their Amex credit card at the time of purchase for overages, it is still causing them problems. It may require them turning off their Uber cash balance all together to get this to work. The problem is that might take away the Amex balance as an option, since it is technically Uber cash as well.

Honestly, I would try to avoid carrying an Uber cash balance at all. I know that those discounted gift card deals can be pretty good at times, offering up to 20% off. Buying them at certain stores to rack up 4x or 5x earning with your credit card can be tempting too. The problem is that it has been proven that Uber will raise rates at times on people with an Uber cash balance. That essentially negates any savings you received in discounts or increased earning. You instead are now giving Uber an interest free loan with your balance with no benefit to you.

If you still decide to go ahead with loading your account I would try to wait to do it until after you burn your Amex credits each month whenever possible.

Amex Uber Credit Issues: ToP Thoughts

Hopefully their is an easy workaround for these Amex Uber credit issues. It would be nice if the credits for your American Express cards are still applicable when your Uber cash is turned off. If someone has done that with success the last two months please let us know in the ToP Facebook Group.

The bigger takeaway here may be that loading your Uber cash balance may be a losing battle overall. It seems like the cost for rides can be significantly higher for people with a balance in their account. If you use your Uber cash on Uber Eats only then maybe this isn't as much of a problem. Something to consider if you are chasing the discounted gift card deals though.

Let me know if you have had any Amex Uber credit issues over in the ToP Facebook Group.