American Express recently announced some major changes to the American Express Platinum cards. One of the most notable changes is the increased annual fee. Effective today, March 30, 2017, the Platinum’s annual fee is increased from $450 to $550. Amex did add some benefits which help justify paying the higher annual fee, but the most notable additional benefit is the $200/year in Uber credits. By taking advantage of both the $200/year airline of choice benefit and the $200/year Uber benefit card-holders reduce their effective annual fee to just $150/year which is exactly the same price as the Chase Sapphire Reserve!
How Do American Express Platinum Uber Credits Work?
Using the American Express Platinum Uber benefit is actually surprisingly easy. Each calendar year American Express Platinum card-holders receive $200 in Uber credits. The credits are given to card-holders in $15/month increments and an additional $20 bonus is handed out in December. Unlike other credit card travel benefits, the credits are not given to card-holders in the form of statement credits, but are awarded through the Uber app.
Overall, the process of accessing the Uber credits if simple. Uber and American Express Platinum users must first link their Platinum card to the Uber app. Once linked, the credits automatically show up in the Uber app and can be applied to any eligible ride.
Do You Need To Pay With The American Express Platinum Card?
No, surprisingly, you do not. When I first heard of the Uber credit benefits I assumed card-holders would pay with the Platinum card and be reimbursed from American Express. As I learned more I once again assumed the credit would only work when applied to rides paid for by the American Express Platinum card. That being said, I am happy to report Uber credits can be applied to any ride no matter what card you use to pay!
This is great news because it means you can still earn 3X points on Uber rides when paying with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or any card with an Uber eligible bonus category.
Uber Credits Are Live! Claim March’s Today!
American Express chose an odd day to launch this benefit as card holders only have 2 days (today & tomorrow) to claim March’s credits. The good news is that Uber credits are live today and tomorrow. Make sure to try to take advantage of the March benefit before the end of day tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
I’m really happy that American Express introduced this benefit. Sure the Annual Fee increased, but anyone who takes advantage of both the Airline of Choice benefit and new Uber Credits benefit should see an overall reduction in the effective annual fee paid for the Platinum card. I also really like how Uber and Amex have teamed up to offer the credit. Because the credit is on your Uber account you can still continue to pay with whatever card you find most rewarding and earn more points than the 2X points offered from American Express. If you use Uber and have the American Express platinum card, make sure to use March’s credit before the end of the month to maximize this benefit for the year!
