Credit Cards

American Express Expands Uber Partnership, Adds New Credit to Gold Card

At a time when Americans are continuing to eat-in more, American Express and Uber have announced that they’re expanding their partnership and bringing new perks to Amex customers. First up, the popular American Express Gold card will be introducing a new monthly Uber credit. Starting “early next year,” Gold cardholders will earn $10 a month ($120 a year) in Uber Cash that can be used for eligible rides or Uber Eats orders. [UPDATE: this perk is now available as of February 1st, 2021]

This added benefit will join other perks of the Gold Card, including the $10 a month dining credit that can be used on purchases from Uber Eats rivals Grubhub and Seamless, as well as The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and “participating Shake Shack locations.” However, while this new benefit will be added next year, it seems that it will be effectively replacing the current $100 airline incidental credit that American Express will be retiring in 2022 (although this means that cardholders could potentially utilize both sets of credits in 2021). Meanwhile, the Gold Card also earn users 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on dining, 4x points on purchase made at U.S. grocery stores (up to $25,000 in spending per year), 3x points on flights booked directly through the airline or via Amex Travel, and 1x points on everything else. Of course, it must be noted that the Gold card does carry a $250 annual fee.

News of the monthly Uber credit for the Amex Gold comes as the card is currently boasting the largest public sign-up bonuses it’s ever offered. At this time, new cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points when they spend $4,000 on the card in their first six months. This is significantly above the 35,000 points typically offered and gives cardholders three extra months to meet the minimum spend requirement.

In addition to the new Uber credit for the Gold card, American Express’s partnership with Uber also comes with an added benefit for other cardholders. From now through December 31st, 2021, consumers with Amex Platinum, Green, or Gold cards can enjoy a complimentary Uber Eats Pass membership for 12 months. Eats Pass, which typically costs $9.99 a month, waives delivery fees and gives members 5% off restaurant orders of more than $15. Additionally, in select markets, members can place grocery delivery orders of $30 or more with $0 delivery fees.

Commenting on the expanded partnership with Uber and specifically Uber Eats, American Express’s EVP of Global Premium Products and Benefits Rachel Stocks said, “Our Card Members crave food experiences and we’re seeing that they’re continuing to seek out food delivery services to create those special experiences at home, while also beginning to explore local dining destinations again.” She added, “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Uber to provide value to our Card Members who are looking to get even more out of their Membership.” Additionally, Uber’s VP of Delivery Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty said of the team-up, “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with American Express in the United States to offer Card Members a year of free Eats Pass. This year people everywhere have come to rely on—and look forward to—food delivery, in a new way. These complimentary Eats Pass memberships will bring the best of Uber Eats to the doorsteps of Card Members—from delicious dine-in from local favorites to grocery delivery and more.”

Between the enhanced welcome bonus and the added Uber credits, it seems now is a great time for American Express fans to consider the Gold card. Even with the $250 annual fee, the Uber and dining credits that will soon be featured on the card will nearly help cover that cost. Elsewhere, the complimentary year of Eat Pass is just another example of how Amex is utilizing partnerships to help add value to their travel-centric cards at a time when travel is stifled. The result is a win-win-win for American Express, Uber, and the customers of both brands.

Also published on Medium.

Other Articles by Jonathan Dyer